15 Best Lake House and Cottage Decorating Ideas; Looking for Lake House and Cottage Decorating Tips? Find all your waterfront home decor inspiration here!
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, and every purchase made through these links will give me a small commission (at absolutely no extra cost for you!) AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE AND REWARDSTYLE MEMBER, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. See Privacy Policy for additional info.
Hi beauties!
What could be better than a vacation at the lake or cottage? A vacation at the lake or cottage that is beautiful, comfortable and relaxing.
I have just what you need to make your cottage or lake house stylish: a list of decorating ideas with photos, links to where you can buy them online, tips for taking your style even further, and more. So set aside some time to decorate your cottage or lake house in style!
Lets jump into the best lake house and cottage decorating ideas now shall we?! Just so you know, I have found most of these ideas on Pinterest or Houzz. Click the photos to be redirected to the photo owners!
Best Lake House and Cottage Decorating Ideas:
Rustic Wood Furniture
Wood furniture is a wonderful material for any home. It can be painted or stained to fit any style, and it’s durable, easy to clean, and affordable. Plus, there are many types of wood that can be used for furnishings: reclaimed wood from old buildings or furniture factories; recycled wood from old pallets; new wood (if you don’t know where it comes from).
Custom Adirondack Chairs
Custom Adirondack chairs are a great way to add some character and personality to your outdoor space. A classic cottage style and popular choice for all lake houses. These chairs are easy to build if you have the right materials, but they can also be expensive if you don’t. Here is a list of things to consider before beginning any project:
- Consider what type of wood you want to use for building your custom Adirondacks. You will need lumber that will last in all kinds of weather conditions. If you live in an area where it rains often or snows during winter months, choose cedar or redwood because these types of wood do not rot easily when exposed to moisture for long periods of time.
- Make sure that all screws are countersunk so that they won't stick out about 1/16th inch above the surface (countersink bit). This allows for smooth edges without roughness or splinters sticking out from underneath where people may brush against them while sitting down on their new chairs!
Porch Dining Area
Add a seating area to your porch with a table, chairs and cushions. The dining area and dining table can be used for eating or as a place to relax after a meal. Many family gatherings and moments will be around your dining table so make sure its a good one!
Find the Best Table for Your Dining Area
If you want to create an outdoor dining space on your porch, look for tables that are made from weather-resistant materials like teak wood or cedar. Teak is strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow so you won't have to worry about it rotting over time.
Your dining room table also needs to be big enough so everyone who will be sitting at it has enough room—around six feet long should do the trick! You can also add other furniture such as benches or rocking chairs if you have space available in your yard where they won't get in the way of anyone walking by (or if there's room).
Porch Swing or Hammock
A porch swing is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of your lake house. It can be made from wood or rope, and either hung from a tree or deck. If you choose to hang it from a tree, make sure that it's far enough away from the house so that it doesn't get hit by lightning during storms. If you have pets they'll love curling up on this cozy place too!
If you cant get a porch swing because it is not in your budget or you do not have the room for it, get a hammock! A hammock is an affordable and comfy lounge seat that would be perfect to curl up in with a good book at the cottage! Every sunroom or porch needs one! They give off the best beachy vibes a lake house could ever want.
Ceiling Fans for Style and Functionality
Ceiling fans are a must-have for a lake house or cottage and can go beyond the family room or den! They help keep the air circulating, which helps prevent mold and mildew from settling into your walls and ceiling. This can be especially important in humid climates like the one where you live, but it's good practice anywhere that you want to enjoy fresh, clean air. The best part? Ceiling fans are easy to install, no matter how big or small your space is!
Ceiling fans also help circulate air throughout your home so there's less chance of dust settling on surfaces—which means less work when it comes time to clean up after yourself (or someone else).
Plus they can add interiors style points with their sleek designs that come in all different shapes and sizes: contemporary or traditional; indoor or outdoor; single blade or multiple blades; curved blades or straight blades...the choices are endless! You'll have no problem finding one that suits both its function as well as its aesthetic appeal so don't wait any longer—make sure you have one installed now!
A Rustic Table
Whether it’s a lake house in the mountains or a cottage near the ocean, rustic tables are an elegant addition to any home. The best rustic tables are made from wood and have simple designs. They can be large enough for a family or small enough for two people to dine together.
In order to create an inviting atmosphere while dining outside, make sure your table has space for everyone and includes seating options such as benches, chairs and stools. You should also consider adding colorful elements like flowers or plants that can help bring some life into your outdoor area!
Throw Pillows with Lake House or Cottage Feel
Throw pillows are a great way to add color, texture and pattern to your cottage or lake house. Throw pillows can also be used for comfort in your chairs or couches.
There are many different types of throw pillows that you can use for your cottage or lake house. Some of them include:
- Cotton
- Silk
- Linen
- Wool
Candles, Fireplace and Wood Stoves
Candles
- Candles are a great way to bring warmth and coziness to your lake house or cottage with a touch of elegance. They’re easy to find, fairly inexpensive and can be used in many different ways.
- Candles are also great for adding a little extra light into any room of your home, which can be especially helpful if you have poor lighting in certain areas. There are many different types of candles available on the market today, including scented ones that will add even more scent (and therefore even more atmosphere) to your home decorating ideas!
