Make Your Room Shabby Chic

If you just love a casual look that will let you display all your flea market finds and items from estate sales, you need to let your room go Shabby Chic.

Shabby chic isn't an American style at all and actually has its roots in the British countryside where homes feature age-worn items like faded fabrics, old paintings, and furniture with chipping paint, also called the 'distressed' look.

You do not want a room full of junk, the entire goal of a shabby chic decor is to convey a feeling of old time elegance that is casual, warm and welcoming. Old furniture is usually recycled to continue its usefulness. If you add a new item to your room, go for the aged or distressed look to keep the mood "old".

Many French country items and Shaker elements are virtually interchangeable with the Shabby chic look. Rustic looks and simple designs are all part of the look. Your furniture pieces themselves should be large and heavy or very delicate. There is no in between in a Shabby Chic decor. Think functional or think antique look and it should make the choosing of your items easy.

The upholstery of your furniture should be light and have a minimum of decoration. If you do not want to reupholster, you can usually get by with a well made slip cover. Keep your window treatments light and simple. Linens are often used to give the room a light and airy feel.

Other design elements you can add are soft and fluffy pillows, any distressed furnishings, lighting made out of small chandeliers and adding floral arrangements to the room will add greatly to the Shabby Chic decor.
 posted by Home Decor Experts - Iron Accents