Lucas Delgado
Shabby chic is a style of interior decoration that uses furnishings that appear old and slightly worn. This style can be achieved by refurbishing old furniture and incorporating linens and vintage accessories. When it comes to colour, shabby chic focuses on bright whites, dull whites, light grey, and pastels. Floral prints, lace, and chandeliers are also common elements of shabby chic decor. For a dining room, a shabby chic table can be created by sanding down an old table and painting it with shabby chic furniture paint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colours | Bright whites, dull whites, light grey, pastels (blue, purple, pink, green) |
| Furniture | Repurpose old furniture, refurbish some furniture, add some modern pieces |
| Decor | Floral curtains, oriental rug, simple greenery, lace, chandeliers, fresh flowers, floral arrangements, vintage accessories |
| Style | French country, romantic, simple, inexpensive |
| Techniques | Sanding, Shabby Chic Furniture Paint, ageing painting technique, imperfections |
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What You'll Learn
Use bright whites, dull whites, light grey, and soft pastel colours
Shabby chic is all about blending vintage, rustic, and romantic elements to create a unique, eclectic, and playful atmosphere. The style is known for its soft, muted pastel colour palette, including whites, creams, pale pinks, light blues, and soft greens.
When decorating a shabby-chic dining room in bright whites, dull whites, light greys, and soft pastel colours, it is important to create a warm and inviting space. Use a variety of shades and textures of white, such as a warm white with a matte finish on walls, doors, and cabinets to create a soft, inviting feel to the room. Layering different shades of white will add depth to the room while keeping the palette harmonious. Don't be afraid to use as much white as you want.
To add interest and depth to the room, incorporate a range of soft pastel colours through accessories and decorative accents. Soft pastel-coloured flower arrangements or floral curtains can bring a romantic feel to the room, while vintage accessories in light grey or pastel hues, such as a rustic wooden table or a vintage coffee table with peeling paint, will add to the shabby-chic aesthetic. Incorporate linens and vintage fabrics like linen and lace, which should look loved and well-used.
To enhance the comfort and visual appeal of your dining room, introduce plenty of throw pillows, comfortable throws, and ruffled fabrics in pastel colours. Balance these delicate touches with organic materials such as distressed wood, natural stone, marble, rattan, and wrought iron.
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Repurpose old furniture
Shabby chic is a popular trend that involves reusing old pieces and upcycling them into new pieces. The style is very warm and friendly, and it allows imperfections to be intentional. Here are some ways you can repurpose old furniture to create a shabby-chic dining room:
Choose the Right Furniture
Select a piece of wooden furniture that you want to transform. Shabby chic typically involves ornate, French-style furniture painted in delicate cream or pastel colours. You can also opt for white tables and dining chairs, two-tone, or rustic brown.
Prepare the Workspace
Cover all items and flooring in your workspace with dust sheets. If possible, work outside or in a shed. Clean all surfaces and strip away any layers of polish, wax, or paint to reveal the wood beneath. This technique will not work on laminated (plastic-coated) furniture or MDF.
Sand the Furniture
Use a handheld electric sander or coarse sandpaper to remove old paint or varnish. If your piece has noticeable scratches or dents, use fine-grade sandpaper to gently sand them out. Once you're finished, hoover and wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
Paint the Furniture
Choose a paint colour that aligns with the shabby-chic aesthetic, such as soft pastels, creamy whites, pale pinks, or pastel blues. Carefully paint your piece of furniture, navigating the nooks and crannies without overloading the paint. You want to preserve the beautiful detailing of the furniture.
Wax the Furniture
After the paint has dried, apply one or two coats of furniture wax to finish and protect your piece. Work in sections, applying a thin coat of wax and gently wiping it down with a lint-free cloth.
By following these steps, you can repurpose old furniture to create a charming and unique shabby-chic dining room.
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Incorporate florals, lace, and chandeliers
When designing a shabby chic dining room, florals, lace, and chandeliers can be key elements in achieving a romantic and soft appeal.
Florals
Flowers and floral patterns are a staple in shabby chic design. Fresh or silk flowers can be used as centrepieces or decor accents, adding a soft and romantic touch to the dining room. Floral window treatments, such as curtains, can also be incorporated to bring in a French country vibe. Faded florals, particularly in pinks and blues, made popular by Rachel Ashwell, can be used in tablecloths, chair cushions, or other textiles.
