craftsman vs farmhouse style: A Complete Guide
craftsman and farmhouse style are two of the most popular interior design styles, and they are often compared because of their surface-level similarities. However, they differ significantly in philosophy, materials, and execution. craftsman is known for handcrafted Arts and Crafts quality with built-in woodwork, warm stains, and honest construction details, while farmhouse style embraces warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm. Understanding the differences between these two styles will help you choose the right direction for your home, or even combine elements from both to create a personalized space.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Craftsman | Farmhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Color Palette | Natural Wood, Earth Tones, Sage Green, Deep Red | White, Cream, Gray, Sage Green |
| Key Materials | Quarter-sawn Oak, Copper, Art Glass, Handmade Tile | Reclaimed Wood, Shiplap, Wrought Iron, Linen |
| Design Era | Early 20th century Arts & Crafts | Traditional American rural |
| Best Room Types | Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen | Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom |
| Budget Range | Medium - handcrafted woodwork | Budget-friendly - thrifted finds and natural materials |
| Maintenance | Medium - handcrafted woodwork care | Medium - natural materials need care |
| Space Size | Medium - bungalow proportions | Medium to large - open kitchens and living areas |
Color Palette
Natural Wood, Earth Tones, Sage Green, Deep Red
White, Cream, Gray, Sage Green
Key Materials
Quarter-sawn Oak, Copper, Art Glass, Handmade Tile
Reclaimed Wood, Shiplap, Wrought Iron, Linen
Design Era
Early 20th century Arts & Crafts
Traditional American rural
Best Room Types
Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen
Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom
Budget Range
Medium - handcrafted woodwork
Budget-friendly - thrifted finds and natural materials
Maintenance
Medium - handcrafted woodwork care
Medium - natural materials need care
Space Size
Medium - bungalow proportions
Medium to large - open kitchens and living areas
Key Differences
Craftsman emphasizes built-in cabinetry, exposed joinery, and architectural woodwork; farmhouse focuses on freestanding furniture and open shelving
craftsman furniture features distinctive shapes and quality craftsmanship that define the style.
farmhouse style furniture features sturdy wooden construction, distressed finishes, and heirloom character.
Craftsman design is rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement valuing handmade quality; farmhouse is rooted in practical rural American living
In terms of craftsman design is rooted in the arts and crafts movement valuing handmade quality; farmhouse is rooted in practical rural american living, craftsman is defined by handcrafted Arts and Crafts quality with built-in woodwork, warm stains, and honest construction details.
In terms of craftsman design is rooted in the arts and crafts movement valuing handmade quality; farmhouse is rooted in practical rural american living, farmhouse style is defined by warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm.
Craftsman uses stained, dark woods with visible grain; farmhouse favors painted and distressed white finishes
In terms of craftsman uses stained, dark woods with visible grain; farmhouse favors painted and distressed white finishes, craftsman is defined by handcrafted Arts and Crafts quality with built-in woodwork, warm stains, and honest construction details.
In terms of craftsman uses stained, dark woods with visible grain; farmhouse favors painted and distressed white finishes, farmhouse style is defined by warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm.
Craftsman interiors have low-pitched details and horizontal lines; farmhouse interiors are more open and airy
In terms of craftsman interiors have low-pitched details and horizontal lines; farmhouse interiors are more open and airy, craftsman is defined by handcrafted Arts and Crafts quality with built-in woodwork, warm stains, and honest construction details.
In terms of craftsman interiors have low-pitched details and horizontal lines; farmhouse interiors are more open and airy, farmhouse style is defined by warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm.
What They Share
When to Choose Each Style
Choose Craftsman If...
- Choose Craftsman when you love visible woodcraft, built-in furniture, and the handmade integrity of the Arts and Crafts tradition
- You are drawn to handcrafted and built-ins design elements
- You are designing living room or dining room spaces
Choose Farmhouse If...
- Choose Farmhouse when you prefer a lighter, more casual country aesthetic with vintage charm and effortless simplicity
- You want a warm, welcoming home with rustic character
- You love vintage finds and repurposed materials
- You value comfort and casual elegance above formality
Room-by-Room Comparison
Living Room
A craftsman living room features handcrafted and built-ins, with Quarter-sawn Oak, Copper, Art Glass, Handmade Tile creating the foundation. Colors like Natural Wood, Earth Tones, Sage Green set the mood for this gathering space.
A slipcovered sofa, reclaimed wood coffee table, shiplap accent wall, and a cozy woven area rug.
Bedroom
A craftsman bedroom embraces handcrafted and built-ins, using Quarter-sawn Oak, Copper, Art Glass, Handmade Tile to create a restful retreat. The palette of Natural Wood, Earth Tones, Sage Green promotes relaxation.
A reclaimed wood bed frame, quilted coverlet, mason jar lamp on a vintage nightstand, and shiplap walls.
Kitchen
A craftsman kitchen highlights handcrafted and built-ins, incorporating Quarter-sawn Oak, Copper, Art Glass, Handmade Tile in cabinetry and surfaces. Natural Wood, Earth Tones, Sage Green guide the material and finish selections.
White shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, an apron-front sink, and open shelving with mason jars.
Bathroom
A craftsman bathroom showcases handcrafted and built-ins, with Quarter-sawn Oak, Copper, Art Glass, Handmade Tile creating a spa-like atmosphere. The palette draws from Natural Wood, Earth Tones, Sage Green.
A clawfoot tub, shiplap walls, a vintage vanity with a vessel sink, and wrought iron towel hooks.
Dining Room
A craftsman dining room emphasizes handcrafted and built-ins, using Quarter-sawn Oak, Copper, Art Glass, Handmade Tile for the table and surroundings. Natural Wood, Earth Tones, Sage Green create the perfect backdrop for meals.
A large reclaimed wood table, ladder-back chairs, a wrought iron chandelier, and a burlap runner.
Frequently Asked Questions
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