How to Decorate a Craftsman Style Home?

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: Craftsman homes are not just “houses.” They’re warm, character-packed time machines that demand personality and charm. But decorating one? Yeah… that’s not always a walk in the park (unless that park is filled with wood trim, built-ins and opinions ).

If you’ve got a Craftsman and you’re scratching your head thinking, “How do I make this place look intentional without it feeling like a museum or a Pinterest fail?”, then buckle up, my friend. We’re diving into some down-to-earth, fun, and super practical ways to decorate your Craftsman-style haven with zero snobbery and a whole lotta heart.

Know the Vibe: What Even Is a Craftsman Style Home?

Before we start slapping art on walls, let’s talk about vibe check.

Craftsman homes are all about handcrafted details, natural materials, and that “please-take-your-shoes-off” kind of coziness. Think:

• Wood, everywhere. Trim, beams, floors, built-ins you name it.
• Earth tones. Greens, browns, burnt oranges, ochres… basically anything that looks like it came from a forest.
• Symmetry & Simplicity. Clean lines, cozy nooks, and a layout that actually makes sense (looking at you, open floor plans ).

So yeah, decorating a Craftsman is less about trends and more about embracing timeless charm with your own flair.

Start With the Walls (And No, You Don’t Need Shiplap)

Hate to break it to you, but shiplap isn’t the Craftsman vibe. Save that for the farmhouse look.

Here’s what does work:

Warm, Earthy Colors FTW

Skip the stark white and go for:

• Sage green or olive
• Rust or burnt orange
• Warm taupe or deep tan
• Terracotta or deep mustard

These shades play beautifully with wood trim (which, FYI, you should never paint over unless you’re ready to be haunted by every Craftsman architect ever).

Wallpaper? Yes, If It’s Subtle

You can totally rock some wallpaper in a Craftsman—as long as it’s:

• Botanical or geometric
• Muted, not loud
• In small doses (entryways, powder rooms, or behind shelves)

Bold move, wallpaper. Bold move.

Furniture: Vintage-ish, But Not Grandma’s Attic

Ever walked into a home that looked like the owner collected antiques… and ghosts? Yeah, don’t do that.

Instead, aim for functional, quality furniture that nods to the era without being stuck in it.

What to Look For:

• Mission-style pieces (aka: simple, straight lines, and no frills)
• Leather club chairs or wood-framed armchairs
• Sturdy wooden dining tables none of that cheap pressboard junk
• Built-in benches with cushions (perfect for breakfast nooks or reading corners)

And hey, modern furniture isn’t illegal here. Just avoid anything too minimalist or plasticky. Let the space breathe, but still feel grounded.

Lighting: More Than Just “Flipping a Switch”

Lighting in a Craftsman can make or break the mood. You want something that glows, not glares.

Go For:

• Tiffany-style lamps (yes, those colorful stained glass beauties)
• Bronze or iron fixtures
• Lantern-style pendant lights
• Warm-toned Edison bulbs (skip the harsh LED blues unless you like migraines)

Place a few floor lamps in reading corners and table lamps on built-ins to avoid relying solely on overhead lighting.

Ever sat under fluorescent light and tried to feel cozy? Exactly.

Decor That Doesn’t Scream “I Got This on Clearance”

Craftsman homes thrive on intentionality. So while you can throw in some Target finds, balance them with items that look like they’ve got a story even if that story is “I found this on Etsy at 2am.”

Must-Have Decor Bits:

• Pottery and handmade ceramics
• Framed vintage posters or nature-inspired prints
• Woven or wool rugs (nothing too fluffy)
• Houseplants because everything’s better with a pothos trailing somewhere

FYI: Minimalism isn’t the goal here, but clutter isn’t either. Keep it curated, not chaotic.

Built-ins: Use Them or Lose Them (Emotionally)

If your Craftsman has built-ins (lucky you!), show them off.

Decorate shelves with:

• Stacks of old books (or ones that just look old—no shame)
• Vintage cameras or globes
• Small clay vases or baskets
• A few art objects with texture and charm

Just remember: Not every shelf needs to be full. Let your eyes rest somewhere, you know?

The Fireplace: Make It the Star (Again)

Craftsman fireplaces are usually the MVP of the living room. So don’t just slap a TV above it and call it a day (please ).

What Works:

• Stone or brick surround? Keep it as-is.
• Decorate the mantel with candles, framed art, or a mirror.
• Add hearth seating or a basket with firewood yes, even if it’s decorative.

Ever curled up next to a glowing fire with a cup of tea and a cozy throw? You get it.

Don’t Forget the Entryway (First Impressions Count, Right?)

Your Craftsman’s front door is likely already doing some heavy lifting. Solid wood? Leaded glass? That thing’s a statement.

Make It Shine With:

• A vintage umbrella stand
• A slim bench with hooks above
• An antique mirror for quick hair checks
• A rug with texture but make sure it can handle muddy boots

It’s a small space, but dang, does it set the tone.

Conclusion: Make It Yours (With a Little Respect for the Past)

Decorating a Craftsman home isn’t about copying a 1910s catalog or turning your space into a time capsule. It’s about honoring the details, the trim, the wood, the layout while infusing it with your own personality.

IMO, the best Craftsman homes feel lived in, loved, and a little layered. They mix old and new, serious and playful, wood and color. So take what speaks to you from this guide and run with it. Or walk you don’t want to trip over that antique rug 

Your Craftsman home deserves more than bland trends. Give it style. Give it heart. And most importantly make it yours.

Now go forth and decorate like the charming rebel you are.