Are you one of those people who absolutely loves the antique look of worn furnishings, but you just don’t have the budget to redecorate your home at this time? Fortunately, you don’t need to go out and buy pricey antiques in order to achieve this look. Shabby chic décor will give your home the atmosphere you’re going for without costing you a bundle of money. This style is meant to feel cozy, relaxed, and very romantic. Shabby chic décor will have you feeling that warm, soft breeze floating across the room!
Soft and Sensuous
Many people, especially women, love the shabby chic style, with its feminine look of light and white-washed décor. You want the furniture to look just a little worn around the edges. Choose curtains in muted pastels that will blend softly with the rest of the room.
Go for fabrics that are satiny or nubby-or anything in between. You can even use ultra-smooth satins and nubby textures together, creating a more interesting look.
The older an accessory looks, the better, in shabby chic décor. You want to create a style that’s relaxed, comfortable, and a bit old-fashioned. It’s fine if the furnishings you currently have are more modern-you won’t have to go out and buy all new pieces. All you have to do is sand the finish off your coffee and end tables, and paint them an antique white color. Then you can lightly sand the edges and any other areas that would naturally wear to complete the look. This will give you the look of shabby chic-without you having to spend hundreds of dollars on new tables.
Elegance on a Budget
If you want a relaxed elegant look but need to stay within your budget, shabby chic is a great style option. Oftentimes, the perfect accent or accessory like a mission coffee table to this style can be found at a flea market. The old saying goes that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and this couldn’t be any truer than with shabby chic decorating.
In a shabby chic style, slip covers are almost a necessity. Start by covering your sofa with an antique white slip cover. Then you can add mismatched throw pillows that are similar in color but have different textures and patterns. For instance, as long as the colors are complementary, a satiny floral and a nubby plaid can make a stunning combination.
The Finishing Touches
So now that your furnishings are covered, what do you do to accessorize? Fortunately, shabby chic makes this super easy as well. Staples in shabby chic décor are flowers and other greenery. You can either buy a few fresh flowers at the market or pick some of your own if you have them. Find an old-looking vase for your wood dining room table, but don’t try to arrange them perfectly. You want the finished result to look a little thrown together. After all, the beauty of shabby chic is an elegant and relaxed look that’s not too perfect.
Another area where you can get a little creative is the lighting. Perfect lighting options for this décor include antique-looking chandeliers and candle holders. Lamp shades might be decorated with glass or crystal beads, which will add to the antique look. Shades that are painted also work great in this décor. Remember, you are striving to find things that look as if they come from another era.
If you’re looking for a unique style that won’t break your budget, shabby chic is it. With this style, you can create a look that’s light, open, airy, relaxed, romantic, elegant AND feminine-all in one. Shabby chic gives you an original look that you can enjoy with total ease and comfort.