Shabby chic in furniture

Shabby chic is a style of interior design where the furniture and interior decorations are either old, with obvious signs of wear and tear and use and reuse, or they are new but made to look old.

The style first appeared in the UK among the middle classes and was a copy of the country style.

The term was first used in the 1980s by The World of Interiors magazine, which first appeared in London and later went international. In the 1990s the style was also adopted in the USA, enriched with elements from France - Provence, Italy - Tuscany and Greece.

Antique shabby chic furniture pieces are fairly simple pieces that have been painted and repainted countless times over the years. Due to long use and wear and tear, all these layers become visible on the corners and edges that are used more often. They are often decorated and painted with flowers, garlands and angels.

The new shabby chic pieces have a design similar to old furniture. Finishing is done by the distress or 'distressing' method. Two different coats of color are applied, and the top coat is sanded on the corners, edges, and areas where it is assumed to have been used more, so that the color of the first coat applied shows through. An ageing material - a patina - is finally applied for the aged look. The colors used are neutrals, usually white, shades of ecru, blue, pink, generally pastels. If paintings are made, vintage floral patterns are used, with roses taking a prominent place. The style is always accompanied by other decorative elements such as decorative cushions, string curtains, cheerful chandeliers with floral elements, linens. All in the same warm and natural colors.

The term shabby chic covers quite a broad spectrum. It's a romantic, light, pleasant style, made especially for women. A shabby chic home or room will always be warm and inviting, inviting guests to linger a moment longer over a cup of coffee and a homemade cake.

Photo sources:

Etsy | Digs Digs | Santa Mariah Depot | Tidy | Decor10Blog | Design Fair | LadyLimoges (Tumblr)