As teachers, we’re often surrounded by the chaos of lesson plans, marking, and never-ending to-do lists. We spend so much time giving to others, our students, colleagues, and communities. It’s no wonder that at the end of the day, we crave a peaceful retreat to recharge. Creating a cottagecore home offers more than just a beautiful aesthetic; it provides an opportunity to slow down, live intentionally, and surround ourselves with things that bring happiness. It can offer a much-needed escape, a cozy sanctuary where we can unwind, embrace slow living, and reconnect with simplicity.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping tea in a sunlit room or curling up with a book in a vintage armchair, you’re in the right place. Here are 10 must-have pieces to help you embrace the charm of cottagecore and transform your home into a cozy haven, with tips that fit a teacher’s budget and busy life.

1. A Vintage-Inspired Armchair for the Perfect Reading Nook

Every teacher needs a quiet spot to unwind, a corner of their home that feels like a personal retreat. And a vintage armchair is just the thing. Look for soft, curved designs with worn-in fabrics that invite you to sink in with a good book. It could become your go-to spot for napping, journaling, or simply curling up with a favorite novel. Pair it with a floor lamp and a small side table to complete your reading nook. Even add a thrifted blanket for extra coziness.

Pro Tip: Check secondhand stores or online marketplaces for quality pieces that just need a little TLC. Or buy new like those here.

To create a cozy cottagecore reading nook like the one in the image, follow these steps:

• Choose a Comfortable Chair – Opt for a vintage-style armchair or wingback chair. Look for soft, neutral fabrics or add a slipcover in linen or gingham for charm.
• Add Soft Lighting – Use a floor lamp with a warm, soft glow. Choose a shade in linen or a vintage-style design to keep it cozy.
• Layer with Textiles – Drape a throw blanket over the chair—something soft in wool, cashmere, or a knitted pattern works well. Neutral tones or subtle florals add a cottagecore vibe.
• Create Book Storage – Stack books on a side table or arrange them creatively in piles for a lived-in feel. Add some vintage titles for authenticity.
• Use Accent Tables – A small vintage side table can hold a teacup, book, or candle. Look for thrifted finds with character.
• Add Personal Touches – Decorate with items like framed vintage prints, antique clocks, or a small vase of fresh or dried flowers.
• Keep Colors Neutral and Warm – Stick to soft, earthy tones like beige, cream, and muted greens to evoke warmth and simplicity.

2. Rustic Shelving for Your Favorite Finds

Rustic wooden shelves are perfect for showcasing books, vintage crockery, or thrifted treasures. Look for reclaimed or distressed wood for an authentic feel. Floating shelves can save space in smaller rooms while adding visual interest to your walls. A simple wooden shelf can transform a wall into a display for thrifted treasures, books, and plants. Reclaimed wood or a distressed finish adds a rustic touch.

Pro Tip: Style your shelves with a mix of heights and textures. Stack books horizontally, place a small potted plant, and lean a framed print for that lived-in look.

To recreate this beautiful cottagecore-inspired shelf setup, you will need to:

• Start with a Rustic Shelf – Choose wooden shelves with a natural or slightly weathered finish. Darker wood complements the warm tones of brick or neutral walls.
• Arrange Vintage Books – Stack or line up old hardcover books with worn spines for character. Look for antique or thrifted books with neutral or deep-toned covers.
• Add Vintage Dishware and Framed Art – Display vintage tea cups, plates, and bowls with intricate patterns or soft floral designs. Mix in small framed black-and-white prints or artwork for an elegant touch.
• Include Natural Elements – Place small terracotta pots with faux or real greenery, like African violets or ivy. These add a refreshing, organic feel to the space.

3. A Set of Vintage Teacups for Slow Afternoon Breaks

Blue and white china or hand-painted ceramics are staples for a cottagecore kitchen. Look for secondhand pieces or handmade designs. Teachers know the value of a good cup of tea, so why not make it extra special? A set of vintage teacups, bonus points for blue and white patterns, turns an ordinary break into a mindful moment.

Pro Tip: Use thrifted saucers as tiny jewelry trays when not in use.

