In recent years, cottagecore has become more than just a passing aesthetic trend. It’s a lifestyle that embraces coziness, simplicity, and a deep appreciation for handmade and thrifted beauty. Add in the touch of thrifted elegance—pieces with charm, character, and history—and you’ve got a décor style that feels warm, welcoming, and entirely your own.
The beauty of cottagecore is that it doesn’t require a huge budget or brand-new furniture. With a little creativity, secondhand shopping, and some DIY magic, you can bring this timeless, whimsical style into your home. Below are the top DIY décor picks that perfectly blend cottagecore charm with thrifted elegance, along with tips on how to create and style them.
1. Hand-Painted Mason Jars & Bottles
Mason jars have become a cottagecore staple for a reason—they’re versatile, timeless, and budget-friendly. But you don’t need to stop at using them for simple storage.
DIY Idea:
Collect old jars and bottles from thrift stores or save them from your pantry.
Paint them with chalk paint in muted shades—sage green, cream, dusty rose, or soft lavender.
Distress the edges lightly with sandpaper for a rustic, vintage look.
How to Use:
Turn them into vases for wildflowers.
Use them as candle holders for warm, ambient lighting.
Store dried herbs, buttons, or sewing supplies to display on open shelving.
This small project instantly adds the cozy, lived-in feel cottagecore homes are known for.
2. Thrifted Picture Frames with Botanical Art
One of the easiest ways to add cottagecore elegance is through wall art with natural themes.
DIY Idea:
Hunt for ornate frames at thrift shops or flea markets. Even if they look outdated, focus on the frame details.
Repaint them in white, soft gold, or antique bronze using metallic or chalk paint.
Press wildflowers or print vintage botanical illustrations (many are free in the public domain) and frame them.
How to Use:
Create a gallery wall in your living room or above a writing desk. The mix of thrifted frames and botanical art transforms any blank wall into a serene storybook escape.
3. Upcycled Wooden Crates & Trunks
Rustic wooden crates or trunks often pop up at yard sales and thrift shops. With some sanding and creativity, they can become functional and decorative.
DIY Idea:
Sand old crates or trunks and stain them with warm wood tones or whitewash for a weathered finish.
Add stenciled floral or lace-inspired designs for an extra cottagecore touch.
How to Use:
Stack crates to create rustic shelving units.
Use a vintage trunk as a coffee table with hidden storage.
Add cushions on top of crates to turn them into seating nooks.
These pieces not only look charming but also offer practical storage.
4. Crochet & Hand-Stitched Accents
Handmade textiles embody the cozy, nostalgic vibe of cottagecore.
DIY Idea:
Learn simple crochet patterns for doilies, table runners, or pillow covers.
Upcycle old fabric scraps into patchwork cushions or quilts.
Hand-stitch embroidery onto thrifted linens with floral or woodland motifs.
How to Use:
Place crochet doilies under vases or lamps.
Layer patchwork throws over chairs or sofas.
Display embroidered linens in your kitchen for functional beauty.
The imperfections of handmade pieces add character and warmth.
5. Vintage China & Teacup Candle Holders
Nothing says cottagecore elegance like mismatched china.
DIY Idea:
Collect single teacups, saucers, or small bowls from thrift shops.
Turn teacups into candles by melting soy wax, adding a wick, and pouring in fragrance oils like lavender or vanilla.
Mix and match china patterns for a whimsical look.
How to Use:
Arrange teacup candles on trays for cozy evenings.
Stack plates and teacups for decorative displays in open shelves.
Use saucers as jewelry catch-alls.
This combines sustainability, thriftiness, and cottage charm all in one.
6. Pressed Flower Frames & Window Art
Flowers are at the heart of cottagecore, and pressed blooms are a perfect way to preserve their beauty.
DIY Idea:
Collect seasonal wildflowers and press them between heavy books.
Frame them with glass floating frames or even old window panes found at flea markets.
Arrange them in clusters by color or season.
How to Use:
Hang them in front of sunny windows for a stained-glass effect.
Place small pressed-flower frames in your reading nook for romantic detail.
This creates a timeless connection to nature inside your home.
7. DIY Lace Curtains & Tablecloths
Thrift stores often have lace doilies and old linens. With a little sewing or creativity, they can be transformed into elegant home accents.
DIY Idea:
Stitch doilies together to make whimsical lace curtains for small windows.
Upcycle embroidered tablecloths into pillowcases or curtain tiebacks.
Dye lace in tea for an antique, sepia-toned finish.
How to Use:
Soften the look of wooden furniture with lace runners.
Hang lace curtains to let in dreamy, filtered sunlight.
Lace adds romance and softness that perfectly complements cottagecore’s rustic elements.
8. Repurposed Glass Jars as Herb Gardens
A cottagecore home isn’t complete without herbs, whether fresh or dried.
DIY Idea:
Use thrifted jars, mugs, or teacups as mini planters.
Paint the outside or add labels with twine and kraft paper.
Grow herbs like thyme, rosemary, mint, or basil on your windowsill.
How to Use:
Keep them in the kitchen for fresh cooking herbs.
Dry and hang herbs for both decoration and practical use.
This not only decorates but also connects you to a slower, more intentional lifestyle.
9. Fairy Light Lanterns & Cozy Lighting
Cottagecore thrives on soft, glowing light that makes spaces feel warm and inviting.
DIY Idea:
Fill thrifted lanterns, mason jars, or old glass bottles with fairy lights.
Wrap twine or lace around jars for a rustic, romantic glow.
Create a DIY chandelier with vintage teacups or baskets.
How to Use:
Place fairy light lanterns on shelves, mantels, or patios.
Use candlelight for dinners to capture old-world charm.
Lighting is one of the simplest ways to transform an atmosphere into something magical.
10. Repurposed Furniture with Chalk Paint
One of the hallmarks of thrifted elegance is giving old furniture new life.
DIY Idea:
Hunt for wooden chairs, side tables, or dressers at thrift shops.
Paint them with chalk paint in soft, muted shades.
Distress edges for a rustic, weathered look and replace knobs with ceramic or floral hardware.
How to Use:
Place a chalk-painted dresser in your bedroom for vintage charm.
Use a thrifted side table as a plant stand or reading nook companion.
Repurposing furniture keeps waste out of landfills while creating stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Styling Tips to Tie Everything Together
To make your cottagecore and thrifted décor harmonious, follow these key styling tips:
Stick to a Soft Color Palette – Pastels, neutrals, and earthy greens bring everything together.
Layer Textures – Combine lace, wood, crochet, and ceramics for cozy depth.
Mix Old & New – Pair thrifted pieces with fresh flowers or new cushions for balance.
Display, Don’t Hide – Open shelving lets you show off teacups, jars, and books with pride.
Keep Nature Central – Whether fresh herbs, dried flowers, or botanical prints, let nature anchor the space.
Final Thoughts
Cottagecore and thrifted elegance are more than just aesthetics—they’re about slowing down, celebrating handmade beauty, and embracing sustainability. From mason jars turned into rustic vases to thrifted furniture revived with chalk paint, the DIY possibilities are endless.
The charm lies in imperfection. A chipped teacup turned into a candle holder, a hand-stitched pillow slightly uneven, or a weathered crate serving as a bookshelf—these all tell a story. And when combined, they create a home that feels personal, nostalgic, and heartwarmingly cozy.
By blending thrifted finds with DIY creativity, you can curate a space that’s not only stylish but also deeply soulful—your own little cottagecore haven.
