The Shabby Chic style of decorating is warm, romantic and inviting. The nostalgic look of worn furniture painted with many layers of white or pastel paint has become increasingly popular in the last few years. You can easily create this very feminine look in your own living room. Shabby Chic furniture does not have to match. In fact, the more different fabrics, paints, textures and accessories you use, the more complete the look.
If you are trying to design a Shabby Chic living room, begin with a focal piece such as the sofa or a pair of side chairs. Choose fabrics in bright whites with floral accent cushions or pillows. Generally, any fabric with delicate roses will work beautifully. Use different textures of fabrics such as Chintz and Chenille. Add romantic accessories such as candelabras and chandeliers all painted white or a pastel color to complement your fabrics. Choose tables, buffets and other large pieces that have been painted white and then distressed for that chippy cottage look.
With a little imagination, it’s easy to create Shabby Chic pieces yourself. There are so many inexpensive pieces of furniture at thrift shops and yard sales that can be transformed into a beautiful shabby chic creation with a little paint and some sandpaper. Choose a piece that is solid and in fairly good condition. Make sure to strip off any lacquer or glaze so that the paint will stick to the surface. If you’d rather not use a chemical stripper, you can rough up the surface of the piece using a medium grade sandpaper. There’s no need to remove any existing paint; in fact, that will enhance the finished piece. Paint the furniture with several layers of white or pastel acrylic latex paint. When completely dry, lightly sand the entire surface of the piece with fine grade sandpaper. A heavy brown paper bag will also work well, but takes longer. While sanding, add more pressure around corners, handles and edges of the piece so that you sand right down to the bare wood. Try to imitate the look of years of wear. You may even want to use a tool, such as a blunt knife, to make chips along the edges. When you are satisfied with your finished look, coat with a matte or satin finish to protect.
If you’d rather purchase your Shabby Chic furnishings, there are many places that specialize in that design style. Shabbychic.com, the site of designer Rachel Ashwell has a catalogue of entire rooms to choose from. You can use her ideas as a starting point and add your own individual touches to your Shabby Chic living room. ShabbyRoseChic.com is a similar site which sells a lot of wonderful Shabby Chic accessories as well as furniture. Target also carries a lot of linens and accessories designed to complement your new Shabby Chic living room.
Ebay.com is a great marketplace to find hand painted Shabby Chic furniture and accessories. Many talented artists and craftsmen who specialize in this style of decorating are showcased on one website. Simply type in the keywords Shabby Chic to find all kinds of wonderful handmade items for your room. In addition, you’ll be able to find pillows, rugs, throws, and everything imaginable to accent your new living room.
Still need ideas? Country Living magazine and Romantic Homes magazine are both great sources of ideas and inspiration. They are filled with pages of ideas as well as a marketplace section to help you locate featured items.
Whether you’re buying a piece at a time, a whole room, or painting a few accessories yourself, you’re sure to spend many enjoyable days decorating as well as living in your new Shabby Chic Living Room.
