4 Tips for Creating a Shabby & Chic Living Room

Even if you’ve never heard the phrase “Shabby Chic”, you are likely familiar with this design style. Over the past two decades, many homes, restaurants, and other businesses have embraced this decorating aesthetic. Traditional shabby chic design features a mix of antique furniture, soft fabrics, and light color tones, resulting in a space that is both beautiful and comfortable.

If you are looking to give your home a shabby chic makeover, there are some simple tricks that will help you achieve this look. Keep reading for tips on how to create a shabby & chic living room.

One of the key elements to the shabby chic design style is distressed furniture. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. 

Instead of purchasing furniture that has already been painted and distressed, give some of your current furniture a makeover. If you are looking to buy new furniture, scour flea markets, donation centers, and garage sales for inexpensive items that could be brought back to life.

To begin this project, you must first choose a paint color. White furniture always fits in to the shabby chic aesthetic, although you can also select accent colors like turquoise, light pink, gray, and shades of green.

Once you’ve selected your preferred color scheme, look online for tutorials on how to properly paint furniture, including what type of paint you should purchase based on the items you plan to refurbish. When the paint has dried, use sandpaper along the edges of top, drawers, cabinets, etc. This will give the piece a worn-in look.

Traditional shabby chic design uses a light, soft color scheme. When choosing your wall color, it’s important to keep this in mind. First, assess the furniture and fabrics that will occupy the room, then select a tone that will complement these belongings. An easy way to do this is to select a color that is featured in the area rug, curtains, or pillows. 

Many shabby chic living rooms are painted in a warm white, beige, or gray. These neutral walls fade into the background and allow the items in the room to shine. If you want to be more adventurous with the color on your walls, opt for a soothing eggshell blue, sage green, pale pink, or lilac purple.

One thing all shabby chic spaces have in common is that they incorporate a variety of fabrics. Create a space that is comfortable and inviting by covering your existing couch with a slipcover or purchase an overstuffed couch in a neutral color. 

Along with an upholstered couch, accent the room with other fabrics in traditional patterns and light colors. Mix and match pillows and dress the windows in floor-length curtains. Drape a quilted blanket over the back of the couch or place it in a wicker basket beside an armchair.

Shabby chic design uses accessories to make the space feel inviting and lived-in. To achieve this look, collect antiques, books, and other cottage-y knick knacks. Infuse your space with personal touches by introducing items like candles, vases with dried flowers, pictures in wooden frames, and keepsake boxes.

Above all, remember that shabby chic design can take time to achieve. Make a habit of visiting antique shops, second hand stores, and estate sales as you hunt for the perfect items. From weathered furniture to tarnished brass animal figurines, any items with an aged appearance are bound to complement this design style. Be patient as you shop and you will surely create a beautiful shabby & chic living room full of things you cherish.