Cabin Furniture Ideas
Whether you are planning to buy everything new or simply wish to upgrade a few pieces of the existing cottage furniture you should consider buying items that are durable, stylish, and easy to clean. A new sofa, reading chair, or even saddle stools for the kitchen bar are good choices to spruce up the cabin in the areas of the building that are used the most throughout the day.
Furniture Ideas for the Cottage and Cabin
Rustic furniture styles and patterns go well with traditional cabins that were built to be simple wilderness retreats. New cottages, however, are often built in modern styles and resemble mansions rather than basic camps in the woods. The furniture should match the building.
Try to make the space comfortable for a variety of social settings. You need to have enough furniture for people to sit and relax, but still leave things open enough for guests to move around and mingle.
Saddle Seat Stool
Saddle stools are decorative, practical, and don’t take up a lot of space. If the kitchen is large enough, new stools can be a nice addition to give guests a spot to sit and chat while you prepare appetizers or a meal.
Check these out: Saddle Seat Stools for a Cottage
Futon
A futon is a practical and comfortable piece of furniture for the cabin. When an unexpected guest shows up, the futon solves the problem of finding them a bed.
These ones are popular: Futons for the lake house
Rocking Chair
Every cabin should have a rocking chair. It is the best way to relax and read a good book by the fire or sit on the porch and watch the cottage wildlife.
These are classics: Wooden Rocking Chairs
Outdoor Cottage Furniture
Outdoor furniture is just as important at the cottage as the furniture inside. In fact, most of the day is often spent enjoying the sun and amazing views from the deck, dock, gazebo, or sunroom.
Adirondack Chairs (Muskoka Chairs)
Adirondack chairs are cottage classics and now come in many styles. Whether for the deck or dock, they are both practical and durable. Buy heavy ones that won’t blow over every time there is a gust of wind.
Check these out: Adirondack and Muskoka Chairs
Chaise lounge chair
Give yourself a treat and splurge on a comfortable rustic outdoor lounge chair. The whole idea of being at the lake is to enjoy some downtime stretched out reading a good book or simply taking a nap.
These ones look comfortable: Chaise lounge chairs
Outdoor Chairs and Bistro Table
A set of outdoor chairs and a bistro table are great for the cottage deck, dock, or in the gazebo. They are easy to move around and provide a comfortable spot to enjoy a drink and some snacks.
Popular picks: Outdoor Bistro Table and Chair Sets for the Cottage
Deck and Dock Storage Box
Consider adding a storage box on the deck or dock. Valuable storage space is always in short supply at the lake. The box also doubles as an extra bench.
Check these ones out: Deck and Dock Storage Boxes for a Cabin
Planters
A few planters strategically placed around the deck really spruce up the look of the cabin. Use plants that require a minimum amount of care so they can be left alone for extended periods of time.
Popular picks: Outdoor Planters for the Cottage
DIY Furniture Kits
If you have the tools, skills, and patience, making your own cottage furniture can be very rewarding. Sitting in the rocking chain you made yourself just feels better for some reason than sitting in one bought from the furniture store.
Check out these DIY projects: DIY Cottage Furniture Books
Practical Furniture Decisions
It is easy to make bad furniture decisions when it comes to the cottage. Don’t allow nostalgia for an old piece of furniture to get in the way of good logic.
If you are upgrading your furniture in the city consider donating the old chair, sofa, or table to charity instead of automatically dragging it all the way out to the cottage. If the item has been in the family for generations and is really important, then by all means, take it to the lake. If not, it is probably best if you and the old sofa part ways. Your back will definitely thank you.
Evaluate The Furniture Inventory
You want to make the cottage cozy, but still keep the space from being too cluttered.
At the end of each cottage season, take a hard look at all the indoor and outdoor furniture that is clogging up the cottage, gazebo, and storage shed. Anything that didn’t get used in the last two years should go. Unused furniture in storage takes up valuable space and provides year-round lodging for mice and spiders.
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Need more cabin and cottage furniture ideas?
Go to the Cabin and Cottage Decorating page.
