Why Is Cottagecore Still Trending On Tiktok And How To Embrace It

In an age dominated by digital overload, urban fatigue, and climate anxiety, a quiet aesthetic movement has taken root on TikTok—cottagecore. More than just a visual trend, cottagecore offers a romanticized escape into rural simplicity, self-sufficiency, and nature-centered living. Despite the fast-paced evolution of social media trends, cottagecore has maintained its presence for years. It’s not merely surviving; it’s evolving. From viral videos of baking sourdough in cast-iron skillets to tutorials on drying herbs from backyard gardens, cottagecore continues to resonate with millions. But what makes this nostalgic fantasy so enduring? And more importantly, how can you meaningfully integrate its values—not just its aesthetics—into your modern life?

The Emotional Resonance Behind Cottagecore’s Longevity

Cottagecore isn’t new. Its roots trace back to Romantic-era literature, Arts and Crafts movements, and even mid-century pastoral photography. What’s different today is its digital expression and widespread accessibility through platforms like TikTok. The algorithm favors emotionally rich, visually soothing content—and cottagecore delivers both.

At its core, cottagecore appeals to deep-seated human desires: safety, belonging, purpose, and connection to nature. In a world where economic instability, political unrest, and environmental crises dominate headlines, the idea of a slow, intentional life in a sun-dappled cottage feels like emotional first aid. This isn’t escapism for its own sake—it’s a psychological retreat that helps users recalibrate their sense of well-being.

“Cottagecore offers a narrative of control in chaotic times. Growing your own food, mending clothes, or tending flowers—these acts restore agency.” — Dr. Lila Montgomery, Cultural Psychologist at University of Edinburgh

TikTok’s format amplifies this. Short-form videos of someone harvesting tomatoes, knitting by firelight, or arranging wildflowers in a mason jar create micro-moments of calm. These clips aren’t just watched—they’re *felt*. That emotional resonance is why cottagecore doesn’t fade like other trends. It fulfills a need, not just a curiosity.

Why TikTok Is the Perfect Ecosystem for Cottagecore

TikTok’s design inherently supports niche subcultures. Unlike platforms built around follower counts or polished branding, TikTok rewards authenticity, repetition, and relatability. Cottagecore thrives here because:

• It’s highly visual yet low-barrier to entry. You don’t need expensive gear—just a window with morning light and a teacup.
• Its themes are cyclical and seasonal. Spring planting, summer berry picking, autumn preserves, winter candle-making—content renews itself naturally.
• It fosters community. Hashtags like #cottagecorelife and #slowliving have billions of views, creating feedback loops of inspiration.
• It blends education with emotion. Viewers learn how to make elderflower syrup while also feeling soothed by the process.

This combination creates a self-sustaining cultural loop: people seek comfort → find cottagecore → create their own content → inspire others. The trend isn’t sustained by influencers alone—it’s powered by ordinary users reclaiming small joys.

Tip: Film your cottagecore moments in natural light, preferably early morning or late afternoon, to capture the soft, dreamy aesthetic.

From Aesthetic to Lifestyle: How to Embrace Cottagecore Authentically

While many engage with cottagecore as a fashion or photo filter, its true value lies in practice. To move beyond surface-level imitation, consider adopting its principles intentionally. Authentic cottagecore isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, patience, and purposeful action.

Start Small: Integrate One Practice at a Time

You don’t need to relocate to the countryside or give up technology. Begin with one habit that aligns with cottagecore values: slowing down, connecting with nature, or creating by hand.

1. Brew tea mindfully each morning—no phone, no rush.
2. Grow a single herb on your windowsill, like basil or thyme.
3. Handwrite a letter to a friend once a month.
4. Walk barefoot in grass or soil once a week (a practice known as “earthing”).
5. Preserve a seasonal fruit using a simple jam recipe.

These acts anchor you in the present and cultivate gratitude. Over time, they reshape your relationship with time and consumption.

Redefine Productivity Through Craft

Cottagecore challenges modern definitions of productivity. Instead of measuring worth by output or efficiency, it values creation for its own sake. Knitting a lopsided scarf, baking a slightly burnt loaf, or planting seeds that may not all sprout—these are not failures. They are part of the process.

“In handmade culture, imperfection isn’t a flaw—it’s proof of care.” — Maren Holm, Textile Artist and Author of *The Quiet Thread*

Engage in crafts not to produce Instagram-worthy results, but to experience the rhythm of making. Choose activities that involve tactile engagement: embroidery, pottery, woodworking, or bread-baking. Let your hands lead your mind into stillness.

A Practical Checklist for Living Cottagecore Values

Use this checklist to assess and deepen your integration of cottagecore into daily life. Aim to complete 1–2 items per week to avoid overwhelm.

