Log Cabin Decorating Ideas

Home decoration is an important aspect of creating a comfortable and cozy environment in your log cabin. The history of log cabins is rooted in the New World, where skilled carpenters created homes by felling trees and hewing the logs square, lining them with chinking and locking them together with dovetail corners. In this article, we will provide you with tips and inspiration to help you decorate your log cabin in a way that reflects your personal style and preferences.

If you want to bring the feeling of being under a tree canopy to your log cabin, you can achieve this by adding natural elements to your decor. Think of incorporating materials such as wood, stone, and leather, which will give your cabin a warm and rustic feel.

©Alpine Log Homes Photos A pair of massive log posts form the boundaries of a seating area around the fire. offer their simple comfort by the hearth.

While log cabins are often associated with the exterior, the interior is what completes the cabin’s charm. Whether you prefer a classic cowboy or pioneer look, or a more contemporary style, log cabin decor allows for a wide variety of design choices. You can mix and match different styles to create an eclectic look, or stick to a particular style, such as Early American, Arts & Crafts, or Southwestern.

©Alpine Log Homes Photos Cottage style, a close cousin to the summer camp look, makes this living room adds even more spice upholstery and window treatments.

The history of log cabin decor is rich and diverse, with styles ranging from Scandinavian to Appalachian to Western. By incorporating these design elements into your log cabin, you can create a space that is both comfortable and unique to your personal tastes.

©Alpine Log Homes Photos An eclectic-style cabin provides the opportunity to mix and match items from many different styles.

Whether you are decorating a new log cabin or updating an existing one, the tips in this article will help you create a cozy and charming environment that reflects your personal style. From adding natural elements to mixing and matching different styles, there are many ways to make your log cabin a warm and inviting space.

The impressive log home exudes a masculine lodge style, featuring generous chairs and a deep sofa, including two chairs fashioned from moose horns, perfect for swapping hunting tales. For more decorating ideas, check out the list of options provided, including country, modern, and kitchen decorating ideas.

At the heart of any log or timber frame home is the comfort and warmth of wood. The log cabin style is welcoming, unassuming, and honest, with the scent and quiet of the forest embracing all who enter. The history of cabin decor dates back centuries, with log-building and woodworking skills originating in forested regions of Europe and Scandinavia.

Although the settlers who arrived in the New World left much behind, they brought along their skills in log crafting. Those from countries with fewer trees, like England, built timbered homes and used sparse trees for structural walls, completing the walls with plaster-like infill. Today, we celebrate these ancestors with homes in Early American and Appalachian styles, featuring fine woodworking, simple forms, and warm colors. The Appalachian-style log cabin, in particular, embodies the American country, with rocking chairs, wooden beds, and open stone hearths.

The design of the Appalachian home was simple, typically featuring porches tucked under the eaves of a gable roof and a “dogtrot” breezeway connecting two smaller square log buildings. Inside these cabins, families created everything they needed, from food to rugs to music, illuminated by kerosene lamps and leaving behind a spirit that collectors still find alluring. The Shakers, a religious community that crafted furniture and baskets, perfected cabinetry and stripped away excess ornamentation in their quest for simplicity. Their celibacy has made their work scarce and valuable today, but reproductions allow anyone to enjoy the beauty of Shaker style. In contrast, Americans at the end of the 1800s loved opulence and mass-produced furnishings, leading to a decline in log homes. Victorian style, with its heavy drapery, Oriental rugs, and ornate furniture, can still be brought to a log cabin with squared logs providing a canvas for paintings, mirrors, and knickknacks. The abundant luxury of Victorian-style dining rooms and bedrooms is always fashionable, with chandeliers and heavy damask or lace elevating meals to special events.

A Return to Handcrafted Goods

While Victorian style was popular, some people criticized the machine-made goods as garish and shoddy. They longed for a return to the Middle Ages when skilled artisans learned their craft through guild systems. As a result, the Arts & Crafts movement emerged in the early 1900s.

Gustav Stickley, a furniture maker from New York, embodied this movement. He believed in honest, handcrafted furniture and advocated for a “sturdy and friendly type of architecture.” He built a log farmhouse called Craftsman Farms in rural New Jersey in 1908 to showcase his furniture.

