Although log cabin decor typically features rustic furnishings and motifs, there are also several different specific styles. For example, a lodge decorating style tends to focus on hunting, fishing or skiing themes, while a cottage decor may have a beach or lakeside feeling to it. Some log cabins are decorated in the style common or native to their location, while others may feature a more unique, whimsical decorating approach.
A whimsically decorated log cabin may have toy stuffed animals hung on the walls instead of the traditional hunting lodge style of dead animal heads on wall plaques. Rather than a real bearskin rug, fake or craft fur may be cut into the shape of a bear hide to place on the floor. Whimsical log cabin decor has a humorous, fun feeling to it. For instance, curtains and bedding fabrics may have cartoon animal motifs.
Geographical methods of decorating a log cabin are usually traditional in tone. For example, in New York's Adirondack Mountains, a style of furniture created in the area became well-known, so it was then considered traditional to include in cabins. The Adirondack chair, with its wood-slatted, fanned-out back and sloped seat, became popular in log cabin decor, and outdoor decorating in general, in many other parts of the world.
Beach or lakeside themed log cabins often have framed photographs or paintings on the walls that include water, sand or sky. This style is usually cozy and casual in mood and may be prettier than other log cabin decor looks in that lace curtains, vases of flowers or bowls of seashells may be featured. An old canoe paddle fitted with coat hooks may hang by the door to hold swimsuit cover-ups and beach bags.
Lodge log cabin styles often center around an outdoor activity such as skiing, fishing or hunting. Traditional hunting lodge decor features animal furs and mounted animal heads on the walls. A hanging light fixture in a dining room may be made from antlers. Fishing lodges may have large stuffed fish displayed on wooden plaques on the walls. Instead of that, framed photographs of caught fish may hang on the walls instead.
Ski lodge decorations for log cabins may have a mountain theme. A stone fireplace may be the focal point and framed pictures or paintings of mountains may decorate some of the walls. Ski lodge log cabin decor could also feature snow motifs such as snowflake print bedding.