- Thrift stores, yard sales and furniture pieces that were about to go in the recycle bin are the way to go for shabby chic. Wood is the easiest to work with, but you can opt for any type of material. The beauty of the shabby chic pieces is that color, style or original look doesn't matter, because you are going to refurbish them anyway. Sand off any original veneer, paint or finish and then spray with an array of metallic, colorful or matching paints. Finish off the pieces with a sealer and you're good to go. For the best uniform look, pick a single color theme for all furniture pieces that can be painted and use matching throws, faux fur pieces or even old skirts to cover couch and chair cushions.
- Outfit shabby chic walls with other treasures you find at thrift stores or yard sales or create your own wall art out of recycled materials. Hooking up frames to match the refinished furniture automatically adds unity to the room. You can also opt for framed pieces of material, wallpaper samples or a collage of three-dimensional items you paint a single hue. Repaint ornamental candle holders and wall light fixtures and outfit them with decorative glass bulbs or shades to bring the room together even more. Paint the walls with a base coat of muted eggshell so the focus stays on the artwork, or have fun with three colors of paint in the same color family that you splotch on with sea sponges. Don't forget to paint the ceiling to match the walls.
- The small details are what make any room complete, and shabby chic decor is no exception. Go for throw rugs that bring together the colors of the room or paint wooden floors in a contrasting hue. Switch the furniture knobs to decorative brass or silver pieces. Cover light switches with wallpaper samples, a contrasting paint or use paint pens to scroll ornamental designs. Knick-knacks can be refurbished by also painting them to match the decor, as can old chandeliers and other fixtures.