Arts & Crafts homes featured dark wood and carved wainscoting, with diamond panes or rectilinear designs on windows and doors. An inglenook surrounded the fireplace, which may have been accented by handmade tiles. Furniture was linear and relied on the wood’s natural beauty and the craftsman’s skill. Light fixtures, pottery, and textiles were all handmade and featured simple designs in muted, natural colors.

Arts & Crafts furniture and accessories complement log homes, as both echo the work of the hand and feature natural colors.

Wealthy Retreats in the Wilderness

Before the Arts & Crafts movement, wealthy families from the Industrial Revolution were drawn to the Adirondack forests of New York for the abundant fish and game and fresh air. They bought acres of land and built compounds of self-sufficient getaways.

The compounds began as permanent tents but quickly evolved to small log buildings clustered around a main lodge. Birch bark, twigs, crooked branches, and stone were all used in the design. The lodges became known as the Great Camps and offered every luxury, from electricity and indoor plumbing to bowling alleys and chapels.

The furnishings in the early log camps were ornate Victorian style, but as the century turned, they veered towards Arts & Crafts. Stickley-style rockers were pulled up to stone fireplaces, and beds were made from hand-peeled branches. Local artisans crafted ironwork for light fixtures, hardware, and fireplace screens.

Distribution of Riches

For many years, the Great Camps had a significant influence on the United States. The lodge style that log cabin owners use today was inspired by the Old World hunting lodges that the Great Camps envisioned. Logs used in this style can be round or flat, and timber framing is also an option. The more massive the logs or timbers, the better it is for this genuinely masculine decor style.

A colossal stone fireplace is a must-have in any lodge-style home. Dark and heavy wood accents are also prevalent in the home’s furnishings, floor, and trim. Imagine a library or billiard room designed for gentlemen who smoke cigars and discuss politics.

The style’s colors are dark and muted tones of the natural colors that decorated the Great Camps: moss green, deep reds, and nutmeg browns. These deep colors also offer a range of textures, from leather to brocade to velvet. Antler chandeliers add style to these rooms. Animal mounts and trophies are also essential, paying homage to the hunting tradition on which the style is based.

Westward Expansion

Log cabins provided shelter for the pioneers as they settled in the frontier. A man could build a log cabin with his own two hands. Inside, his wife would make the place a home with quilts, rag rugs, and maybe one or two good pieces of furniture that made the trip from back East.

Some pioneers abandoned their log cabins as soon as they had the resources to build a frame house. Others, like the ranchers of the West, built their log homes for generations. Care was taken with log ranch houses to peel the logs and perhaps shape them to interlock with each other. The gaps between round logs were filled with chinking of horsehair and mud or plaster. The ranchers had a wide porch to wash up before they came inside.

Ranch-style log cabins remain American icons today. The cabin on the ranch is casual and utilitarian, with a stone fireplace or an iron woodstove at its center. Navajo rugs or cowhides might decorate the wide-planked wood floors. The furniture is oversized and comfortable, with a rocking chair stationed at the hearth and leather armchairs and sofas nearby for relaxing after a day of riding the range.

Log beds covered with woolen Native American blankets provide a place to rest. Chandeliers made of entwined antlers or forged iron hang above them. Saddles, boots, lariats, and spurs hung on the wall remind modern-day ranchers of their roots. Remington’s bronze sculptures, which capture the rancher lifestyle, also look perfect in the log cabin ranch.

On the Light Side

Just as the wealthy Eastern establishment flocked to the Adirondacks at the turn of the century, a few decades later they began looking for outdoor adventure farther afield. The dude ranch gained rapid popularity in the early 1900s to cater to the elite with visions of cattle drives and buffalo hunts.

The growth of dude ranches for city-dwellers led to the creation of Cowboy High Style by Thomas Molesworth, a furniture maker from Wyoming who crafted furnishings for Western ranches and hotels. Molesworth’s furniture incorporated polished fir and lodgepole pine branches, brightly colored leather, Chimayo weavings, wood burls, brass tacks, and silhouettes of cowboys and Indian braves. Lighting fixtures were made from iron or wagon wheels, and textiles included Hudson’s Bay blankets and Navajo rugs. The result was a comfortable, rustic feel for posh guests. Molesworth’s original furnishings are now highly sought after, but Western companies craft reproductions. Kitschy or sincere, Western memorabilia fits well in any log cabin.

