[ads1] Shabby chic, as a style solution, is rarely used in the design of residential premises. Presentable classics, industrial design and Scandinavian decor are more in demand.
But shabby contains what residents of big cities, immersed in work and everyday worries, lack: romance, tenderness, leisurelyness, tranquility, charm and comfort. Translated into Russian, “shabby chic” means “shabby”.
As it turns out, this trend also has its fans.
This style solution is most suitable for bedroom design. A relaxation room decorated in this style seems to immerse us in carefree childhood years and gives us a feeling of security. This type of decoration is relaxing, which is especially important for the bedroom.
Story
This style arose through the efforts of Rachel Ashwell, a famous designer from America. She was born into a creative family, her father was fond of second-hand books, and her mother was engaged in restoring old children's toys.
Since childhood, Rachel has visited antique shops and bazaars where antiques were sold. She was surrounded everywhere by antiques that aroused admiration for their elegance and delicacy.
Having matured, the future designer moved to the American state of California and began working as a stylist in the growing entertainment industry.
Over time, Rachel managed to realize herself as an interior designer. She is the founder of a network of retail outlets offering products for home interiors in the shabby chic style.
How you can decorate a modern loft-style bedroom in an original way: the best photo ideas for bedroom design in an industrial style.
The criteria for choosing furniture for a Baroque bedroom are described in this article.
Basic style requirements
The dominant color in the style palette is, of course, white. But not snow-white, but creamy, the color of baked milk or ivory. Snow-white paint turns into this shade after several decades of fading under the sun's rays. The auxiliary colors used in the design should also be faded, faded: blue, lilac, pink, sea green. Bright colors and saturated tones are categorically rejected.
Bronze trim parts, fittings and lamps also cannot sparkle with polished metal - a patina, natural or artificial, is required.
The same requirement applies to objects of fine art - paintings must be stylized as old masters, the frames must be aged, watercolors and engravings must be made in soft, calm colors. Avant-garde or expressionism does not fit well with the shabby chic style.
Windows and doors
Modern materials do not fit into the stylistic requirements of shabby chic. Plastic windows and MDF doors are completely unsuitable. As a last resort, you can use high-quality laminating film that imitates wood, and also select or make bronze fittings. But it is better, of course, to install windows and doors made of natural solid wood. The paint and bronze structural details, like everything in a shabby chic bedroom, should be aged.
Shabby chic style bedroom includes wooden windows and doors
Furniture
It was furniture that stood at the cradle of style. It serves as one of its most important, expressive elements. When selecting furniture, the following criteria are followed:
- material – solid wood;
- Baroque or Rococo style, the embodiment of palace luxury;
- the paint should be matte, varnishing is not recommended or will be rubbed off;
- cream tones and other warm shades of white;
- good condition, but definitely old.
Modern imitation of classical styles, subjected to artificial aging, abrasions, cracks and patina, is allowed.
Lighting
The main lighting is provided by a large and heavy chandelier. Massive chains, large metal rims, and crystal pendants will make an invaluable contribution to the overall impression of the bedroom. Material: bronze plated with gold. A few cracked pendants and some faded “gilding” will add completeness and stylistic unity to the look.
Wall lamps and floor lamps are selected in a similar style. An important accessory will be a bronze table lamp on the bedside table. A fabric lampshade that matches the walls and curtains will successfully complement the design of the bedroom.
Electrical wiring, sockets, and switches must also be period appropriate. It is better to make external, twisted wiring, using silk braided wires over insulation. Insulators for wiring, sockets and switches should be made of porcelain. Of course, the porcelain should be yellowed and covered with a network of microcracks.
In an economical finishing option, it is permissible to use hidden wiring and electrical fittings in cream shades.
Textiles and accessories
Textiles are the next most important element of style after furniture. Textiles should be found everywhere in the bedroom and complement the impression of aged, “shabby” luxury. Covers on furniture, bedspreads on the bed, upholstery of armchairs, sofas and chairs - ruffles, frills, and fringed decorations should reign everywhere.
The color of the fabric is common to the entire design. The fabric does not contrast with the other finishing elements, but harmoniously complements them. Drawings in the form of small stripes, checks or small prints in the form of angels or cute animals, pastoral scenes will complete the formation of a holistic impression of the interior.
