If, like me, you don't follow Taylor Swift musically or on social media, then Cottagecore may not have been on your radar. Swifts surprise 2020 album 'Folklore' perfectly embodied Cottagecore through the album design and imagery, particularly the photo on the rear. It has been widely credited with pushing Cottagecore firmly into the mainstream:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folklore_(Taylor_Swift_album)

So, what is Cottagecore? As mentioned in the title, if you mix the look of The Shire from the Lord of the Rings with Beatrix Potter, you're definitely on the right track. It's the embodiment of the rural, especially as an escape from modern life and its pressures. Think the traditional, the unpretentious, the simple, jam and bread making, cottage gardens, exposed beams and cosy textiles like flannel, cotton and linen.

Despite being first mentioned on Tumblr in 2018 (yes, this started on social media!), it was during 2020's lockdown that this movement really hit the headlines. For many, this style is escape, and in 2020 we wanted to escape from lockdown.

As a sign of its popularity, it's even featured in video games. In July 2021, 'Cottage Living' became the newest expansion pack for The Sims 4, with floral prints, gardening and tending to animals now part of the game.

https://www.ea.com/games/the-sims/the-sims-4/packs/expansion-packs/the-sims-4-cottage-living

So what does this mean in terms of Cottagecore furniture? 

Wood is the cornerstone of Cottagecore, and mentioned in my last blog as a key trend for furniture generally in 2022. Here the wood is natural, stained to show off the grain, and warm coloured (lighter hues of blonde and honey). A great example is a large coffee table at one of our Midlands stores:

The other trend is for the wood to be painted and/or distressed, particularly on tables, dining chairs and dressing tables. For this, you'll need chalk furniture paint, which is why CT Furniture stock a range via the Community Repaint scheme:

Pairing a traditional table (perhaps for dining or for your kitchen) with the right chairs is a must. We have these fab Windsor chairs in stock at the moment, perfectly suited for getting that rural look:

A wood rocking chair distills Cottagecore perfectly into a furniture item, just like this example we had in stock recently:

Floral design, warm brushed cotton fabric, teamed with a throw and a copy of Lark Rise to Candleford, and you're all set.

A fantastic display cabinet or dresser is also desirable, especially when it's showing off your finest china. Again the need is for vintage, slightly distressed, crafted furniture, just like the Tiger Oak dresser available on our website:

Whether your taste is for the modern or the traditional, you'll always find a great range of quality donated items in our stores and online. Have a look now and pick up a bargain!