In the Southwest, precious timbers were used for roof and ceiling structures of adobe homes due to a scarcity of trees. Today, logs can be imported to the region, creating a beautiful setting for decor inspired by the Southwest. Southwestern style combines Spanish and Native American influences, with terra cotta tiles and adobe accents complementing warm wood tones. Furnishings may include carved Spanish Colonial wood tables and case pieces, brightly colored woven rugs and serapes, beehive-style fireplaces, handmade pottery, and Mexican silver.

Log cabins are a popular choice for summer vacations across the country, with families building utilitarian buildings from round or square logs in recreation areas from New England and the Northeast to the Midwest lakes.

The foundation of cottage style is centered on comfort and functionality. The interior often includes wooden floors, which may be painted in a cottage gray. A screen door leads outside to a porch, which is a necessity for enjoying summer evenings. The kitchen typically features painted cabinetry or open shelves adorned with everyday dishes. The furniture in a cottage-style home is unpretentious and includes slipcovered armchairs, wicker furniture, and simple painted chairs surrounding a large pine table. Lighting is often provided by humble fixtures made of tin or metal, and vintage table lamps add a nostalgic ambiance. Chenille spreads and scrap quilts top off the beds, while faded chintz florals and striped cushions enhance the comfort of the space. Nature is also embraced in cottage style, with wildflowers in a Fiestaware vase or watercolors of lakeside views adding to the ambiance of the home.

For a more masculine version of cottage style, one can turn to the summer camp aesthetic. These rustic retreats, originally built to house hunters, fishermen, and summer campers, feature rounded log walls and utilitarian furnishings. The decor may include guidebooks, maps, fishing poles and lures, rifles, and mounts. Light may be provided by kerosene lamps or an antler chandelier, while a black iron woodstove dries wet clothes and provides a cozy atmosphere for swapping fish stories. The kitchen is often used for cleaning fish and brewing strong coffee, and may be outfitted with vintage utensils like graniteware kettles and cast-iron skillets.

For those who prefer a more contemporary look, log cabins can also accommodate modern decorating schemes. Wide windows without divisions and light-colored logs or timber frames enhance the sleek lines of contemporary design. Modern furnishings may be inspired by Scandinavian blond wood and chrome classics, and the open floor plan is a hallmark of contemporary style. Lighting may include recessed lights, track lighting, and tapered torchères, adding drama to the space while highlighting log trusses and ceiling beams. Stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen reinforce the contemporary look, and primary colors or neutrals can be used to create a cohesive aesthetic. Accessories are carefully edited to enhance the overall effect.

Finally, for those who prefer an eclectic style, log cabins can accommodate a mixture of design elements. Country style, Shaker simplicity, and contemporary precision can be combined to create a home that reflects the wide-ranging interests of its owners. The casual eclectic style works well in any wood home, regardless of the style of timbers or log work.

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Returning to the Roots

©Sandra Elizabeth Clinger A trunk sits at the end of a metal-framed bed adorned with simple white bedding, in keeping with the cabin’s rustic style.

Though life as a pioneer was challenging, it was also lived amidst the ever-changing beauty of the frontier. This homeowner aimed to capture the essence of this period by creating a cabin free from modern distractions, and instead filled it with pieces from the era, creating a peaceful space to reflect on the simple pleasures of living close to the land.

The cabin was originally built in 1915, and its furnishings reflect this era. A cookstove provided warmth and sustenance, while an icebox kept food fresh.

©Sandra Elizabeth Clinger The wood cookstove serves as the focal point of the cabin, providing both warmth and home-cooked meals. A hide rug adds a cozy touch to the floor.

The furnishings are straightforward and simple: a pair of straight chairs, a rocking chair, metal bed frames, and a sofa for moments of solitude. As night falls, kerosene lanterns are lit, and life inside the cabin continues much as it has for nearly a century.

©Sandra Elizabeth Clinger A gate-leg table folds open to accommodate two or more for meals, and folds down to create more space in the room.

Great Camp cabin decor features log furniture, animal trophies, and Adirondack chairs. Read on for more on this classic log cabin style.

