Shabby Chic Furniture Colors

Furniture can have a dramatic or subtle shabby chic look.

The term "shabby chic" refers to rustic yet stylish looking furniture and decor. Shabby chic furnishings come in many colors, with additional features that make the furniture look worn or old-fashioned. You can create a shabby chic look by painting a nightstand a certain color and using a sander around the corners and top to make it look older than it is.

Neutral Colors

Neutral colors such as white, ivory, gray and brown commonly showcase the shabby chic style. An ivory shabby chic bed has an ivory light color with worn areas around the corners that reveal a natural wooden look underneath. Some antique pieces have a natural wooden look on top with chipped paint revealing a neutral color such as gray or white underneath. Many pieces show chipped paint and several layers of colors from continual painting and wear and tear.

Blues

Blue is a common color used to create shabby chic furniture. You'll notice wooden antiques with light colors such as medium blue, baby blue and teal with worn edges and chipped corners. Blue has a country-like style, especially with certain pieces of furniture such as a kitchen table and matching chairs. Find a blue shabby chic table if you want to create an old-fashioned kitchen that includes plenty of antiques such as a rustic milk can, wooden baskets, old ice cream machines, pottery and wine barrels.

Greens

Green is another color that blends well with a shabby chic theme. You can create the look you want with all shades of green, such as forest green, pastel green, sage and medium green. Combining blue and green can also create a distinctive look. Paint the furniture blue, let it dry and then paint it green before sanding it down. The sander will unveil the blue color underneath.

Purples and Reds

All shades of purple and red can highlight the shabby chic look, especially when used together or painted over each other. Red has a barnyard or country look that makes it a good choice for a farm-style kitchen or country bedroom. Dark purple, lavender and medium purple can work with certain furniture pieces such as beds, dressers and other bedroom furniture.

References

• Style at Home Magazine: Rachel Ashwell's Guide to Shabby Chic Decorating

Resources

• Catalogs: Shabby Chic Furniture
• Color Hunter: Shabby Chic Color Palettes