A Quintessential English Country Style Decor Guide

The romantic English country decor style has captured the eyes and hearts of many people across the globe. The quaint, cottage style of English decorating can be a favorite for those who are drawn to recent captivating TV series like The Crown or the world-renowned Downton Abbey. But what does authentic English decorating really look like? That’s what we’re going to explore as part of our Styles series today!

English Country Home Decor

English country homes are firmly rooted in the traditional European style of decor. Let’s take a peek at some modern-day examples of English country home decor and discover how they were inspired by historical English countryside charm! Before you know it, your home will look like the set of a Jane Austen-inspired film adaptation!

First, let’s get an understanding of some classic English furniture pieces.

English Roll Arm Sofa

The most classic English sofa style is certainly the “rolled arm” sofa which many American designers have copied. This slouchy sofa is comfortable and chic at the same time! Plush and inviting, this is one piece that is worth the investment.

 

Slipcovered Sofa with Ruffle Skirt

Another popular English sofa style is the slipcovered sofa, with or without a charming ruffle skirt at the bottom. This beautiful English home corner features a Colefax and Fowler Bowood print slipcovered sofa with ruffle skirt sitting pretty in front of a green Farrow and Ball paint paneled wall.

English Country Slipcover Sofa - Colefax and Fowler Bowood print slipcovered sofa with ruffle skirt and Farrow and Ball Green Painted Wall
Colefax and Fowler

Chippendale Dining Chairs

Thomas Chippendale was an 18th-century cabinet maker from Yorkshire England who popularized the wood-back dining chairs found in so many English and American-style homes today. This traditional dining chair is perfect for English-influenced homes.

Chippendale Dining Chairs in English country dining room via @adornedsouthernhome
@adornedsouthernhome

Ottoman as Coffee Table

Something I see very often in English country living rooms is tufted ottomans used as coffee tables. Sometimes they have books laid directly on them and other times, they have a lovely wooden tray to create a flat surface for a teapot and teacups. Either way, ottomans are a lovely addition to your English country home design.

Country Mudroom

Since it often rains heavily in the English countryside, you’ll need a proper mudroom for storing those muddy Hunter Wellington rain boots, won’t you? Take a peek at this gorgeous English mudroom for design inspiration. The walls and cabinets are painted in beautiful khaki green, while the tiled floor helps water evaporate quickly. A bench is placed to the side of this mudroom to easily put on and remove your shoes.

English country mudroom decor via India Hicks Vogue
India Hicks / Vogue

Farmhouse Wood Table as Kitchen Island

I often noticed that many English country homes featured a long rustic wood table fit for a farmhouse in the middle of their kitchen! Country-style dining chairs were dotted around this table, where meals can be prepared and food can be easily consumed. Check out more English country kitchen designs.

English Farmhouse Wood Table as Kitchen Island via HouseandGarden UK
HouseandGarden UK

Apron Front Sink

Your English country kitchen also undoubtedly needs a beautiful white Farmhouse-style apron front sink to complete it!

Apron Front Sink in English Country Kitchen via Robin Muir Cotswolds kitchen
Robin Muir

Bright Colors

You can brighten up your space by mixing two or three bright colors. As you know, it rains very often in the English countryside, so adding color can uplift the spirits during those dark and rainy days! I think this living room designed by Jessica Buckley makes for a very preppy look.

Bright Colors in an English Country Decor Living Room via jessicabuckley
Jessica Buckley

Wainscoting

Wainscoting is an English wall paneling technique that dates back to the 16th century! It’s often installed on the bottom portion of a wall, but it can also be used from ceiling to floor. A good rule is to have your wainscoting go up about two-thirds of the wall.

Wainscoting in Dark Purple English Traditional Bathroom via @heidicaillierdesign
@heidicaillierdesign
Green Wainscoting wall in English Country Mudroom Entry via Ben Pentreath
Ben Pentreath

Floral Tableware and Vintage Tea Sets

The English love their tea so be sure to pick up some cute floral tableware sets and vintage tea cups and saucers for your afternoon tea break! Some English country dining rooms in the cottage style even have their flatware displayed on the wall or in a dining hutch.

English Floral Tableware and Vintage Tea Sets via @la.stanza.segreta
@la.stanza.segreta

Gingham & Plaid

Gingham and plaid are two square prints that are quintessentially English! From upholstery to throw blankets, you can find this classic English pattern on many decorative objects or furniture pieces.

Blue Gingham Upholstered Dining Chairs via @acroterium_ at Spencer House
@acroterium_ / Spencer House

Chintz

Emblematic of English country style, chintz is a colorful printed cotton fabric with a shiny finish, often used for curtains and upholstery. You’ll most often see a floral motif printed on this gorgeous material.

Chintz floral wallpaper, headboard, and bedskirt in English Country Decor Bedroom - Simon Upton House and Garden
Simon Upton / House and Garden

Canopy Bed with a Top Fringe

Canopy beds with upholstery or top fringes are commonly found in English country bedrooms.

Canopy Bed with Top Fringe - Simon Upton Elle Decor
Simon Upton / Elle Decor

Vintage Artwork

Be sure to hang lots of old art and family photos on your walls. The English love to celebrate their rich family histories and art from centuries past. Upholstered headboards are always a smart option for your English country style bed.

Wood Beams and Stone Walls

If your home has natural structural elements like warm wood ceiling beams or stone walls, then leave them be. Decorate around your country home’s natural charm and beauty!

English Country Home Charm - Wood Beams and Stone Walls via @life_at_the_mews
@life_at_the_mews

White Vintage Tub

A vintage freestanding bathtub with feet is a beautiful addition to your English country bathroom!

White Freestanding Vintage Bathtub In English Country Bathroom via houseandgarden UK
House and Garden

Dark Wood Walls and Furniture

Dark woods like oak and mahogany are often found in English homes. Wood furniture is often crafted in the traditional style of Queen Anne or Victorian eras.

Dark wood walls and side table at Burton Agnes Hall via @acroterium_
@acroterium_

Ginger Jars

Blue and white ginger jars are found just about everywhere in English country houses! You can use them on mantels, on tabletops, or placed in a small corner of your house. Learn about decorating with ginger jars to get the English country look at home.

Ginger Jars on Fireplace Mantel in English Country Dining Room decor via houseandgarden UK
House and Garden
Ginger Jars used as Flower Pots in English Country Kitchen of Louise Roe via House and Garden UK
House and Garden UK

I hope you thoroughly enjoyed this post on English country decorating! Even if you aren’t lucky enough to have a lovely stone home in the English countryside, you can still steal some of their fabulous decor ideas with our help!

Stay tuned for a long series on English country furniture and decorative accent tips.

Some related English country interior design articles to browse are linked below!

English Country Decorating Guide
15 Best English Country Interior Design Ideas
English Country Decorating Tips

If you enjoy the English country style, you’ll probably be interested in cottage-style home decor, too!

Happy curating!

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