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The Great Camps

©Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Log Homes A historic ranch in Montana creates the perfect spot for a new log cabin that follows in the lodge tradition. Oversize furnishings make room for all to enjoy the large, open gathering room.

The origins of Great Camp cabin decor can be traced back to the late 1800s. What was a New York socialite to do during the hot and stifling summers of the city? Many chose to pack their belongings into steamer trunks and spend July at an oceanfront mansion in Newport. Then come August, they would board a train bound for the Adirondacks, where evergreens lined the shores of shimmering lakes.

In the Adirondack forests, families such as the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers entertained at the “Great Camps,” expansive collections of log buildings with rustic exteriors and modern amenities.

The majority of Great Camps were constructed using unpeeled logs and adorned with split branches and bark. Guests would relax in log beds made by local artisans and eat meals served by servants at dining tables. The main attraction was the great outdoors, and the decor reflected the surroundings.

©Whispering Pines This clock exemplifies an eternal admiration for nature’s beauty. Simple pinecones, twigs, and bark create an unforgettable piece.

The Great Camp style, with its twig furniture, mounted animal trophies, and Adirondack chairs, has now become a log cabin classic. The lodge look was inspired by both the Great Camps and the baronial hunting lodges of the Old World. The lodge-style look is completed by heavy European furnishings and dark colors, surrounded by massive log walls.

Add rustic furniture to your cabin’s decor for a beautiful, back-to-nature appearance. Find out more in the following section of this article.

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Nature-Inspired Design

©Rustic Furniture The twigs on this gypsy chest are connected by a pattern of chip carvings. The piece’s hickory top complements its aged wood legs.

While modern-day manufacturers rely on machines and lathes to create fancy ornaments and turns on their mass-produced cabin decor furniture, the rustic furniture makers of the Adirondack north woods utilized ingenuity and the abundance of the forest.

From large case pieces to chairs to small boxes, the furniture and accessories created in rustic style all highlight nature’s beauty.

©Antler Artistry Four shed antlers balance on a moose horn, which serves as the base for this floor lamp. Even the lamp’s finial is a section of antler.

Craftspeople would gather twigs, bark, reeds, roots, and branches to use in their creations, and they would draw inspiration from popular styles of the time, such as Victorian and Arts & Crafts.

©Whispering Pines Bright red chairs would add zest to any cabin’s breakfast nook or great room. This table and chair set gives a nod to the classic shade of red favored by the owners of the Great Camps.

Although the Adirondack Great Camps’ peak has passed, their influence is still evident in rustic furniture design. New furnishings and accessories are being created that honor the rustic tradition and its unique beauty, like many of the pieces shown here.

©Hancock and Moore A tufted lounger with the look of a classic leather armchair would add straightforward masculinity to any lodge-style cabin.

In the following section, acquire great decorating tips for adding a Wild West touch to your cabin.

The simple arched mirror from Sleeping Bear Twig Furniture showcases the beauty of bark, displaying both the reddish hues of the inner layers of birch bark and the peachy shade of white of the outer layer. Check out more decorating ideas for country, modern, window treatments, and more.

No cabin decor is complete without a Wild West theme. The Wild West is a popular theme and perfect for log cabins. Western style is practical, honest, and sturdy, with leather upholstered chairs, plank tables, and natural colors. To add whimsy and fun, Hollywood matinees and Route 66 souvenir stands can be added. Create your own Wild West theme and read on for more decorating ideas.

The East Coast Cowboy log cabin style is inviting and welcoming. Adding a bit of humor to the unique blend of Western and Southwestern decor, this home uses bright colors, folksy artwork, and a mix of styles to create a lively and comfortable atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out the photos for inspiration.

The master bath area is centered around the shiny red tub, perfect for a cowboy’s Saturday evening bath. Privacy is provided by contemporary glass block in the shower area.

The cabin’s warm and welcoming atmosphere is highlighted by pops of vibrant color throughout, including painted cabinetry in the kitchen, woven Navajo rugs, denim upholstery, and the showstopping red tub in the master bath. The rounded logs are finished in a light honey tone which is complemented by the rich wood flooring. An open floor plan with a loft overlooking the kitchen and great room adds to the casual and informal feel of the home.

