Primitive Touch: How to give your home an Appalachian, country-cute ambiance

Primitive décor brings a homey, old-time feeling to every space. West Virginia’s traditional primitives are simple decorations, treasured for their flaws and imperfections.

Appalachian primitives are both functional and decorative, whether you like furniture, quilts, candles, braided rugs or wall art. Our state’s artisans use a natural palette combined with traditional and modern techniques to create arts that will give your place that down-home feeling.

Shopkeepers all over the state take great pride in stocking the most unique one-of-a-kind primitives and antiques. Here’s where to find them:

1. Tamarack

Tamarack, “The Best of West Virginia,” showcases the work of some of the state’s premier artists. They craft beautiful glass, textiles, furniture and more. You can also view many of the artists working in the studios.

More nearby: Browse the folk art at The Carpenter’s Loft Primitives & More.

2. American Country Treasures

This cute little shop in Huntington sells antiques, furniture and lots and lots of primitives. You may even come across some authentic old-time pieces, like wash tubs and butter churns.

More nearby: While you’re in town, stop through the Old Central City Antiques District for more decor with an ol’-time touch.

3. Country Primitives and More

Pick up handcrafted Candle Berry candles, log furniture and other “talking piece” primitive decor in this Main Street Buckhannon shop.

More nearby: Discover baskets and earthtones galore at Twigs & Berries, or rifle through Granny’s Attic for more country charm.

4. Home Style Prim Furniture & Decor

This shop in Shinnston makes shopping easy, because just like your home, Home Style is divided into individually decorated rooms filled with furniture, battery-operated tapers and pillars, Crossroads jar candles, garden flags and more. Join their Decorator’s Club for primitive shopping perks.

More nearby: Just a short drive from Shinnston, discover a chic seasonal selection at Grapevine Primitives.

5. Country Roads Primitives

This little shop in Summersville is full of charming plates, decorations, florals, candles and many amazing one-of-a-kind items.

More nearby: Stop into The Good Old Stuff for authentic WV glassware and other primitive pieces. Maybe you can stock a quirky wine rack or antique shelf with some nearby country flavor from Kirkwood Winery.

6. Still Meadows Farm

Showcase your newly discovered mason jars, planters, pottery and other primitive pieces with fresh florals from this greenery and old-time gift shop in Walton. They even have outdoor decor like fountains to freshen up your own garden.

More nearby: See if you can find some old-time accent pieces at the Walton Thriftway general store.

7. Olde Crow Mercantile

Gather up some rustic goods at Olde Crow, and scope out the great deals every sale Saturday. You can even mix and match your own primitive gift basket. In the warmer months, from April to October, you can browse the Charles Town craft fair every 1st and 3rd Saturday in the parking lot.

More nearby: Find plenty of vintage flair among the intriguing oddities at Junkworks Antiques, or the artisan crafts at Elle’s Niche boutique.

Where do you discover primitive decor in West Virginia?

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This post was last updated on July 22, 2020