Shabby chic bedroom textiles
A shabby chic bedroom should be full of accessories. Figures made of plaster, porcelain, bronze candlesticks and writing utensils, wall and table clocks - not a single item will be superfluous. Elegant shelves, mantelpieces, and countertops are suitable for placement. The image will be complemented by numerous boxes and caskets, handicraft items, hats, hairpins - you can buy half of the flea market and not be mistaken. The requirements for them are simple: they must be light and shabby.
Design specifics
Let's try to understand the characteristic features of this style direction. Among its main features are:
- predominance of pastel shades;
- vintage furniture with signs of wear;
- expensive textiles.
Such interiors should contain many antique decorative elements: luxurious lighting fixtures, carved frames for photographs and artistic canvases, vases with a figured, sometimes bizarre configuration.
The main feature is that, despite the large number of antique items and a certain carelessness, all the details form an overall complete composition that looks luxurious and elegant.
On a note! A bedroom decorated in this style harmonizes perfectly with the living room, which has a classic design.
Bedroom decoration: step-by-step instructions
The bedroom, like no other room, is suitable for implementing this concept. In this room it is important to create an atmosphere of home comfort and you can use textiles to the maximum.
A zone of personal space is created in the bedroom, and it should be comfortable. That's why it's important to start with planning. At this stage, it is worth calculating the placement of objects to the nearest centimeter, and also taking into account the basic design rules at each stage.
Color scheme and ornaments
Thanks to a successful combination of colors, the interior of a shabby chic bedroom will be cozy and expressive. The simplicity of the design lies in the fact that there are no strict restrictions on the choice of shades. But there are rules that set the direction:
- up to 60% of the interior should be decorated in white or light and soft colors;
- it is important to use contrasts;
- Combinations of warm and cold shades are acceptable;
- It is necessary to follow the rule of three colors (the basis of the interior).
In combination with your favorite shades, it is worth using different types of floral patterns to the maximum. They can be used in decoration, textiles, or be part of the decor. In addition to the floral theme, you can use the following types of ornaments in your design:
- Arabic lattice;
- damask pattern;
- Paisley;
- arabesques.
More: Decorating a bedroom in boho style
It is not recommended to use all kinds of geometric motifs; there should be fewer angles and lines. Therefore, it is better not to use vertical and horizontal stripes, diamonds and “crow’s feet” in the interior or use them in minimal quantities.
The main thing is to evenly combine plain materials with floral, openwork or patterned additions.
Important! The classic version uses floral motifs that are evenly distributed in the interior on a light background.
Finishing
When starting finishing, you need to clearly know what materials will be used to decorate every centimeter in the bedroom. There are two ways to create a harmonious basis for a shabby chic bedroom - a neutral background or a stylized finish.
If the first option is chosen, you need to paint the walls and ceiling with white or beige paint, and decorate the floor with any type of wood. But the second method will allow you to get a more aesthetic and expressive interior. Here's what you need to know about renovations.
- Wall decoration. You can decorate them with wallpaper, natural wood panels, decorative plaster, and stucco. Light wallpaper with a chalk floral pattern is suitable. It is better to decorate the walls in light pastel colors; you can use materials with gilding or silver ornaments.
- Flooring. The most successful option is a floor made of English luxury wood. You can use stylish oak parquet or laminate that imitates natural wood. On top it can be covered with a light carpet with a heraldic pattern or floral print.
- Ceiling finishing. There are no specific requirements, but it is better to plan everything so that this part remains snow-white. You can take a stretch fabric, simply paint it and add stucco.
In the bedroom, you can use textiles to decorate the walls; leather upholstery is also welcome, but not lacquered, but artificially aged, but neat. You can use a board with a panel to decorate the lower section of the walls, and cover the top with paint or paste over it with stylish wallpaper with gold plating.
Helpful advice: you need to try to plan everything so that the beauty of the decoration does not distract attention from the rest of the stylized decoration of the room.
Furniture
A creative approach will help you choose the most suitable furniture for your shabby chic bedroom. There are no strict rules, but it is important that all interior elements look like antique relics.
If it is difficult to find such models on sale, you can purchase used antique furniture and remake it yourself, or entrust this task to professional restorers.
Here are the basic recommendations for choosing furniture for the bedroom:
- it should be luxurious, but without glamorous gloss;
- all items must have “imprints of time”; they can be aged artificially;
- elements of patina are welcome;
- you can use the illusion of cracked paint, this effect is achieved through the use of a special artistic technique when painting;
- elements that imitate traces of a bark beetle are acceptable;
- Only natural materials are used - wood, metal, glass.