Colorful stained glass pendant lights shine on the casual breakfast bar, while Mexican saltillo tiles line the kitchen’s backsplash.

In the next section, we will show you how to decorate your cabin in a simple and unfettered style, using the right furnishings, accessories, and finishes.

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Simply Western

A Native American cabinet featuring carved Indian heads accents the Southwestern-style decor in this ranch-style home.

Structurally simple homes can easily achieve a Southwestern, ranch, or Western-style decor. Simple use of natural and authentic materials will make your cabin’s Western style ring true.

An essential part of nailing the Simply Western look is the right furnishings, accessories, and finishes.

Oversize furnishings upholstered in natural-colored leather and Navajo rugs on the floor are key elements to achieving the Western style. Collections that interest you, such as Native American pottery or cowboy boots, add to the overall theme.

Carved keyhole chairs and an octagonal game table set on a giant wood burl provide ample space for poker games. Don’t forget the importance of lighting fixtures, from antler chandeliers to kitschy chuck-wagon table lamps.

In this table lamp, a Native American basket shape blooms in iron, with a lampshade painted by hand and accented with leather lacings. There are still more fabulous cabin decor designs to explore.

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Escape to the North Woods

©Alpine Log Homes Photos The use of red adds warmth and coziness to this charming living room. The green window trim is a classic color found in traditional north woods cabins.

If you’re looking for a cozy cabin decor, the North Woods cottage theme is a great idea. At a summer cottage, time seems to stand still. You can spend hours strolling down dirt roads and gathering wildflowers for a simple bouquet.

The evenings are long and perfect for playing games or reading a favorite book. Dinners become leisurely feasts with fresh vegetables and barbecues infused with fresh air. And in the morning, you wake up naturally to the sunshine instead of an alarm clock.

©Alpine Log Homes Photos The log walls in the kitchen are exposed rather than being hidden behind cabinets hung on the walls. The open shelves are supported by curved branches.

This log cabin has charming divided-pane windows that open to let in the breeze from the lake. The cheerful red cabinets in the kitchen make putting together picnics even more enjoyable. French doors in the bedroom open to let in the sounds of the forest and the gentle lapping of the lake.

©Alpine Log Homes Photos The bedroom has a mix of floral patterns, and a white cotton bedspread adds a crisp touch. The private balcony outside the French doors overlooks the lake.

Next, discover how to create an unforgettable summer camp experience with the right cabin furniture and accessories.

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Comfortable Nights Under the Stars

©Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Log Homes These unique bunk beds offer a comfortable place to sleep after a long day on the slopes. The bunk room can accommodate a whole slumber party under the log home’s rafters.

No summer camp is complete without a bunk room filled with kids whispering jokes and playing flashlight tag. Recreating the cabin decor of summer camp is easy. The tree-like bunk beds in the picture are made from branches, giving campers the feeling of sleeping in the woods without worrying about bears.

Each set of beds has a simple ladder to reach the coveted top bunk and is topped off with warm and colorful camp blankets or denim duvets for style and comfort.

The decor of a bunk room should be simple. All you need is a place to sleep and plenty of storage space for your belongings. Wood paneling or logs make the walls indestructible, perfect for enduring pillow fights and wrestling matches.

To add a touch of the Wild West, Western accessories and Navajo rugs are placed around the cabin to ignite a child’s imagination of cowboy life. The next section explores a “cherished memories” theme which includes displaying favorite souvenirs, memorable items, and outdoor gear. For more decorating ideas, check out the list of options provided.

Cherished memories are a significant part of cabin decor. The cabin is a place where the simple and whimsical are appreciated, and old items are treasured. For instance, rocks gathered by a toddler on a walk are exhibited as artwork, and an old enamel pitcher used for lemonade now holds a bouquet of wildflowers. Summer camps are cozy and welcoming, with fishing poles, canoe paddles, horseshoes, and more, mixed with silly signs and kitschy souvenirs.

Comfort is essential in cabin style, welcoming everyone to come as they are. The article’s next section showcases how log cabin design meets contemporary style. Whitewashed wood walls, large windows, and pale floors are used to set the scene for contemporary design, while the rounded rhythm of log walls complements the geometric shapes of modern furniture and accessories.

