Rustic furniture is trendy nowadays, bringing a sense of warmth, nature, and simplicity to any space. However, picking the right colors to pair with rustic furniture can be challenging. The colors you choose will set the overall mood and aesthetic of the room. This article will explore what color palettes complement rustic furniture best. We’ll provide recommendations for wall colors, accent colors, textiles, and more to create a cohesive rustic design.
Go for neutral wall colors
The best wall colors to pair with rustic furniture are neutral shades like off-whites, grays, soft browns, and beiges. Neutrals create an airy, balanced backdrop that allows the wood tones and textures of the furniture to shine. They emanate the natural, organic feel of rustic pieces without competing with them. Here are some neutral wall color ideas to consider:
| Off-white | Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige |
| Warm gray | Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter |
| Light brown | Behr Cappuccino |
| Soft beige | Valspar Heirloom Beige |
Off-whites like Accessible Beige have a hint of creaminess that pairs beautifully with wood tones. Warm grays like Revere Pewter add a soothing sophistication. Subtle browns like Cappuccino or beiges like Heirloom Beige complement the naturals hues of rustic woods. Any of these muted, neutral backdrops will allow your rustic furniture to take the spotlight.
Incorporate natural textures & materials
Along with your neutral wall paint, incorporate natural textures and materials throughout the space. This enhances the organic, cozy vibe. Options include:
– Wood paneling or reclaimed wood wall accents
– Stone or brick accent walls or backsplashes
– Rattan, bamboo, jute, or linen accessories
– Cowhide rugs or sheepskin throws
– Cotton, burlap, or muslin curtains or tablecloths
– Terracotta vases and pots for plants
Mixing these textured, raw materials with soft fabrics like cotton or linen prevents the space from feeling too rustic. Aim for a balance of rugged and refined.
Use aged or distressed woods
For any other wood elements in the space like shelving, cabinets, or flooring, choose materials that coordinate with the worn, aged look of rustic furniture. Options include:
| Reclaimed wood | Has a rough-hewn, timeworn appearance |
| Weathered wood | Grayish patina softly contrasts with brown rustic furniture |
| Barnwood | Repurposed vintage wood with chipped paint and scratches |
| Distressed woods | Intentionally designed to look aged and imperfect |
Matching the finishes of your additional wood elements creates a seamless, blended look. The varied imperfections and textures of distressed or aged wood choices imitate the rustic furniture’s finish.
Use warm, earthy accent colors
When using accent colors alongside rustic furniture, stick to warm, earthy hues that enhance the natural style. Great options include:
| Rich cream | Adds soft brightness |
| Terracotta | Warm red-orange ties to wood grains |
| Olive green | Naturally complements wood tones |
| Rust | Picked right from wood furniture finish |
| Mustard yellow | Warm, golden accent |
Use these colors sparingly on wall accents, throw pillows, blankets, planters, or artwork. They should blend with the rustic style, not steal the spotlight. Soft creamy tans help brighten a neutral palette, while earthy hues like rust or olive green feel harmonious with woodsy furniture.
Incorporate aged metallics
Metallic accents work beautifully to embellish and shine within rustic decor. But rather than sleek polished metals, opt for aged, antiqued metals and hardware. Think:
| Bronze | Deep brown complements wood tones |
| Copper | Reddish-orange metal wears naturally over time |
| Brass | Develops a patina and darkens with age |
| Nickel | Understated metallic sheen contrasts wood |
Warm, burnished metals like aged bronze, copper, and brass have an earthy quality and handmade look that suits rustic style. Use them for light fixtures, door knobs, hooks, table bases, or candle holders. If opting for cooler metals like nickel, choose finishes with some visible tarnishing or scratch marks.
Use vintage-inspired patterns & prints
When selecting fabric patterns or wall prints to pair with rustic furniture, look for options with a timeworn, antique appearance. Ideal prints include:
| Botanical woodblock prints | Black-and-white plant drawings |
| Paisley or damask patterns | Elaborate shapes in faded hues |
| Plaid or buffalo check | Classic prints in muted colorways |
| Folksy floral prints | Hand-drawn flower silhouettes |
Vintage-style botanical drawings, intricate paisleys, and faded plaids or checks evoke a pleasantly old-fashioned mood. Folksy flower silhouettes in muted palettes also pair nicely with rustic decor. Avoid anything too crisp, clean, or contemporary.
Use reclaimed or repurposed fabrics
On upholstered rustic furniture pieces or pillows, incorporate fabrics that mimic the aged, timeworn look of other elements. Ideas include:
| Burlap | Classic rugged natural fabric |
| Vintage grain sacks | Repurposed into pillows or upholstery |
| Salvaged quilts | One-of-a-kind patchwork patterns |
| Linen | Natural material that softens over time |
| Wool | ages gracefully with some pilling |
Burlap, reclaimed grain sacks, and vintage quilts bring a recycled quality. Natural linen and wool develop patinas as they age. Blending these well-worn looking fabrics with rustic wood furniture creates beautiful synchronized distressing.
Conclusion
Rustic furniture calls for soft, subtle colors and plenty of natural textures and materials like wood, stone, leather, and linen. Stick to muted neutrals on walls and larger surfaces. Then layer in warm, earthy accent shades like rich cream, olive green, terracotta, or rust. Incorporate aged, antiqued metals and hardware along with vintage-inspired prints and uniquely weathered fabrics. Choosing colors, patterns, textures, and materials with imperfections, scratches, and fading enhances the timeworn allure of rustic furniture. With this harmonious, well-balanced approach, your rustic decor will feel comfortably lived-in, like it’s always been part of your home.
