Shabby Chic House Decor and Style

July 23, 2024

By: The Finished Space

Shabby Chic Still Life

Dreaming of living in a home that blends comfort, charm, and elegance without breaking the bank? Welcome to the Shabby Chic house decor style!

It’s an affordable home decor style that has a variety of colors, layouts, moulding options, window design, doors, furniture ideas—and more.

Want to know how you can create a shabby chic home decor? Then keep reading—because we’re about to take an up close look at everything you need to know in this guide.

What is the Shabby Chic Design Aesthetic?

For Blog Only - Green Cabinet Kitchen

The Shabby Chic design aesthetic is a delightful mix of vintage charm and modern comfort. It’s about creating a space that feels both timeless and lived-in, filled with soft colors, distressed finishes, and elegant details. This style embraces imperfections and often features repurposed or upcycled furniture, which makes it both eco-friendly and budget-conscious.

Shabby Chic homes convey a sense of warmth and personality, with every piece of décor telling a story. The key to achieving this look is to balance rustic elements with delicate, romantic touches in order to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

The Layouts of a Shabby Chic House Design

Shabby Chic house layouts typically emphasize openness and flow. Here are some layout ideas that are perfect for the Shabby Chic design style:

  • Open Concept: This layout combines the kitchen, dining, and living areas to create a spacious and cohesive environment.

  • Nooks and Crannies: The Shabby Chic style favors cozy corners and alcoves with built-in seating or shelves that are perfect for reading or displaying treasures.

  • Flowing Rooms: This layout ensures a natural flow between rooms with wide doorways and consistent themes.

Common Colors Associated with a Shabby Chic House

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Colors play a crucial role in setting the tone for a Shabby Chic home. Here are some of the most common colors featured in this style:

  • Soft Whites: Soft white colors provide a clean, airy feel that serves as the perfect backdrop for other colors to shine.

  • Pastel Pink: This color adds a touch of femininity and warmth that is ideal for the Shabby Chic style.

  • Calm Blues: These colors offer a calming and soothing vibe that fits well into the design style.

  • Light Grays: These neutral colors introduce a modern touch while maintaining a soft appearance that is ideal for the Shabby Chic style.

  • Antique Beige: This color evokes a sense of nostalgia and vintage charm that fits perfectly into the design style.

Design Elements of a Shabby Chic Home Decor

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What else should you include in your Shabby Chic home design? Here are some of the elements you’ll find in a Shabby Chic home:

Doors and Door Frames

Vintage-style doors with distressed finishes or soft pastel paints are essential in setting the tone. For door frames, consider ornate moulding options that add a touch of elegance. Check out our vintage-inspired doors for an idea of the kind of door you should choose for your Shabby Chic home.

Window Designs

Windows in a Shabby Chic home should let in plenty of light. Think large, paned windows with sheer curtains or lace drapes. We’re also huge fans of casement windows with distressed wood frames.

Trim and Moulding Options

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Moulding and trim are an important part of a polished look. Ornate and detailed mouldings, like our Primed Ultralite MDF Crown and Primed MDF Chair Rail, are the ideal additions to your Shabby Chic home!

10 Affordable Furniture and Décor Ideas for Shabby Chic Style Houses

Transforming your home into a designer’s dream doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are 10 affordable Shabby Chic home decor ideas:

1. Distressed Wooden Furniture

Pieces that show their age with chipped paint and worn edges add character and charm to your space. Look for old wooden tables, chairs, and cabinets at thrift stores or flea markets.

2. Vintage Mirrors

Add depth and light to rooms with ornate, vintage mirrors. Mirrors not only create an illusion of space, they also reflect light to make your rooms feel brighter.

3. Floral Fabrics

Use floral patterns for cushions, curtains, and upholstery to bring in a romantic touch. Decorating with soft pastel florals can add a feminine and inviting feel to any room.

4. Upcycled Furniture

Repurpose old furniture with a fresh coat of paint. An old dresser or nightstand can be transformed into a statement piece with some creative painting.

5. Chandeliers

Add an elegant focal point with a vintage or faux-vintage chandelier. Elegant lighting fixtures can elevate the look of any room to provide a touch of sophistication.

6. Antique Picture Frames

Show off photos and art in distressed or pastel-painted frames. Frames can be found at antique shops or made by repainting and distressing newer frames.

7. Lace Accents

Incorporate lace doilies, table runners, or curtains for a soft, vintage feel. Lace can add a delicate and feminine touch to your décor that fits perfectly into the Shabby Chic design style.

8. Wicker Baskets

Use wicker baskets for storage or as decorative elements. They’re perfect for organizing while adding a rustic touch to your design.

9. Vintage Clocks

Bring in character with an antique or retro clock that can serve as both functional and decorative elements.

10. Soft Rugs

Layering rugs in soft colors and patterns is another way to add warmth and coziness. Choose rugs with floral patterns, pastel colors, or distressed finishes.

Looking for more design ideas? Check out these Shabby Chic living room décor ideas and designs for more inspiration!

Start Living the Shabby Chic Life Today!

Shabby Chic

Are you ready to embrace the stylish and inviting Shabby Chic house design? 

You can achieve this charming aesthetic by using the right colors, layouts, moulding, and affordable Shabby Chic home décor.

If you’re interested in starting a Shabby Chic transformation, contact us today to learn more.