The kitchen is a place where modern designs fit right in, thanks to the availability of stainless-steel appliances and a variety of stone and cement countertops. Logs can add a touch of warmth to the contemporary kitchen, which can otherwise seem austere. Metals with matte finishes, such as in stair railings, faucets, and light fixtures, complement the logs and add a contemporary feel. The open spaces and high vaulted ceilings of log homes create expanses that are perfect for modern artwork or large windows.

The log cabin in the next section balances awe-inspiring architecture with warmth and livability. The handcrafted logs provide warmth, while the decor brings color and comfort to the space. The great room, which includes the living room, dining area, and kitchen, is tied together by wood flooring and log posts and beams. Each room has a unique identity that complements the others. The kitchen’s stone walls are repeated in the master bedroom, which features ornate timber-framed trusses.

For those who love classic styling, the cabin decor in the next section is sure to please. This log cabin is perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors. It has all the necessities, including running water, a stove, and a place to sleep, but also provides generous seating, warm wood floors, and layers of pillows and throws. The decor is classic log cabin style, with a stone fireplace, round log ceiling trusses, window seats, and a sleeping loft.

The sleeping loft over the kitchen can be accessed by a pole ladder. A long bench situated in front of the bar is perfect for informal meals. The cabin’s unique charm comes from the mixing of different styles. Native American designs can be found in artwork and on pillows and throws, while country plaids upholster the seating around the fire. Masculine stripes and paisleys cover the bedroom in layers of comfort.

The bedroom features a sunny and comfortable window seat. The cabin’s picturesque views of white birches and green leafy trees in summer add to its beauty. In the next section, readers can find out how to decorate their cabin with color and texture.

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All Aglow

This contemporary guest house near a Western ski resort features modern cabin decor in a warm, woodsy setting. The open floor plan offers plenty of space for families to spend time together. The three-sided fireplace is a stunning focal point. Plywood and planed wood beams create the backdrop for the clean-lined contemporary furniture, some of which was designed by the home’s architect. The sofas’ cobalt blue adds a pop of color to the room.

The honey tones of the wood bring warmth to the dining room. The clean-lined symmetry of the slatted wood chairs and distinctive glass table echo the design of the wine cellar beyond. In the kitchen, black countertops contrast smoothly with shiny stainless-steel appliances. The space is warm and inviting in the evening, but guests can still enjoy the stunning view of the slopes from the home’s rooftop deck and relax in the hot tub.

The sleek and elegant kitchen area is defined by a lowered ceiling lit by pendant lamps. Wide, horizontal windows frame the mountain view. Readers can find valuable decorating advice on mixing and matching pieces to create their own cabin decor in the next section.

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New-Age Rustic

©Daniel Mack Rustic Furnishings A minimalist shelf unit with a single forked branch for decoration.

To decorate your contemporary log cabin, you can explore many avenues when it comes to furniture, light fixtures, and accessories. The rustic furniture makers of today create pieces with sleek, simple lines, unlike the Victorian-style furniture found in the Adirondack Great Camps, which were layered with bric-a-brac. The new-age rustic pieces put the beauty of the wood on display.

©Daniel Mack Rustic Furnishings Driftwood is used to create a free-form table with silky texture and soft colors, reminiscent of gentle waves on a lake.

Iron and wood can be fashioned into beautiful lamps, while pottery and other metals can be found in a variety of accessories. If you’re unsure what to choose, go for elements with an organic feel that remind you of nature, or pieces that echo one of the classic cabin styles: Early American, lodge, Western, or Southwestern.

©Cloudbird A desk lamp with leafy vines twining around the iron base, incorporating a Native American motif and leather lacing.

Use the decorating ideas presented in this article to inspire your cabin’s decor whether it’s your full-time home or just a summertime retreat.

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The Best of Yesterday

With trees as far as the eye could see, pioneers, trappers, loggers, and mountain men used logs to build shelter from the elements. The cabin decor of these rustic abodes was either made by hand or brought from home — whether home was across the ocean in Europe or back East in the first colonies.

Log cabins embrace fond memories of days gone by. From the solid woodworking of Early American pieces to the ornate embellishments of the Victorian era to the quarter-sawn oak pieces of Gustav Stickley, you can choose any style that fits your heart’s desire in a log cabin.

