Cottagecore isn’t just a passing trend—it's a way of life that embraces simplicity, nature, and a touch of vintage romance. With its roots in pastoral nostalgia and a yearning for a slower, more intentional way of living, the aesthetic brings timeless charm to everything it touches. Think blooming florals, soft textures, and spaces that feel lovingly put together rather than styled.
Bringing that dreamy atmosphere into your garden starts with the proper foundation—and few things suit the look better than our cast aluminium furniture collection. Combining classic silhouettes with enduring quality, cast aluminium offers the perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern-day practicality. It’s durable, graceful, and will effortlessly transform your outdoor space into a romantic retreat inspired by the gentler rhythms of rural life.
What is the Cottagecore aesthetic?
At Lazy Magazine, we believe Cottagecore is often misunderstood. While the name might sound a bit whimsical and influencers on certain social media platforms haven’t exactly helped its image, it's easy to think it's all about picnics in flowery meadows and fairy-tale cottages. But for us, at its heart, Cottagecore design is about being mindful and intentional with the choices we make, finding joy in life's simple pleasures, and reconnecting with the peace that our outside spaces provide.
Described by The New York Times as “a balm for modern life” and by Vogue as “a fantasy version of rural life...where everything is handmade, homegrown, and wrapped in a soft, warm glow,” Cottagecore invites us to slow down and enjoy the everyday.
We suppose, at the centre of this, is an aesthetic rooted in nostalgia, a bucolic existence, and simplicity, inspired by an idealised version of rural life. But what’s wrong with wanting to embrace the beauty of the handmade, the natural, and the slow-paced—finding a comforting escape from the modern world?
Emotionally, it evokes warmth, tranquillity, and a longing for a gentler existence, where joy is found in tending to the garden, baking bread, or watching the seasons change from a sun-dappled window. Visually, Cottagecore is soft and romantic. Think delicate florals, vintage fabrics, weathered wood, lace trims, and a palette of earthy tones and pastels.
It draws from simple living—the countryside, winding garden paths, ivy-covered cottages, heirloom roses, handmade details, floral prints, and furnishings that feel inherited rather than bought. Every detail is meant to feel curated with care, grounded in nature, and touched by time.
And while it first took hold in the worlds of fashion and interior design—think flowy dresses, embroidered linens, and antique-inspired decor—Cottagecore has naturally “bloomed” into gardening and our outdoor living spaces.
The garden, after all, is the heart of any cottage. It’s where the Cottagecore aesthetic finds its fullest expression: wildflowers spilling over old stone planters, wrought-look furniture nestled beneath a tree, and afternoons spent under the sun with a cup of tea and a well-worn book.
More than ever, people are transforming their gardens into personal sanctuaries—spaces not only for growing but for living—and we truly believe that furniture is the true heart of the garden.
Why our cast aluminium furniture fits the Cottagecore lifestyle
At first glance, cast aluminium might not be the material that comes to mind when envisioning a soft, nostalgic garden escape—but look a little closer, and it becomes clear why it's such a natural fit.
With its elegant scrollwork, vintage-inspired shapes, and timeless charm, our cast aluminium furniture range perfectly captures the romantic look of antique wrought iron without the costly upkeep and battle against corrosion.
What makes it especially suited to the Cottagecore lifestyle is its ability to blend grace with function. The intricate detailing and classic curves echo historical design, reminiscent of English gardens and timeworn estates. Yet beneath that ornamental appeal lies a durable, rust-resistant structure that handles the seasons with ease—offering the timeless beauty of the past with the practicality of the present.
Unlike bulkier or more modern furniture styles, cast aluminium pieces feel like they’ve always belonged—like they’ve been sitting quietly under the wisteria for years, waiting for someone to pour the tea
Whether it’s one of our petite bistro sets in white tucked into a wildflower corner or a full antique bronze dining table beneath a pergola, these sets become part of the story your garden tells. It’s furniture that doesn’t just occupy space—it adds soul to it.
Our top tips to create the Cottagecore style look with our furniture
Creating a Cottagecore-inspired garden is all about capturing that sense of romance—where every detail feels intentional, nostalgic, and gently touched by nature.
If you want to bring the magic of Cottagecore style to your garden, then these six simple tips from the Lazy Magazine team are a great place to start:
1. Vintage Inspired
Cottagecore loves a touch of the old world, and your garden furniture should reflect that timeless charm. Opt for cast aluminium pieces with elegant curves, scrolling armrests, and delicate detailing that echoes antique wrought iron. A dainty bistro set can turn a quiet garden nook into a charming tea spot, while our larger table and chair sets bring a touch of storybook elegance to your patio, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
2. Natural Touches
Colour plays a huge role in capturing the essence of the Cottagecore vibe. Think gentle pastels like our sage green or soft ivory cushions and parasols. Pair your furniture with faded florals or linens in muted ginghams and ditsy prints. Avoid anything too bold or high-contrast—this aesthetic is all about subtlety and softness.
3. Soft Textiles
The easiest way to make your outdoor space feel lived-in and loved is by layering it with texture. Drape wool, lace, or crochet throws over chair backs, add seat extra cushions with ruffles or embroidery, and lay a gingham or linen cloth over your patio table. These tactile elements not only add comfort but infuse the space with the homemade, heirloom quality that defines Cottagecore.
4. Ambient Lighting
Soft lighting is the secret ingredient for that magical, twilight garden feel. Drape warm string lights through tree branches or around a pergola, place vintage lanterns on garden tabletops, set up a fire pit, or scatter candle holders with gently flickering flames. As the sun sets, these glowing touches will make your space feel straight out of a fairytale.
5. Mother Nature
One of Cottagecore’s greatest muses is the untamed beauty of nature. Frame your cast aluminium furniture with wildflowers, rambling roses, climbing ivy, and fragrant herbs. Position your table beneath an arbour, beside a mossy stone wall, or in a sun-dappled corner filled with bees and butterflies. Nature should feel like it’s gently reclaiming the space—not being held back, but embraced.
6. Personal Touches
This is where your garden becomes truly yours. Mix in found objects and quirky details: a vintage birdcage hung from a tree, a chipped enamel teapot brimming with daisies, or an old watering can used as a vase. These whimsical touches bring character, a sense of story, and that enchanting spark that makes Cottagecore so beloved, making the space feel truly yours.
Our final thoughts…
It might be a bit of a silly name, but Cottagecore is more than just the latest designer buzzword; it’s a way to create a space that feels timeless, romantic, and deeply connected to nature.
Whether you're sipping tea at a bistro set in the afternoon sun or enjoying dinner at your patio dining set under the stars, a Cottagecore garden invites you to slow down and embrace a simpler way of life, where every element feels thoughtfully curated.
With our cast aluminium furniture, you can embrace the elegance of the past while enjoying the durability and practicality of the present. Our vintage-inspired designs, paired with the right soft colours, natural textures, and whimsical touches, will help you craft an outdoor space that feels both enchanting and enduring.
Whether you’re framing your furniture with climbing roses or surrounding it with wildflowers, every piece becomes part of the peaceful, nostalgic dream that Cottagecore brings to life.
So, if you're ready to create your garden retreat, follow our styling tips and bring the warmth and beauty of Cottagecore into your outdoor space. It’s time to make your garden a place where nature, comfort, and timeless elegance meet.
If you have our furniture in your Cottage garden, we’d love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.
