Western design should not be confused with Southwestern design or native American design, which we will cover at another time. Rather, you should be picturing the old cowboy westerns, complete with spurs, spats, boots, and stetsons.

Western is less casual than the other two designs. Furniture is heavy, overstuffed and well made, using leathers and polished woods. While walls, floors, and windows will be somewhat drab in color, going from light tans to dark rich browns, you will see splashes of bold and vibrant color, in the area rugs, throw rugs, casual throws, decorative pillows and wall hangings.

You might find a lamp, either table or floor type, with a base made from a rifle, a pistol, a bronze or wooden carved horse, or a pair of antlers. Silver spurs might hang from a peg on the wall. Family portraits painted in oils might be hung over the large fireplace. Animal skims might be used as rugs or wall hangings.

It is a very eclectic look at times, so don’t be surprised if there is a crystal chandelier found hanging over a large polished plank table. Anything from velvet to lace and silk may be found hanging form windows or in doorways. Some wrought iron might be visible, and there will certainly be some silver…maybe even a silver tea service sitting on a rough hewn credenza!

A silver studded leather footstool, a collection of cowboy hats well placed on a wall, a pair of saloon doors either separating two rooms or simply mounted on the wall with a cut sign painted on the wall above, old signs for the home remedies of the 1800s will all add to the feel of the old west.

The best part of all this is that all of it can be found quite easily at yard sales, garage sales, and flea markets, for moderate sums and a bit of perseverance. Shopping for, and finding your treasures will be as rewarding as filling your house with them!