Essential Features of Shabby Chic Home Decor

By Chloe Gib


Shabby chic home decor is a decorating style that uses garage sale finds and vintage items to design a crisp warm atmosphere. Light pastels, beige and white are colors that are always seen with this style of decorating. Overstuffed antique couches and chairs, as well as pillows upholstered in striped or floral fabrics are also essential elements.

Imperfect or distressed furnishings and accent pieces are almost always seen with this design. The fact that various styles of furniture blend well with such decor is regarded by many as one of its greatest benefits. In addition, items such as old vintage doors can be used to design pieces that work ideally in dwellings featuring shabby chic interiors.

Many homeowners throw old doors away when their styles become obsolete. However, when such doors are salvaged by shabby chic decorators, they can be made over to great advantage. A full size door can be transformed into various items, from a generous size corner shelf to a unique writing desk. Such a door can also be used as a headboard for a vintage bed.

The colors seen with this type of decor play an essential role in the overall look of the home. Deep, bold shades are not usually seen with this decorating style. Rather, pale pastels enhanced with neutral colored accents should be chosen whenever possible. If dark shades are selected, they are almost always contrasted by pastel colored accents.

Small decorative accents such as lamps or picture frames usually feature shades such as light green or pastel pink. Similarly, white or off-white hues are typically used for large furniture items and on the room's walls. Vintage chandeliers are frequently selected by homeowners to add a nice touch to a room. Painted tin picture frames containing black and white photographs or equestrian prints can also be used to spruce up a plain wall.

Couch pillows and foot stools are usually upholstered in toile-inspired fabrics, while end tables are accented by vases containing fresh flowers, figurines or cute dog decor. Eclectic China pieces with floral patterns can be used to hold candles or teacups to further emphasize the warm, inviting look of the room.

When gathering accent items or furniture, one should attend estate auctions, and similar events such as garage sales and flea markets. Numerous shoppers also visit salvage yards or Chet herbicides for flawed furniture items that are being discarded, as these can be great places to locate items that will blend ideally with shabby chic home decor. Any dwelling featuring the aforementioned interior design will surely offer a warm and inviting environment for family members and their guests.




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