farmhouse style vs rustic style: A Complete Guide
farmhouse style and rustic 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. farmhouse style is known for warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm, while rustic style embraces nature-inspired interiors celebrating raw wood, stone, wrought iron, and the rugged beauty of the countryside. 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 | Farmhouse | Rustic |
|---|---|---|
| Color Palette | White, Cream, Gray, Sage Green | Brown, Terracotta, Deep Green, Cream |
| Key Materials | Reclaimed Wood, Shiplap, Wrought Iron, Linen | Raw Wood, Stone, Wrought Iron, Leather |
| Design Era | Traditional American rural | Traditional countryside heritage |
| Best Room Types | Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom | Living Room, Kitchen, Dining Room |
| Budget Range | Budget-friendly - thrifted finds and natural materials | Budget to Medium - natural and reclaimed materials |
| Maintenance | Medium - natural materials need care | Medium - wood and natural materials need care |
| Space Size | Medium to large - open kitchens and living areas | Medium to large - benefits from room to breathe |
Color Palette
White, Cream, Gray, Sage Green
Brown, Terracotta, Deep Green, Cream
Key Materials
Reclaimed Wood, Shiplap, Wrought Iron, Linen
Raw Wood, Stone, Wrought Iron, Leather
Design Era
Traditional American rural
Traditional countryside heritage
Best Room Types
Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom
Living Room, Kitchen, Dining Room
Budget Range
Budget-friendly - thrifted finds and natural materials
Budget to Medium - natural and reclaimed materials
Maintenance
Medium - natural materials need care
Medium - wood and natural materials need care
Space Size
Medium to large - open kitchens and living areas
Medium to large - benefits from room to breathe
Key Differences
Farmhouse uses painted and distressed finishes (especially white), while rustic showcases raw, unfinished natural wood
In terms of farmhouse uses painted and distressed finishes (especially white), while rustic showcases raw, unfinished natural wood, farmhouse style is defined by warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm.
In terms of farmhouse uses painted and distressed finishes (especially white), while rustic showcases raw, unfinished natural wood, rustic style is defined by nature-inspired interiors celebrating raw wood, stone, wrought iron, and the rugged beauty of the countryside.
Farmhouse incorporates vintage finds and antique accents; rustic uses log, stone, and heavy timber elements
In terms of farmhouse incorporates vintage finds and antique accents; rustic uses log, stone, and heavy timber elements, farmhouse style is defined by warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm.
In terms of farmhouse incorporates vintage finds and antique accents; rustic uses log, stone, and heavy timber elements, rustic style is defined by nature-inspired interiors celebrating raw wood, stone, wrought iron, and the rugged beauty of the countryside.
Farmhouse has a lighter, airier feel; rustic interiors are darker and more cave-like with heavy textures
farmhouse style relies on Reclaimed Wood, Shiplap, Wrought Iron, Linen to create its signature look and feel.
rustic style relies on Raw Wood, Stone, Wrought Iron, Leather to create its signature look and feel.
Farmhouse adds charm through shiplap, barn doors, and mason jars; rustic relies on animal hides, antlers, and rough-hewn beams
In terms of farmhouse adds charm through shiplap, barn doors, and mason jars; rustic relies on animal hides, antlers, and rough-hewn beams, farmhouse style is defined by warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm.
In terms of farmhouse adds charm through shiplap, barn doors, and mason jars; rustic relies on animal hides, antlers, and rough-hewn beams, rustic style is defined by nature-inspired interiors celebrating raw wood, stone, wrought iron, and the rugged beauty of the countryside.
Farmhouse is more polished and livable for everyday spaces; rustic feels more like a mountain lodge or cabin
farmhouse style creates a homey and nostalgically rustic environment that wraps you in nostalgic comfort.
rustic style creates a rugged and nature-connected environment that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside.
What They Share
When to Choose Each Style
Choose Farmhouse If...
- Choose Farmhouse when you want a bright, cheerful country aesthetic that feels charming and family-friendly
- You want a warm, welcoming home with rustic character
- You love vintage finds and repurposed materials
- You value comfort and casual elegance above formality
Choose Rustic If...
- Choose Rustic when you want a rugged, nature-inspired retreat with raw textures and a more dramatic, lodge-like atmosphere
- You love the raw beauty of natural wood, stone, and iron
- You want your home to feel like a retreat from the modern world
- You have a cabin, ranch, or country property to furnish
Room-by-Room Comparison
Living Room
A slipcovered sofa, reclaimed wood coffee table, shiplap accent wall, and a cozy woven area rug.
Massive wood beam ceiling, stone fireplace, leather armchairs, and antler or wrought iron light fixtures.
Bedroom
A reclaimed wood bed frame, quilted coverlet, mason jar lamp on a vintage nightstand, and shiplap walls.
A four-poster log bed, plaid flannel bedding, stone accent wall, and wrought iron light fixtures.
Kitchen
White shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, an apron-front sink, and open shelving with mason jars.
Knotty wood cabinets, stone countertops, a farmhouse sink, and wrought iron pendant lights.
Bathroom
A clawfoot tub, shiplap walls, a vintage vanity with a vessel sink, and wrought iron towel hooks.
Stone-clad walls, a vessel sink on a log vanity, copper fixtures, and pebble shower floor.
Dining Room
A large reclaimed wood table, ladder-back chairs, a wrought iron chandelier, and a burlap runner.
A massive plank table, bench seating, candle chandelier, and stone or brick feature wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
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