The log cabin is an American symbol, even though it has its roots in other countries. To achieve an authentic historic decor, it is important to include items that represent the spirit of Americans and their hard work. For more decorating ideas, there are many options available such as country, modern, window treatments, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, home office, home spaces, and interior decorating.

Arts & Crafts-style homes from the early 1900s often had a hearth at their center, which is reflected in this contemporary home with a soapstone masonry heater. The Arts & Crafts movement celebrated the work of craftsmen and was popular in both England and the United States. The style is perfect for log cabin decor, with simple lines, handcrafted furniture, and handwoven textiles contrasting with the ornate interiors of the Victorian era. The Stickley-style furnishings in this home feature precise wood joinery and geometric patterns, which are also seen in the light fixtures, window panes, and stair railings.

Log cabin decor is great for creating a home with historic character, with the very walls themselves telling a story. High-backed chairs and benches, like the brick red bench pictured, were popular in Early American and Shaker homes. To complete the vintage style, one might choose Shaker furniture or traditional Early American Windsor chairs.

The warmth and elegance of a Shaker-style sofa table is revealed in its simplicity, as seen in this piece from Plow & Hearth.

The Spindle Arm Chair designed by Gustav Stickley in 1905 combines delicate vertical spindles and a patterned seat cushion with strong, simple lines in this reproduction.

The mood of your cabin can be underlined by your choice of floor covering, from a Victorian Oriental beauty to a rug braided from fabric scraps.

In Early American cabins, nothing was wasted, with old clothes and blankets used to make colorful braided rugs, like this oval rug from Plow & Hearth.

Lighting can also enhance a historic style, whether it’s bronze table lamps for an Arts & Crafts-style home or a pewter chandelier for an Early American look.

This book pedestal, bearing the mark of Roycroft, was created by craftspeople in New York in the early 1900s.

Earthy and aqueous colors were highlighted in Arts & Crafts style, as seen in this reproduction end table topped with aqua blue ceramic tile.

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• Interior Decorating

Mod Lodge

The great room of this cabin evokes a sense of age with multipane windows and rough wood planking on the ceiling. Deep sofas and chairs invite hunters to relax by the fire after a day in the woods.

Cabin decor today takes inspiration from the legacy of the Adirondack Great Camps, with simpler lines and larger sizes replacing fussy Victorian furnishings. This home also resembles its Old World ancestors, the baronial hunting lodges.

Ancient and masculine elements are found in heavy tables and iron-strapped doors, while the beauty of wildlife is celebrated through animal and bird mounts, oil paintings, and antler chandeliers. Plush fabrics, Oriental rugs, and warm lighting soften the lodge look. The mass of the fireplace is accentuated by setting its stone chimney against a stacked stone wall, and the lowered ceilings with hand-hewn beams in the kitchen and dining area maintain a cozy feel.

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Old-Style Charm in a New Log Cabin

Lodge style encompasses a range of looks. This log cabin is decorated with a Southwestern-style bench, snowshoes, and an Arts & Crafts-style pendant light in the entryway.

A log cabin is a place of cherished memories and warmth. Even a new cabin can be made to feel like a well-loved retreat with the right decor. The key is to layer architectural features, furnishings, and accessories. The balcony, with its pole railings, is reminiscent of grand lodges like the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park.

The great room is perfect for gatherings, with multiple seating areas and a round table for card games. The heavy ceiling truss and hickory twig furniture add to the rustic ambiance, while the space remains comfortable and modern.

The layered decor adds warmth to the home and creates the feeling of accumulated memories.

The master bedroom is a luxurious space with a cozy fireplace and downy bedding for a good night’s sleep.

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Summer Vibes in Camp and Cottage Style

©Whispering Pines Cabin decor, like bunk beds, wood floors, and carved log walls, can bring back fond childhood memories of summer camp. Camp and cottage styles evoke the nostalgia of carefree summer days.

Your style might be Pendleton blankets and bearskin rugs if you love the woods, or white-washed plank paneling and a hammock on the porch for a nautical feel by the water. These styles welcome vintage pieces and family heirlooms.