Fireplace
- A fireplace is another amazing source of heat and light in any area of your lake house or cottage! If you don't have one yet then now's the perfect time to invest in one because they're not only practical but they also make fantastic additions both aesthetically and functionally as well! You just need to find the ideal spot for it!
Wood Stoves
- If you're trying hard not spend too much money on decorating ideas for your new home then consider putting off buying anything until after winter ends so when it does come time again there'll already be plenty left over from last year thanks mostly thanks due its low maintenance nature (you won't need repairs often).
Fresh Flowers and Plants
When you're decorating a lake home or cottage, fresh flowers and plants can add a sense of life to the space. They can be used not just as decorations but also for their functional purposes; they add color and texture to a room, making it feel more vibrant. Some ideas for fresh flowers and plants include roses, daisies, lilies, orchids, tulips and herbs like mint or basil.
Entryway Decorating Ideas for the Lake House or Cottage
As you enter your lake house or cottage, there are certain things to consider. Does it have a foyer or hallway? Are you going to be walking in with wet swimsuits after spending time at the beach or lake? Do you want guests to feel welcome and relaxed as soon as they open the door? If so, then these entryway decorating tips can help you make your home look inviting.
Think of adding a bench or chair to sit while putting shoes on, a console table to throw your car keys and an area rug to dry wet boots. Try to mix fabrics and linens but keep a rustic oasis. Whether you are going for a beachy style or nautical theme, make it flow through out the lake house or cottage!
If your cottage layout does not include an entryway, with a little imagination you can move things around to give your little old house some entrance way love. Think of adding some family photos, area rugs and shelves to really complete your entrance look. Have so much fun with it!
Wall Art for the Lake House and Cottage
Wall art is a great way to add color and character to the walls of your lake house or cottage. Wall art can be an accent piece, or it can be the focal point of the room, depending on how much wall space you have to work with. Wall art can be framed or unframed. It can be a painting, print, or photograph; it’s up to you!
Paddles and oars are classic decor for any old cottage. Think nautical style mixed with traditional style! Maybe stay away from sailboats and rowboats though.. You can find so many cute options on etsy too!
Nautical Decorative Accents
These days, it’s easy to find nautical decor items. You can buy them at just about any store and they come in a variety of styles and price points. Think about what you want your lake house to look like when you walk in the door and how you want it to feel.
Do you want a fully themed room? Do you want just a few accents? Do you have children or pets that need special care? These are all things to consider when furnishing your lake home with nautical decor items.
A great place to start is with pillows! Nautical pillows make for great accents on couches, beds and dressers—anywhere really! They also don’t take up much space so adding one here or there won't be too overwhelming for your home's interior design scheme (if there even is one).
A great example of this style would be pillowcases from Crate & Barrel featuring anchor details along their edges—they're extremely affordable ($49 each) but still have plenty of “beachy” personality without being too overboard like some other retailers might go with this concept.
Wall Decals, Wallpaper and Paintings of Lake Scenes and Waterfront Views
Wall Decals
- One of the most unique and fun ways to decorate your lake house or cottage is with wall decals. You can find so many different designs online and in stores that showcase beaches, lakes, fishing equipment and much more!
Wallpaper
- This can be used in a lake house or cottage as well because it’s easy to put up and remove when needed. And you don’t have to worry about painting over it if you decide not to keep it on the walls anymore! A super common wallpaper for a lake house is stripes. Yellows and blues are more popular!
Paintings of Lake Scenes and Waterfront Views:
- There are beautiful pieces of artwork that can be hung up on any wall inside your home – whether it’s indoors or outdoors! Bring your natural surroundings inside!
Lighting Fixtures that Provide Atmospheric Lighting at the Lake House or Cottage
The right lighting can create the atmosphere you’re looking for and help you to achieve a relaxing and welcoming feel. If you have an old-style cottage, consider installing chandeliers or pendant lights in your kitchen or dining area. A chandelier will add elegance while a pendant light can create a more casual atmosphere that still keeps the look of your cottage.
If you want to go with more modern lighting fixtures, consider using wall sconces instead of table lamps in certain areas of your home (the living room is a great place). They provide lots of illumination and won’t take up any space on an already crowded table!
You may also want to skip traditional bulbs altogether by going with LED lights instead—they use less wattage than regular bulbs and last longer even when turned on all night long!
Obviously you will want use sunlight as the main source during the day so use window treatments and curtains that work to optimize natural light! Let the beauty of nature shine through!
Transform a lake house or cottage into the perfect vacation home.
When transforming your lake house or cottage, the most important thing is to use a variety of colors and textures. If you have a cottage with more rustic furniture, try using some more modern elements like lighting fixtures and art.
If you have a modern-style cottage, make sure that some rustic pieces are incorporated into the space. You can also add personality by using different styles of furniture throughout the house:
- Rustic wood dining table paired with contemporary black leather chairs
- Metal end tables next to an antique wooden bench sofa
Try using a neutral palette and natural materials for all lake house decorating ideas and you will be off to a great start!
Don't be afraid to use different types of light in one room either! I love the idea to use candles on the kitchen island as well as pendant lights above it—it adds such an element of romance!
I hope you enjoyed my list of 15 best lake house and cottage decorating ideas. I am sure you’ll find some great inspiration to make your own vacation home even more inviting. Time to get to work on your lake house decor!
If you have any questions or would like more information about any products, or ideas from this post, make sure you email me or leave a comment down below!
Until next time,
Leave a Reply