Shabby chic in furniture

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

The style first appeared in Britain among the middle class and was a copy of the country style.

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

Old shabby chic furniture pieces are fairly simple pieces that have been painted and repainted countless times over the years. Due to long use, 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 similar design to old furniture. Finishing is done using the distress or distressed method. Two different coats of colour are applied and the top coat is sanded on the corners, edges and areas where it is thought to have been used more, so that the colour of the first coat applied shows through. For the aged look an ageing material - a patina - is finally applied. The colours used are neutral, usually white, shades of ecru, blue, pink, generally pastels. If paintings are made, vintage floral patterns are used, where roses occupy an important place. The style is always accompanied by other decorative elements such as decorative cushions, curtains with strings, cheerful chandeliers with floral elements, linen. All in the same warm, natural colours.

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

Photo sources:

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