Shabby chic home decor

Shabby chic appeared in the 80s and was inspired by the interior decor of typical English cottages. Here's how to recreate this welcoming style in which femininity, elegance, comfort and romanticism merge.

Furniture

Shabby chic furniture is furniture that looks broken in, slightly worn and comfortable. This style includes antique furniture that has signs of wear, like peeling paint, damaged edges and uncovered metal. So, you can opt for natural wood furniture with a light patina that has natural or artificial wear. If you choose furniture with an engraved foot or embellishments, you’ll be right on the mark! You can also mix antiques and more modern furniture in this style, which will create an eclectic arrangement that contributes to the appeal and originality of shabby chic.

Colours

White should be the dominant colour in a simply shabby chic decor, but you can add touches of pastel colours such as blue, pink and lilac. These colors will blend perfectly with the furniture’s old, worn look. Note that bright and vivid hues should be avoided with this style. White has been a decor success story for many decades. 

Textiles

Whether it’s lace, jute or tulle, all these fabrics are appropriate for shabby chic home decor and shabby chic bedding. You can cover an armchair or cushions with a beautiful flower-patterned or canvas fabric. Dress your window with lightweight lace curtains, or opt for a simple linen duvet cover. If you don’t feel bold enough to recover your chair with patterned fabric, try purchasing a lovely floral wallpaper and use it (sparingly) on one of your walls or frame a large square of it to hang on the wall or set it on top of a table.

Accessories

To put the finishing touches on this style of decor, choose accessories such as English-style crockery, bird cages, glass bells, candle holders and porcelain or metal vases topped with a bouquet of flowers. You may also want to pick a gorgeous baroque or traditional chandelier with or without small lampshades. Here are some ideas of  White chandeliers. 

Whether for the bedroom, dining room or living room, the shabby chic style is timeless thanks to its soft and elegant vintage side.