A summer home should have furnishings and accessories that are reminiscent of the outdoors. Many of these items can be used both inside and outside, such as a table that can be moved to the porch for dinners and a quilt that can be spread out on the lawn during Fourth of July fireworks. These items are typical of the cottage and summer camp styles.

To find more decorating ideas, check out the following categories: Country Decorating Ideas, Modern Decor Ideas, Window Treatment Ideas, Decorating Ideas, Kitchen Decorating Ideas, Dining Room Decorating Ideas, Bedroom Decorating Ideas, Bathroom Decorating Ideas, Home Office Decorating Ideas, Home Spaces, and Interior Decorating.

The home in the photos has a cool and contemporary vibe. It features linear iron stair railings and a graphic wood and stone floor treatment. Western logs are used to add warmth to the cabin decor, and the furniture is streamlined. The space is accented with shades of stony gray to give it a modern edge, while splashes of color can be found throughout the rugs, upholstery, and accessories.

To bring contemporary style to your cabin, look for simple lines and eliminate anything fussy or frilly. Bold geometric shapes, such as blocky fireplaces and rectilinear iron beds, underscore the modern look. Vaulted ceilings and white paint help give a refreshing airiness to the space.

The bedroom in the photos features tiny halogen reading lamps and a backdrop of white bead board. The bed is set out away from the log wall, making it even more striking. Although the logs are bleached to cool their naturally warm tones, rich wood accents can be found throughout the space, particularly in the dining room floor and furniture. The bedroom’s cool sophistication comes from fitted bedclothes and linens in various shades of neutral.

The author, Janice Brewster, is a former editor of Log Home Living and Timber Frame Homes magazines. She has spent seven years traveling North America and Finland writing about log and timber frame homes and lodges. She is currently a freelance writer who has written two books, Log Cabins and Cabin Style.

FAQ

1. What is cabin decor?

Cabin decor is a style of interior design that emphasizes the natural beauty and rustic charm of cabins and other rural retreats. It often features materials like wood, stone, and leather, as well as elements like wildlife, antlers, and other natural objects. Cabin decor is popular in vacation homes, hunting lodges, and other rural properties, and can range from simple and understated to elaborate and ornate.

2. How can I incorporate cabin decor into my home?

There are many ways to incorporate cabin decor into your home, even if you don’t live in a cabin! You can start by adding natural elements like wood, stone, and plants to your decor. You can also use rustic furniture like log beds, leather sofas, and wooden tables. Adding wildlife accents like antlers, taxidermy, and animal prints can also give your home a cabin feel. Finally, consider incorporating warm, cozy textiles like wool blankets, flannel sheets, and faux fur rugs.

3. What colors are popular in cabin decor?

Cabin decor often features earthy, natural colors like browns, greens, and blues. These colors help create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Other popular colors include warm yellows and oranges, which can add a touch of brightness and cheer to a space. Finally, simple, neutral colors like white, gray, and black can help balance out more colorful elements in a room.

4. What kind of lighting works well in a cabin-style home?

Lighting is an important part of any home decor, and cabin-style homes are no exception. Warm, soft lighting works best in these spaces, as it creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider using table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces to create a layered lighting effect. You can also use candles and lanterns to add a touch of warmth and ambiance.

5. How can I create a cozy reading nook in my cabin-style home?

A cozy reading nook is a great addition to any home, and can be especially delightful in a cabin-style space. Start by choosing a comfortable chair or loveseat, and add plenty of soft cushions and blankets. Consider adding a side table for books and a lamp for reading. Finally, add some natural elements like a potted plant or vase of flowers to bring a touch of the outdoors inside.

6. What kind of art works well in a cabin-style home?

Cabin-style homes often feature artwork that reflects the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Landscape paintings, wildlife photography, and rustic prints are all popular choices. Consider choosing artwork that features warm, natural colors, like browns, greens, and blues. Finally, don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and mediums to create a unique and eclectic look.

7. How can I decorate my cabin-style home for the holidays?

Decorating a cabin-style home for the holidays can be a fun and festive way to celebrate the season. Start by adding some greenery, like pine boughs or a wreath, to your front door. Inside, consider adding a Christmas tree or other holiday decorations like garlands, stockings, and ornaments. Finally, add some cozy touches like holiday-themed throw pillows, blankets, and candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.