You might be wondering: What exactly is rustic charm? Like any style, it can vary from one person to another, but to me, rustic charm is a combination of weathered vintage and modern traditional. I hope that makes sense.
It can also be described as vintage farmhouse. Think rustic woods and mixed metals mixed with crisp whites, clean lines, and a pop of color.
Photo by Inspired by Charm
As you might have guessed from visiting stores or looking through your favorite magazines, rustic charm style has become a very popular design aesthetic in recent years. While my personal style tends to be a bit more electric, I do have plenty of rustic charm throughout my own home. In today’s post, I’m going to help you become a bit more familiar with this style by inviting you into my dining room and sharing 5 tips for a rustic charm tablescape.
While the focus of this post will be on the table, you can certainly apply these ideas to the rest of your home to create this style. Let’s get going.
1. Wood is a Must
Yes, incorporating weathered wood is important to achieve a rustic look. Because of the trendiness of this style, you can find new pieces that are designed to look weathered. You can also pop into your local thrift or antique shop and pick up something old. Or you can dig through your scrap wood pile and find something for free. Weathered wood adds texture and character. It also takes the fanciness out of things. Folks love rustic charm because it feels comfortable and relaxed.
Photo by Inspired by Charm
For my tablescape, I’m starting with a wood table. To bring another wood element into the setting, I used a round tray (which I found at HomeGoods) in the center of the table to act as a catch-all for things like salt and pepper, straws, cream and sugar.
Photo by Inspired by Charm
I also took the rustic charm one step further by stenciling the tray with a vintage-inspired coffee graphic. (You can see how I did that here on my blog.) Now this tray has a story to tell.
2. Mix Metals
You’ve probably been told to stick with one metal when decorating a space. Well, like most things in design, the rules have changed. Now, galvanized metal works with copper which works with gold which works with oil-bronze and so on.
Photo by Inspired by Charm
Photo by Inspired by Charm
For traditional rustic charm style, I’d lean towards oil-rubbed bronze (which is almost a black finish) and galvanized. However, if you know anything about me, I’m obsessed with gold, so I throw that into the mix, too. I love the warmth and sparkle it adds to this table.
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My tip for working with a variety of metals is to have two or three elements on your table with the same finish so nothing seems out of place. If I had included only one gold bowl, I don’t think it would not have worked.
Here I used galvanized chargers (from HomeGoods) along with a galvanized cake stand. The gold is repeated in the flatware, candles, sugar bowl, and straws. The oil-rubbed bronze handle on my tray matches the chairs and chandelier. And just like that, it all works.
3. Use What You Have
Please do not feel compelled to go out and purchase a bunch of new things to achieve this look. Many of the elements on this table were things I already owned. With their similar colors, finishes and textures, the items go together nicely.
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Plus, the beauty of rustic charm is that you are free to combine elements that aren’t the same style. For example, my woven table runner is a bit bohemian, while the vases with the flowers are modern geometric. Shop your own home and test out different elements to see what you like.
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This mixing of elements can happen because rustic charm is a little about storytelling. Go ahead and incorporate pieces that are special to you. It doesn’t get more charming than that.
4. White for the Win
White, be it crisp, pure, or off-white, is an important element in rustic charm. With all of the wood textures and metal finishes, your eyes need a place to chill out for a moment. White is perfect for resting your eyes.
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As I mentioned above, modern farmhouse is really closely related to rustic charm. If you look at a modern farmhouse, you notice a lot of white—walls, wood work, and decor. It helps to keep things looking clean and cohesive.
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On my table I used white dishes and mugs. I love white dishes. Usually they’re inexpensive, and they really do work with everything. Plus, food seems to look better served on a white dish as it instantly becomes the star of the show.
5. Add a Pop of Color
As much as I appreciate white and neutral, I need to have a pop of color. You can certainly do rustic charm without it, but that won’t happen at my house.
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When thinking about color, use nature as your inspiration. Look to the sky, grass, or local wildflowers. Mother Nature is an expert with color combinations.
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Here, I was inspired by some inexpensive blooms I picked up at the market. Combined with greens I cut from my yard, they look great with the purple napkins and mint green ceramic baskets (more HomeGoods finds) I had on hand.
Photo by Inspired by Charm
That little pop of color makes all the difference, don’t you think? And because I don’t like to send guests home empty handed, I tucked in a few of my Inspired by Charm spring recipe cards as a small take-home gift.
Bonus Tip: Whether I’m styling a table, a shelf or a room, having a botanical element is essential. If you feel your room (or in this case your tablescape) is missing something, bring in a plant or bouquet of fresh flowers. It’s my tried-and-true way of finishing off a space.
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That’s it, my friends. The table is set.