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The shabby chic style is an interior design that embraces a worn and very vivid look. In it soft colors are added, as well as a mixture of decoration between the old and the new. In this article we will be exploring a little about this beautiful, elegant and delicate shabby chic style.
In the same way, we will share ideas for decorating living rooms to inspire you and be your next project. The shabby chic style focuses on white backgrounds, usually. Also, most of the decorations have white or pale wood finishes.
As well as upholstery, curtains, carpets and furniture, they are also usually white. In shabby chic décor, they can present touches of color through floral or plaid motifs. They can also be seen in many rooms with picturesque crystal chandeliers and other vintage lighting.
The classic shabby chic living room is, above all, very cozy and comfortable. Staying in a shabby chic living room invites you to leave all the stress of the day and relax. With soft fabrics, shabby chic is extremely pleasant to the touch as well as the eye. Although most of the decorations with shabby chic style are very light colors such as pink and white. It has also been possible to appreciate decorations in blue.
Shabby chic style
The term shabby chic originated in the 1980s. A time when opulence and at the same time decadence were occupying the center of interior decoration. There are many different elements that characterize the shabby chic style. Let’s start by mentioning the furniture, these are worn in appearance, which helps create an antique look.
Today, many people manage to give their furniture that look on purpose. But most of the decorations in this style are really antiques. Where you can see the layers of paint as the outer layers begin to peel.
Comfortable fabrics are very popular when it comes to shabby chic. Cotton and linen being the best options. Floral prints can sometimes be seen, so the fabrics can make beautiful accents.
Slipcovers are also a key element of the shabby chic style. These were popularized by London stylist Rachel Ashwell. Shades like bright white and beige are always the most popular, as are pastel colors like pink, lavender, and light blue.
Although in the same way, sometimes you can also find decorations with bright tones such as turquoise, especially when it comes to painted furniture. Of course, in all spaces with the shabby chic style, antique or so-called vintage accessories should always be present. Although they can also be new accessories but their appearance is old.
Soft colors
In most interiors with schemes that favor neutrals, it can be very easy to want to add pops of bright hues for contrast. But when it comes to shabby chic in terms of color, we take into account the saying “less is more”.
This could be said to be the golden rule for this type of interior decoration. Of course, you can always add a touch of color to the decoration. But it is done through cushions or pictures on the wall with striking patterns but without exaggerating the tones.
On the other hand, you should also take into account the layers within the shabby chic decoration. For example, think about combining delicate lace on heavy curtains and on shaggy blankets on wooden chairs. Keep in mind that any color stronger than white or light beige can create a busy palette. While light neutrals provide a clean canvas.
Tassels and Ruffles
Knots, tassels and ruffles, whether on carpets, pillows, cushions or tablecloths, refresh spaces. Similarly, nothing beats antique wood when it comes to shabby chic. Woods, like worn metals in rustic shabby chic decor, can make it look a bit shabby.
So don’t try to clutter up the room. Of course, it is important that you keep elements like this in the room with shabby chic style but you can add it on the doorknobs for example. In this way you will achieve a simple but refined shabby chic style.
Play with materials and texture
An easy way to keep the chic look of shabby chic is by opting for pieces that balance texture and material. For example, a peeling paint nightstand pairs beautifully with a slippery glass vase.
If what you want is to be able to place dark accents like rosewood or mango wood in a shabby chic decoration, then we recommend that you counteract the intense tones. And keep it upbeat by adding them in unexpected places. An antique planter near the kitchen sink adds charm to the shabby chic style without much effort.
The Shimmering Details
Whether it’s a pair of stainless steel bowls or some silver ceramic accessory, nothing stands out more in shabby chic than a touch of glitter. Try combining silver with silver and gold with gold. And avoid neon in metal decor so you can maintain a clean elegance. If you have an elegant and very striking piece that you want to place in your decoration, all you need are other strategic accessories to combine yours and maintain the shabby chic atmosphere.
You can for example counteract a shiny coffee table or side table with an antique table runner. Or even with a weathered brick wall, to add a touch of glamor. But without losing the rustic and elegant look of shabby chic.