Checklist: Embracing Cottagecore Mindfully

• ☐ Spend 20 minutes outdoors without digital devices
• ☐ Cook one meal entirely from scratch using seasonal ingredients
• ☐ Mend a piece of clothing instead of replacing it
• ☐ Create a nature altar (e.g., a shelf with stones, dried flowers, candles)
• ☐ Learn a traditional skill (e.g., butter churning, soap making, seed saving)
• ☐ Write in a journal by candlelight once this week
• ☐ Swap screen time for reading poetry or folk tales
• ☐ Compost food scraps or start a small indoor compost bin

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

As cottagecore grows in popularity, certain misconceptions distort its essence. Recognizing these pitfalls ensures your practice remains grounded and inclusive.

Do’s	Don’ts
Focus on sustainability—grow, repair, reuse	Don’t romanticize poverty or ignore historical labor behind rural work
Adapt the aesthetic to your environment (urban cottagecore is valid!)	Don’t feel pressured to achieve a “perfect” look
Prioritize mental well-being over content creation	Don’t turn every activity into a performance for likes
Include diverse voices and traditions in your inspiration	Don’t exclude BIPOC or global interpretations of rural life
Use secondhand or natural materials when possible	Don’t buy excessive decor just to “look cottagecore”

Authenticity matters. The goal isn’t to perform a lifestyle but to internalize its values: slowness, care, and connection.

Real-Life Example: Maya’s Urban Cottagecore Journey

Maya, a 29-year-old graphic designer in Chicago, felt overwhelmed by her fast-paced job and constant digital demands. After discovering cottagecore TikTok during a burnout episode, she didn’t quit her job or move to the woods. Instead, she began small.

She started with a windowsill herb garden—basil, parsley, and mint—watering them each morning while listening to birdsong playlists. She replaced her evening scrolling with hand-stitching a linen napkin set, learning from free YouTube tutorials. On weekends, she visited local farmers' markets, buying honey and seasonal produce, then preserving strawberries in reusable jars.

Within months, Maya noticed subtle shifts: she slept better, felt less anxious, and approached work with renewed focus. Her apartment became a sanctuary of soft light, woven textiles, and the smell of fresh herbs. She even inspired two coworkers to join a monthly “slow craft” meetup.

Her story illustrates that cottagecore isn’t about geography or wealth—it’s about intention. Even in a high-rise apartment, the ethos can thrive.

How to Participate Without Performing

One risk of any TikTok trend is performative participation—doing things solely for content. While sharing your journey can be meaningful, ensure your actions serve *you* first.

Step-by-Step Guide: Building a Personal Cottagecore Practice

1. Reflect: Ask yourself why cottagecore appeals to you. Is it nostalgia? A desire for control? Longing for beauty?
2. Choose one value to focus on: Simplicity, sustainability, creativity, or mindfulness.
3. Select a corresponding practice: For sustainability, try zero-waste cooking. For creativity, learn watercolor painting.
4. Set a weekly rhythm: Dedicate 30 minutes every Sunday to your chosen activity.
5. Document privately: Keep a journal or private video log to track progress and feelings.
6. Share only if it adds joy: Post on TikTok only when sharing feels generous, not obligatory.

This approach keeps the trend personal rather than performative. You become less of a consumer of content and more of a participant in a mindful way of living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cottagecore only for people who live in the countryside?

No. Urban cottagecore is a growing adaptation that brings rural aesthetics and values into city life. Balcony gardens, thrifted home decor, and slow-cooking meals are all accessible regardless of location.

Isn’t cottagecore just another form of consumerism?

It can be, if reduced to buying linen dresses and ceramic mugs. But at its best, cottagecore resists consumerism by promoting reuse, repair, and self-sufficiency. The key is focusing on practices, not purchases.

Can men participate in cottagecore?

Absolutely. Cottagecore is not gendered. Many male creators on TikTok share woodworking, foraging, bread-baking, and gardening content. The movement celebrates nurturing, which is not exclusive to any gender.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Slowness in a Speed-Obsessed World

Cottagecore endures on TikTok because it speaks to something timeless within us—a yearning for peace, purpose, and rootedness. It’s not about rejecting modernity, but about choosing which parts of the past to carry forward. In embracing cottagecore, we don’t have to abandon our lives—we simply have to slow them down.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Whether you’re stirring a pot of soup, sewing a button, or watching rain fall on a leaf, you’re participating in a quiet revolution—one that values being over doing, presence over productivity, and care over convenience.

💬 Ready to weave cottagecore into your life? Share your first small step in the comments. Inspire others to grow, mend, bake, or simply breathe deeper.