4. Gingham and Floral Fabrics

When you think of cottagecore, gingham and floral fabrics likely spring to mind. They’re as iconic as a steaming cup of tea on a rainy day. These patterns embody simplicity, nostalgia, and a deep connection to nature. Adding gingham and floral fabrics to your home not only enhances its aesthetic but also brings a sense of warmth and coziness. From throw pillows to curtains, these patterns add warmth and whimsy to any room. Choose muted tones for a timeless feel.

Pro Tip: Hem thrifted curtains or vintage fabric to sew your own cushions, or even hang from a wall instead of wallpaper.

To create this charming, cottagecore-inspired sitting area, follow these steps:

• Choose Warm, Earthy Tones – Paint the walls in a cozy, earthy hue like mustard yellow or terracotta. This sets a warm, inviting backdrop.
• Add Gingham Curtains – Hang gingham or checkered curtains in soft, neutral colors, like warm beige or muted orange, for a vintage farmhouse vibe.
• Layer Complementary Pillows – Mix floral-patterned cushions with gingham or plaid pillows on a neutral sofa. Opt for muted colors to keep the look cohesive.
• Incorporate Natural Elements – Place a lush indoor plant, like a monstera or fiddle leaf fig, near the sofa to bring in greenery and soften the space.

5. Candles and candlesticks

Soft lighting is key to cottagecore’s romantic vibe. And after a long day in the classroom, nothing says “slow living” like lighting a candle. Choose brass candlesticks or silver for you cottagecore sanctuary. And nothing beats natural, subtle woody scents like sandalwood and myrhh. Group them together on a tray with a sprig of greenery for a centerpiece that feels intentional and soothing.

Pro Tip: Look for candlesticks in op shops and pair with battery powered dinner candles run with rechargeable batteries.

A slow living space with ambient lighting like this, can be created with the following:

• Candles: Choose a variety of candle sizes and heights to create visual interest.
• Candlesticks: Opt for metallic finishes like gold or brass to complement the warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Greenery: Add a touch of nature with small sprigs of eucalyptus or other greenery.
• Natural surface: A wooden table or mantel creates a natural and rustic feel.

6. Greenery (Real or Faux) to Bring Nature Inside

Plants are an essential part of the cottagecore aesthetic. If you don’t have time for a high-maintenance garden, start with hardy plants like pothos or snake plants. Faux greenery, like ivy garlands or dried flowers, is an excellent option for long-lasting charm. Plants breathe life into your home, even if you don’t have a green thumb. So mix fresh greenery with faux ivy to create a lush, calming atmosphere. Drape ivy over shelves or place dried lavender in thrifted vases to bring the outdoors in.

Pro Tip: Display small potted plants on your windowsill or hang faux garlands above a mirror for a touch of whimsy.

The Steps to Create This Cozy Plant-Filled Space are:

• Choose a Variety of Plants: Incorporate a mix of leafy greenery, such as pothos or snake plants, alongside delicate flowers like lavender for added texture and color. Use a mix of real and high-quality faux plants if necessary.
• Select Complementary Pots and Vases: Opt for neutral-toned, vintage-inspired pots and vases in ceramic or terracotta to enhance the natural aesthetic. Mix different shapes and sizes for visual interest.
• Add Hanging Greenery: Drape faux or real ivy along shelves or walls to create a cascading, lush effect. Secure it discreetly to maintain a natural flow.
• Layer with Wooden Shelving: Use wooden shelving with a light, natural finish to display plants and decorative glassware. Arrange plants at varying heights for balance and dimension.

7. A Cozy Well-Loved Rug

A vintage or vintage-inspired rug can anchor a room and instantly make it feel more inviting. It can define your space and add instant warmth. Choose a rug with soft floral or faded patterns in muted tones to enhance the warm and welcoming vibe of your space, that complements a relaxed, slow-living aesthetic. A well-worn Persian or floral-patterned rug ties the room together and adds coziness underfoot. If you’re not into getting a second hand rug, there are plenty of new vintage style or antique style rug options online here.

Pro Tip: Layer smaller rugs over larger neutral ones for texture and interest.

A warm an inviting space to recharge like this, can be created with:

• A Colour Palette: Choose warm, earthy tones for the base and add pops of jewel-toned accents.
• Furniture: Thrift classic, high-quality furniture with intricate details. Look for pieces with good bones that can be reupholstered or refinished.
• Textures & Patterns: Layer textures and patterns through thrifted rugs, curtains, and throw pillows.
• Decorate: Thrift artwork, lighting, and accessories for a personalized touch. Look for unique pieces with character.