Antique Frames for Artwork and Mirrors
If you like mirrors and artwork in your living room, no problem. You just need to search for the type of mount. Which can usually be found very cheap in places like the flea market. When you find one that you like, then we recommend sanding it lightly. Then put a coat of white or pastel paint on it. Once you’ve done that with the frames you want, then try to group some on your living room sofa or any other wall.
Linen Napkins on Your Dining Table
When linen napkins are placed on a dining table in a shabby chic setting, they automatically add that special touch to enjoy a good meal. And they may stand out a bit more when the napkins have a variety of faded colors rather than just one color.
There are even tablecloths inspired by interior design with shabby chic style. Which seem stained and old by nature. In the same way, you could complete the decoration of your dining table by placing a vintage-looking silver set or set.
Furniture for your shabby chic living room
Wood coffee tables and vintage sofas are an excellent combination for a chic and worn but at the same time very modern living room. A neutral sofa can be highlighted with blankets and cushions of almost any color or pattern for great comfort. If you want a little more texture and dimension, then you could add a nice velvet chair where you can relax and even read a bit. Without leaving behind a coffee table for further relaxation.
Soft furnishings and accessories
To decorate your living room with shabby chic style, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. If you love art and light, then hang your diverse selection of art. And you can even place sculptural pieces together with mirrors to add dimension and light as well.
Layer rugs, cushions and casual throws to create a homey, comfortable and very cozy feel. Bring greenery into the room with plants like palm trees and cacti. This adds a fun pop of color against the earthy tones in your living room.
Play with light
If you love natural light and are lucky enough to have it in your living room, then take advantage of it. Opt for sheer curtains to let in as much light as possible. When it comes to artificial lighting, choose vintage lamps of various scales and materials.
You can add a touch of glamor with a discreet chandelier. Or complete your décor with minimalist pendant lighting. In the same way this also refers to the chandeliers. As we have already mentioned, this style also allows touches of elegance to display.
And nothing better than chandeliers for that unique touch in your living room. They can usually be seen hanging above a table to provide additional light. It is worth mentioning that the best places to find and purchase these lighting elements are flea markets or online.
Easy decoration on a low budget
Shabby chic decoration is actually very easy to achieve on a low budget. This is because all the elements are worth when it comes to this style of interior decoration. Since you can get furniture of all kinds anywhere and at different costs.
Of course, there is also the part that some furniture is inherited from generation to generation. And that’s perfect for reuse. You also have the option of making and creating DIY furniture that embraces the shabby chic style. In addition to being able to restore and improve the pieces that you have with sandpaper and a little paint.
Of course, another way to get a shabby chic décor on a budget is undoubtedly to be resourceful and creative. There are many second-hand stores and also online where you can browse and buy antiques for your shabby chic living room.
You won’t even have to stop looking for high-end outlets to find furniture, textiles or accessories that suit the shabby chic style of your home. This is the best of this style. That you can even have something that fits in your own home and that you can restore.
It is for this reason that the shabby chic style is one of the most popular interior decorations. Due to the fact that the pieces and elements linked to the style alone are very easy to find. But it is also very budget friendly.
Additional tips for a shabby chic look
When it comes to accessories, the basic goal is to always maintain a balance between the oldest and most worn things with the ones that are more elegant. You can consider placing silver accessories on wooden tables. Floral patterned rugs with old rough lace add to the shabby chic look.
As we already mentioned, transparent curtains are a great touch for your space full of elegance. Which can be seen much better if hung on wrought iron curtain rods. Another great accessory for your shabby chic decor is a flower vase along with scented candles. Which will fill your home with great aromas.
Sofas are one of the furniture used in this style, the bigger it is, the better. Sofas with washable covers are preferably used. Apply paint colors that are pastels, which add a little more character to the decor.
You can use almost any type of wooden furniture, as long as you paint it white. The best way to achieve the shabby chic look is to paint the wood with spray paint or brush. Then use sandpaper to sand some of the painted areas. The shabby chic style will definitely add a completely different look to your living room, making it feel more welcoming and relaxing.
