10 Traditional Interiors of Rural Romania in all Their Storied, Rustic Glory

Traditional interiors of rural Romania encompass stuff produced by inhabitants who have a proud tradition of making things for themselves. Their homes are layered with folk art made of natural materials such as sheepskin, wood, hemp, cotton and wool, which were not intended to be “art for art’s sake” at the time of their creation, but rather utilitarian and decorative.
Stacks of dowry textiles, including rugs, wall carpets, bedspread, pillows purposely displayed in the guest room (clean room, caseamare) demonstrate the diligence of the host, and their wealth.

1/8. Sat Sârbi Village, Maramureş;

In traditional Romanian houses, the clean room furniture counts as one or two beds, a handcrafted table and chairs, beautiful dowry boxes, carved plate racks, and painted hallstands.

A large amount of decorative textiles stockpiled to the ceiling create an atmosphere of celebration. There are motifs and chromatics specific to each ethnographic zone, even to individual villages.

2/8. Sat Şanţ Village, Bistriţa Năsăud, 1896; Source: Muzeul Satului

Decorative towels draped around ceramic plates or icons are displayed on the walls. Homemade child swings were hung from the ceiling usually near the stove, where the mother could cook, spin, weave, and watch over the baby at the same time.

3/8. Sat Sălciua de jos Village, Alba, 1815; Source: Muzeul Satului

In rural Romania, handicraft evening sittings were organized in the workroom, where the ladies of the house would kill the boredom in the long winter evenings: inviting friends, having fun together while singing, and spinning hemp and wool. Later, boys would join in asking the girls to dance.

4/8. Sat Clopotiva Village, Hunedoara, 1920; Source: Muzeul Satului

Floral motifs typical to the Székelys ethnic group painted on beds, wall benches (laviţă), tables and closets, can be found in traditional interiors from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureş counties. Geometric patterned rugs, cushions, and woven beddings in warm colors are adding glow and comfort to the interior.

5/8. Sat Bancu Village, Harghita, 1862; Source: Muzeul Satului

The heating systems and exposed beams add robustness and visual interest to the space.

6/8. Sat Straja Village, Suceava, 1760; Source: Muzeul Satului

The abundance of wool fabric used drops a hint about Romania’s main traditional occupation: shepherding. Rustic handmade cooking and eating ustensils made of wood are simple but striking additions.

7/8. Sat Nereju Village, Vrancea, 1875; Source: Muzeul Satului

The rhombus and stripe-patterned wall carpets create a warm, cozy vibe. The traditional wall carpets, inscribed on UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, are widely recognized as fine art, as well as being utilitarian and decorative.

8/8. Sat Goicea Mică Village, Dolj, 19th Centuy; Source: Muzeul Satului

Source: Muzeul Satului

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