Lace
Lace is a delicate fabric that adds texture and a feminine touch to the dining room. It can be used as table runners, tablecloths, or even as ruffled slipcovers for dining chairs. Combining lace with floral patterns can create a layered and interesting look.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are another essential element in shabby chic style, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. Crystal chandeliers, in particular, can create a French countryside feel. When paired with simple greenery, chandeliers can become a stunning focal point of the room. For a more rustic approach, a wagon wheel light fixture can be used as a unique alternative to a traditional chandelier.
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Add vintage accessories and antiques
When adding vintage accessories and antiques to your shabby chic dining room, it's important to remember that this style embraces imperfections and a mix of old and new. Here are some ideas to achieve this look:
Furniture
Look for vintage or antique furniture pieces with unique imperfections that add character to your dining room. This could include a statement piece like a cabinet or writing desk, or smaller items such as a wooden block door stop. Vintage and antique furniture in light, pale colours, paired with white décor, creates an airy and elegant feel. Consider painting your furniture in soft pastel or white colours, or embracing the ageing process with an ageing painting technique to create a weathered look.
Accessories
Vintage accessories can add charm and character to your dining room. Hang a silver or white-framed mirror to add depth to the room. Incorporate antique ceramics, glass items, and metal decorations as centrepieces or display items. Vintage-inspired photo frames, lace, and floral china bottles or dishes can also add a delicate touch to your dining room.
Lighting
A crystal chandelier is a classic addition to a shabby chic dining room, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. For a more vintage lighting option, consider shabby chic lamps with retro lampshades to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Textiles
Mix and match cushions, bedspreads, and tablecloths in linen or other soft fabrics with floral prints or embroidery to create a cosy and romantic feel. Incorporating vintage rugs, especially in floral patterns or pastel colours, can also add a unique touch to your dining room floor.
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Use the ageing painting technique (shabby chic furniture paint)
Shabby chic is a style of interior decoration that uses furnishings that are or appear to be pleasantly old and slightly worn. To achieve the ageing painting technique for a shabby chic look, you can use Chalk Paint™, which was specifically developed by Annie Sloan for this purpose. This paint allows you to create a range of effects, including ageing, without requiring extensive prep work. All you need is the paint, some sandpaper, and Chalk Paint™ Wax to seal in your finish.
Before painting, ensure your furniture is clean and free of dust. If your furniture has a heavy coat of gloss, use a handheld electric sander to speed up the process. If it's only painted, coarse sandpaper will do the trick. You may need to strip away layers of polish, wax, or paint to reveal the wood beneath, but be careful not to strip off the natural wood. Once you're done sanding, hoover and wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
Now, it's time to paint. Choose a colour that suits your desired aesthetic. Apply a coat of paint and let it dry. If you want a two-tone look, paint your first coat, let it dry, apply wax, and then paint a different colour for the second coat. The topcoat will come off in places, giving a worn look and revealing the undercoat. You can also use a wax candle to create a cracking or peeling effect. Rub the wax candle on your furniture wherever you want cracking or peeling, and the paint will roll and peel where the wax is applied.
Once your first coat of paint is dry, gently sand it with fine sandpaper to rough it up and help the next layer of paint grip better. This also adds to the distressed look. Focus on areas that would naturally experience wear and tear, such as edges, corners, and surfaces that would be frequently touched. You can also use a putty knife scraper in some of the grooves for extra character. Be moderate in your sanding, aiming for a delicate ageing effect.
After sanding, apply one or two coats of furniture wax to finish your piece and protect it. To bring out the cracks, apply Dark Chalk Paint™ Wax, pushing it into the brush marks for an authentic aged finish. Wipe off any excess wax with a lint-free cloth and let it dry. Your painted furniture doesn't need to look perfect—embrace the imperfections and the appearance of something that has faded and worn over the years.
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Frequently asked questions
Shabby chic decorating colours include all shades of soft and creamy white, pale pink and purple, pastel blue and green, and light grey with a touch of brown.
Shabby chic is a style of interior decoration that uses furnishings that are or appear to be pleasantly old and slightly worn. You can use vintage or antique furniture, or repurpose older items to make them appear worn. Shabby chic furniture is often painted in soft pastels or white.
Accessories for a shabby chic dining room include flowers (fresh or silk), candles, and a crystal chandelier. You can also use lace, linen tablecloths, and floral prints or fabrics.