8. Vintage prints or paintings

Vintage prints and paintings are perfect for infusing your home with history and character. Think pastoral scenes, floral still lifes, or quaint landscapes that evoke simpler times. These pieces create a focal point in any room and help tie together the cozy, nostalgic cottagecore aesthetic.

Pro Tip: Thrift frames with ornate details or a distressed finish, and pair them with botanical prints or antique-style art for an authentic look. Mix and match sizes to create a charming gallery wall.

In order to create this vintage gallery wall:

• Collect a Mix of Art: Source vintage-style floral paintings and landscape prints from thrift stores, antique shops, or online marketplaces like Etsy. Look for a cohesive theme, such as classic florals or countryside scenes, with muted tones for harmony.
• Choose Ornate Frames: Use mismatched frames with antique finishes, such as gold, bronze, or distressed wood. The variety in textures and details adds charm while maintaining a curated look.
• Plan the Layout: Arrange the frames on the floor before hanging to find a balanced composition. Start with larger pieces and fill gaps with smaller frames, aiming for a tight, layered arrangement.
• Create Depth on a Dark Wall: Mount the gallery on a moody-coloured wall, like navy or charcoal, to make the art pop. Use picture hooks or nails to secure each frame at slightly varied heights for a natural, collected-over-time effect.

9. Magical string lights and lamps

String lights are perfect for adding soft, ambient lighting to your cottagecore home. Drape them around a headboard, across a mantle, or along your porch to create a warm and whimsical atmosphere. They enhance your escape to the retreat you deserve.

Pro Tip: Choose warm white lights to enhance the cozy feel, and avoid overly bright LED options.

This cozy bedroom needs:

• A Classic Style Bed Frame: Select a classic yet simple, vintage-style bed frame in white or cream. Its classic design serves as a focal point while maintaining a light and airy aesthetic.
• Add Warm String Lights: Drape warm white fairy lights along the headboard for a soft, glowing ambiance. Let some strands fall casually for a whimsical, relaxed feel.
• Incorporate a Vintage Nightstand: Use a wooden nightstand with a distressed finish for character. Pair it with a lamp featuring a glass or crystal shade and antique-style metal detailing.
• Layer Soft Bedding: Opt for neutral or pastel bedding with textured throws and cushions. This adds comfort and enhances the calming atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing retreat.

10. Thrifted decor for your cottagecore home

From brass candlesticks to embroidered artwork, thrifted finds are the soul of cottagecore living. Hit your local op shops or browse online stores like Etsy or Ebay, for one-of-a-kind pieces. The beauty of cottagecore is that it doesn’t demand perfection. Thrifted decor like brass candlesticks, embroidered cushions, doilies or vintage artwork, makes your home feel lived-in and uniquely yours. The heart of cottagecore lies in its authenticity. Thrifted decor adds personality to your home while embracing sustainability. Each piece tells a story, and curating your space becomes a slow and joyful process. Use table runners or doilies to add a touch of delicate charm to your dining table, sideboard, or coffee table. They’re also perfect for layering under vases, candles, or teapots to create an effortlessly vintage look.

Pro Tip: Set aside a “treasure hunt” day each month to refresh your space slowly over time.

A Cottagecore home retreat

These additional pieces go beyond just aesthetics, they bring functionality and meaning to your home, helping you embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle. As a teacher, your home should be a place that feels restorative, inspiring, and uniquely yours.

Transforming your home into a cottagecore haven is about embracing the beauty of the simple things. For teachers, it’s a way to leave the stress of school behind and create a space that nurtures rest and creativity. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

So start small with these 10 essentials and slowly curate a space that feels like you. Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about embracing simplicity and charm in every corner. Start with one or two of these suggestions and build your space over time. Thrifting and sourcing items slowly allows you to connect with your decor, turning your house into a sanctuary.

Let your home evolve into the cozy retreat you deserve. Because when you embrace slow living, even the busiest days feel a little lighter.

Which piece are you excited to add to your cottagecore collection? Let me know in the comments!