Shabby Chic Decor

What is shabby chic decorating? In a nutshell, it is a comfortable, casual decorating style. It became known as shabby chic in the 1980's but has been around for many years.

How can you get this look in your home? Begin by mixing the old with the new in accessories and furniture. For example, use vintage accessories with new accessories that look old. Old pieces of jewelry look fabulous displayed in a new, unique jewelry box.

A new piece of furniture can look like a vintage piece by antiquing the surface or by lightly roughing up the edges with sandpaper to get that old, worn look. Sounds scary but gives the look of a classic piece of furniture and fits in well with the shabby chic decorating style.

Speaking of furniture; comfortable, oversized pieces that you can sink into is often used in the shabby chic style. Remember grandma's upholstered furniture? This is the look and feel that you want! Keep in mind that the style is comfortable and casual.

Soft colors are usually part of this color palette. Sage green, soft blues and pinks, and lots of cream and white are part of the color scheme used in this decorating style. This applies to the surface of furniture as well as fabrics used in a room. White or cream- colored furniture is the hallmark of shabby chic home décor.

What home décor accessories are used in this popular decorating style? Old lace tablecloths and doilies, filmy sheer or lace curtains, colorful fresh flowers, slipcovers, heirloom jewelry and knickknacks, vintage candlesticks, and old glassware and vases are just a few of the countless number of accessories that can be used in this decorating style.
Pair them with new, unique items for a stunning look in any room.

Shabby chic decorating is cost effective and easy to incorporate into any decorating budget. First, look around your own home for items you really like and are appropriate for this decorating style. Then start browsing at garage sales, flea markets, and second-hand stores, where you can pick up items at extremely reasonable prices. Friends and family might also have items they would gladly give you just to get them out of their house or storage area.

As you can see, we have just touched on the basics of this style of decorating. However, this is a starting point for you to see if this decorating style is really what you are looking for.