The ever-so-popular farmhouse style isn’t just for large country homes. The charm works just as well in more compact homes if you’ve got these mini farmhouse ideas for small-space living to inspire you. You can bring the warmth of farmhouse living to your apartment, cottage, tiny home, or room and still capture that timeless look. All you need is a dash of creativity and you’ll be living in your dream mini farmhouse in no time.
1. Natural Wood Elements
Natural wood is synonymous to the farmhouse style. Introducing wood accents can create a cozy atmosphere in even the smallest spaces. There are so many options, from pine to oak.
Replace bulky cabinets with floating wooden shelves, or add butcher block countertops to your kitchen. A reclaimed wood bench or a rustic headboard can bring so much texture into your living area. The key is to keep it intentional, so don’t overdo it.
There’s no need to turn your regular space into a wooden cabin, but you can create the right aesthetic with these simple mini farmhouse ideas for small-space living. Keep things light by mixing raw and unfinished woods with painted or polished pieces. Stick to accents, not full remodels.
2. Enough Greenery
The farmhouse style thrives on natural beauty. Even small homes or single rooms can do with an organic touch. Bring nature and its open, airy feeling indoors with plants. They purify the air and make your rooms feel fresher.
Add structure and height without crowding the room with bulky, dark-green plants like snake plants and fiddle-leaf figs. Alternatively, decorate your windowsills or countertops with small potted succulents or an array of fresh herbs.
Dried arrangements with baby’s breath, lavender, and eucalyptus or even faux greenery can also work if your mini farmhouse isn’t equipped for live plants. If your space is limited, hang planters from the ceiling or mount them to the walls.
3. Sliding Barn Doors
Space-saving, farmhouse-looking, practical. Sliding barn doors have got everything you’re looking for when it comes to mini farmhouse ideas for small-space living. Unlike traditional swinging doors, barn doors don’t need clearance to open, so they save a huge portion of floor space. Beyond that, they also add that statement that can turn the barest space into a farmhouse.
Leave them natural or paint them in a soft neutral shade to match the rest of your interior. Use them to separate different rooms, as a decorative pantry door, or as an entry/exit to your home. You can even opt for a smaller option by exchanging the regular doors on your cabinets or closets with mini sliding barn doors.
4. Shiplap Accents
Shiplap’s without a doubt one of the most recognizable elements of the farmhouse style, whether you’re going for modern or traditional. The good news is that you don’t need a big space to enjoy it. Shiplap works in any space, especially if you paint it with neutral colors like white or beige.
Use it on the ceiling to add depth by drawing eyes upward, use it as a backsplash in the kitchen, use it behind open shelves, or create an entire accent wall. If you’re renting or your budget is tight, faux peel-and-stick shiplap panels are cheap and they can be removed easily.
5. Porch Swing or Rocking Chairs
You don’t have to cramp your farmhouse style indoors if you’ve got an outdoor area to work with. Even the smallest porch or balcony can capture the charm of countryside living. Rocking chairs are more compact, but a porch swing brings the nostalgia of the farmhouse aesthetic.
If you only have space for a single rocking chair, place it and add a soft cushion or throw blanket. Then again, if you’re limited to the indoors, a hanging chair in your living space will create the same feeling. Pair it all with an area rug, a potted plant, and soft textiles.
6. Neutral Color Palette
Neutral colors like warm whites, soft beiges and creams, sage, and muted grays can make a small space feel larger and more open. The smallest rooms can look much better if the light is able to bounce off walls and furniture. They also create the perfect backdrop for layering textures and materials.
It’s one of the most versatile mini farmhouse ideas for small-space living. Wicker baskets, linen throws, and wood furniture all come to life when you pair them with a neutral color palette. It’s also much easier to incorporate seasonal accents and colorful decor without clashing or the space becoming overwhelming.
7. Area Rugs
Rugs can define different zones in a small space. Open plan kitchen and dining room? A rug can separate the spaces. Open plan living room and bedroom? Once again, a rug will do the trick. A neutral jute or braided rug grounds a room and brings along the farmhouse flair, but you can get the same effect with layered rugs.
Add a smaller patterned cotton piece over a large natural fiber rug for depth and coziness. The space will feel intentional, not cramped, and any narrow space will look elongated and spacious. Don’t choose a rug that’s too small because it’ll feel lost. If you go for something too big, it swallows the room. The key is to choose the right scale and pair it with the rest of your interior.
8. Farmhouse Sink
Whether your space is open or cramped, you’re going to need a sink. You might as well make the best of it by replacing the traditional metal sink with a classic apron-front farmhouse sink. There are so many styles available, from porcelain to rustic fireclay. Your sink can match your interior while making everyday tasks much easier.
Washing large pots and prepping produce are a breeze in a deep farmhouse sink. It’s even more helpful if your counter space is limited. Pair it with vintage brass or matte black fixtures and you’ve just turned something practical into a farmhouse centerpiece.
9. Mason Jars
Ditch the plastic baskets and ugly storage canisters that don’t fit the farmhouse picture. Mason jars are a more humble choice and you can use them for just about anything in your home. Think storage jars for pantry staples like rice and flour, or bathroom organizers for toothbrushes, bath salts, and cotton swabs.
They’re one of the most perfect mini farmhouse ideas for small-space living because they won’t take up any more space than what the items are already using. Use them as drinking glasses or turn them into vases for wildflowers and dried eucalyptus leaves. They can even be candle holders or makeshift lanterns. The options are endless and the jars come with their own timeless authentic charm.
10. Farmhouse Fabrics
Weave the farmhouse charm into your small space by incorporating the right textiles. Small linen, burlap, gingham, ticking stripes, or grain sack details can make an immediate impact. Replace your dish towels, scatter cushion covers, table runners, and curtains with others made with these farmhouse materials.
Even your bed will look much better with simple linen bedding. These small changes can shift the mood of the room without taking up any extra space. Plus, they’re so versatile because you can layer them, swap them out seasonally, and use them in both subtle and bold ways.
11. Lighting Accents
Lighting accents don’t need more space than the current lighting in your home. The right fixture can serve as both decor and function. Hang pendant lights above your kitchen counters or accentuate your dining nook with a large lantern chandelier.
To save floor and table space, you can use wrought iron wall sconces or string lights draped across features you want to showcase, like your balcony or your bedframe. Small spaces feel much warmer and more inviting with classic lantern shapes and exposed bulbs, but caged pendants can work just as beautifully.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.