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What is “Grandma Core”, the trend taking over summer bedrooms?

Grandma core? It’s all that old stuff you’d find at grandma’s house. Crocheted blankets, embroidered pillows, old quilts. Fancy teacups with flowers on ’em. Even those doily things are back. It’s like raiding your grandma’s attic but on purpose. 

The grandma core aesthetic 

At the heart of Grandma core lies a yearning for simpler times. 

Grandma core bedrooms are full of old furniture. We’re talking antiques or stuff that looks like it’s been through it. 

You might find a wooden dresser that’s seen better days, a chair that creaks when you sit in it, or some fancy hand-carved table. 

That might sound like a load of furniture ready for the skip, but it’s all about making the place feel lived-in and like it’s got stories to tell.

You can even add new furniture that matches the style, such as a high-footboard pine bed frame like the Birlea Corona or a classic metal frame like the Julian Bowen Rebecca—both are perfect for grandma core style bedroom decor. 

Pictured: Birlea Corona 4FT 6 Double Wooden Bed Frame – High Footend. Available from Bedstar.

Whatever furniture you choose, these pieces are celebrated for their imperfections rather than being classed as outdated and useless. 

If it’s good enough for grandma, it’s good enough for you!

Pictured: Julian Bowen Rebecca 4FT 6 Double Bed Frame – Black. Available from Bedstar.

Breaking down the elements 

Grandma core brings the nostalgia with:

Floral prints

Pictured: Floral bedroom décor, prevalent in “Grandma Core” Décor Trend.

Your curtains, bedding, wallpaper, rugs, and soft furnishings like blankets should have botanical or floral themes. The fantastic thing about these is you can choose colours that match the season and your changing tastes. 

Oldie artwork

Charity and thrift shops are perfect for oldie artwork, or you can head over to King & McGaw and buy quality prints from Van Gogh and Monet. For a classical appearance, look for artwork in a golden frame. 

Knitted textures

The heavier the textures the better for grandma core, so knitted blankets, throws, and cushions are best. You can use crochet to make your own or pick up fantastic hand-made knitted trinkets from Etsy. 

Antique-esque furniture

Your bedroom furniture doesn’t have to be a hundred years old or turn-of-the-war, but it should be a dark wood like oak, mahogany, or walnut. You don’t need to spend a fortune either – just look up your nearest preloved furniture shop. 

Sleigh bed

Classic wooden bed frames capture the grandma core look, also sleigh beds for classical charm. These have padded scrolls at both ends of the bed. 

Pictured: Willis Gambier Antoinette 4FT 6 Double Sleigh Bed. Available from Bedstar.

Fragrances

Vanilla, rosemary, and coconut are the smells that remind us of grandma’s house, with freshly baked flapjack too good to ignore. But maybe your grandma loved Chanel No. 5? Go personal on fragrances for a touch of nostalgia. 

Vintage lighting

Fabric lampshades with intact tassels are the ultimate grandma core pick. Don’t forget that glass red and green Tiffany shade for your ceiling. The light should be warm and adjustable on a dimmer to give you the perfect ambience. 

Pictured: Visual representation of vintage bedroom lighting, prevalent in “Grandma core” bedroom décor trend.

Chinaware

No grandma core bedroom is complete without chinaware, especially teacups with a beautiful silver tray. These make lovely decorations on a shelf, or you can go the whole hog and serve tea for bedroom guests. You’re never too old for a tea party.

Summing up

Grandma core is a beautiful interior design movement celebrating nostalgia, comfort, and good memories. No other interior style is so personal, and it’s easy to dress up with mid-century and Art Deco elements.

You don’t have to go all the way with your bedding, furniture, and décor, but you can at least embrace florals and knitted textures. 

Give it a whirl and see what you think. Grandma would be proud.