Exproperti.com – The term Shabby Chic (shabby chic and scruffy) means an old country-retro style, characterized by worn and almost stained wooden furniture, usually with light wooden bedding and white and sometimes bright floral accents. This is actually an interior design style, where furniture, accents and furnishings are almost aged, worn and yet the strength of the style is still evident. This style may be very relaxing to the eye, but definitely not very attractive! If you are searching for elegance, comfort, softness and subtle sophistication for your home, Shabby chic is definitely one to consider. And because this is such a versatile decorating style; it lends itself well to a number of rooms, from the more traditional home to a modern eclectic style.
Great Idea for Shabby Chic Furniture
In the Shabby Chic style there are no rules – it’s perfectly relaxed and casual. Therefore, you can use a lot of different items, from vintage furniture to kitsch modern items. Shabby chic furniture pieces may include tables, chairs, chests, mirrors, cedar planters, rustic sofas, rocking chairs and many more. There are no rules when it comes to Shabby chic; it’s about allowing your personality to shine through. Here are some great ideas for shabby chic furniture for the home.
If you love Shabby chic furniture but don’t want to go all the way with the aged look, then there are plenty of other ways to bring a bit of the past into your home. First of all, you could paint your furniture white. It gives the room a subtle antique feel, but doesn’t date the pieces. Alternatively, if you really want your furnishings to have that old charm, then why not consider using a colour that will brighten up the room?
Choosing the Right Soft Pastel Colors
Soft floral colours are often used in Shabby chic furniture, such as pale blue or pale pink. Paint the furniture in soft pastel shades, such as lilac or light blue, and let the furniture age naturally. In darker rooms, add a touch of dark blue, which will give it an ethereal quality. You could also choose pastel shades but choose pale ones, as they have just the right amount of light and colour. For an ultra-feminine touch, add a touch of pink to your shabby chic furniture.
To give your shabby chic furniture that extra bit of finishing touch, and to protect it from the elements, you could use good quality sandpaper on your cabinets, doors and windows. When choosing sandpaper for your project, make sure that it is made from natural products such as Ottoman sand and mineral dyes. Natural sandpaper is better for the environment and will be better able to withstand the effects of weathering. Look for loose grains for the best finish.
The Best Use of Cedar Or Rattan Furniture
Cedar and rattan furniture both make beautiful additions to any home – even if the pieces are shabby chic furniture. Cedar is a great choice because it is so durable. While rattan and wicker can crack and break, cedar won’t. It is also resistant to mold and mildew, making it ideal for families with children or pets. Both types of wood can also be painted to match your other decorating ideas, so if you want to keep your shabby chic furniture unique, paint it too.
When purchasing shabby chic furniture, be sure that the pieces you choose for your home are functional. Avoid buying items that are simply meant to look beautiful. Functional pieces include vases, baskets and dishes that you can use to store plants and flowers. They can also act as small tables when they are not being used as decorative pieces. Place a few plant hangers on the counter where you plan to put your shabby chic living room pieces. If you have accent rugs in the room, place them near the vases and dishes so that they will match.
One way to get your shabby chic furniture looking as it should is to lightly sand the surface of the piece before you start painting. This will help the paint adhere to the wood better and will help you avoid peeling. Before you start painting, use thin layers of paint that are dampened to just about so that they can accept the paint easily. Sanding takes away the need for painting over damaged areas so you can instead work on creating highlights in the areas you want to emphasize. After you are finished sanding, you can then prime and finish the job with more coats of paint to create the shabby chic look.
