How to Create a Shabby Chic Bedroom

Shabby chic style is a fun and affordable approach to home decorating. The interior design technique utilizes decorative pieces that have an aged look to them. Home furnishings like distressed tables, French linens and worn cabinets convey a provincial farmhouse feel. Create a bedroom with homespun charm by following the guidelines below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint
• Sandpaper

1. Evaluate your bedroom space to determine how you'll achieve shabby chic style. Figure out how you'll assimilate new items and transform the existing space.

2. Begin selecting items for your room. The best place to find timeworn treasures is thrift stores and flea markets. Also peruse garage and estate sales for items with a true sense of history. Select functionally sound items that show signs of age like tables with pealing layers of paint and primitive wooden shelves.

3. Work with furniture you already own to give it a worn look. Sand wooden tables, white wash dressers and distress other items to make them look aged. Check out various painting techniques that create a tatty yet tasteful appearance.

4. Hang embroidered flower artwork, antique mirrors, old family photos or any decorative wall accent that conveys cottage charm. Consider frames made of alley wood to develop the rustic feel.

5. Dress up your bed. Use a hand made or chenille quilt, soft linens and an assortment of pillows to create a cute and comfortable bed ensemble. Continue the shabby chic theme through the use of a wrought iron or rustic wood headboard.

6. Install light and airy window treatments. Hang sheers, cotton eyelet fabric or lace to add farmhouse flair.

7. Remember the details. Incorporate plenty of delicate glass knick knacks into the bedroom decor. Hang a crystal chandelier and scatter glass vases, candle holders and cherished mementoes around the room to add personality and charm.

Tips & Warnings

• Before buying new bedroom items, take a good look around your house and garage. One advantage of shabby chic decorating is its unrefined charm. Recycle old items by placing a slip cover over a less than perfect sofa or draping blankets over a ragged chair. Shabby chic is about unfussy elegance.
• See beyond the conventional purpose of items. Chairs may serve as bedside tables or use mismatched teacups as votive holders. Shabby chic style is eclectic and unconventional, so be creative!
• Settle on a soothing color pallet. White walls are the perfect foundation for shabby chic design. Then bring in contrasting pastels to keep a soft and comforting tone.
• Make sure your well-worn furniture pieces are sturdy and well constructed. While you want items to be rough around the edges, insure that they're still functional.