Particularly chic will be the presence in the interior of antique items that are not used today. For example, a chest of drawers for linen in the form of an antique chest, real cast candlesticks. Here are a few ready-made ideas:
- to store clothes you can use a classic English chest of drawers or a French armoire;
- the bed can be forged, with beautiful ornate railings and a large backrest;
- wicker items painted white or beige will look stylish;
- you can use furniture made of solid wood, large and gothic with acroterions and pilasters;
- it is permissible to use classic furniture with gilding and openwork carvings;
- the fittings can be made of white metal with blackening, you can use heavy and large forging or copper handles and latches with an oxide coating;
- you can combine different textures, materials and even take furniture from different styles.
More: Bedroom in green, design rules, photos, features
Along with antique and vintage elements, you can use high-quality modern furniture made in a consistent style.
Important! It is worth doing everything so that the accents in the interior do not shift, so it is better to additionally highlight all objects made “antique” - with light or color.
Decor
You can use a large number of stylized decorations in the bedroom interior. Even if there is too much decor, it will not spoil the shabby chic atmosphere; on the contrary, it will make the style more expressive. Here are the decoration options:
- antique boxes;
- figurines made of wood, metal, ceramics;
- porcelain dolls;
- hanging flower pots with flowering plants;
- gilded or silver candlesticks, vases, stands;
- paintings in artificially aged frames;
- embossing, wood carving;
- decorative pillows;
- decoupage
Any handmade products made in the same style and color scheme can harmoniously complement the bedroom interior. Even small decorative details can make the bedroom more comfortable and emphasize the individuality of the interior.
Lighting
Since the bedroom is a room for night sleep and rest, lighting should correspond to the intended purpose of the room. It is not necessary to make the light solemnly bright, like in the living room. It can be soft and muted. There are three types of lamps you can use in the bedroom:
- main chandelier - in the central part of the room (with a fabric lampshade, candelabrum, forged model);
- small vintage lamps on the bedside tables;
- lighting for the dressing table area or dressing table.
You can additionally use floor lamps or pendant models. The main thing is not to use neon lighting, rough industrial spotlights and Edison lamps in the Loft style.
Textile
A large number of natural fabrics in the bedroom interior is the main feature of the Shabby chic style. An unsuccessful solution is to use more than three different textures.
The best option is to use different types of textiles, made in the same color or with similar patterns. Here are some fabric products that can be used in decoration:
- openwork curtains, lampshades, decorative capes;
- blankets, bedspreads, curtains and pillows in floral patterns;
- neutral velvet and velor elements;
- upholstery made of brocade, fabrics with metal threads;
- knitted products;
- curtains with lambrequins and fringe.
Despite the fact that the style implies handmade decor, various rustic motifs, ruffles and patchwork can spoil the overall picture of the bedroom interior.
More: Children's room for two boys of different ages
Color palette
White should dominate the decoration of the room: the ceiling, wall surfaces and even the flooring are decorated in snow-white tones.
Furniture is also chosen in a similar range. Naturally, the bedroom should not resemble a ward in a medical facility, so pastel colors are added to the white palette.
The following shades are suitable for the bedroom interior:
- pink;
- delicate green;
- light blue;
- cream;
- peach;
- wheat
The dominant colors in the interiors are beige and soft pink, a shade of baked milk. The tones to which things of rich color come after many years of constant use, shades, are characteristic purely of antique interiors.
The combination of these shades fills the atmosphere of the room with calmness and tranquility.
Finishing walls, floors and ceilings
Wall decoration may look rough. The walls are plastered and then whitewashed or brickwork painted white. Beams with boards can also be used for cladding.
If you like wallpaper, give preference to delicate patterns in pastel colors, stripes, and floral prints.
A photo wallpaper depicting an old painting will help focus attention on one of the walls.
The ceiling surface must be matte. You can use decorations in the form of stucco in small quantities to create the effect of faded, shabby gilding.
The ceiling decoration, reminiscent of cracked paint, looks very presentable. The peeling coating emphasizes the spirit of antiquity in the room.
The most suitable flooring for a bedroom with a shabby design is light-colored boards or artificially aged parquet.
Under no circumstances use suspended ceiling structures or linoleum in a bedroom with romantic decor. The classics of such an interior are wooden coverings.
Furnishings
For a bedroom with a shabby chic interior, it is best to purchase antique furniture purchased from an antique shop. But antiques are expensive, so instead you can use skillfully aged imitation furniture, characterized by smooth shapes characteristic of Baroque and Rococo, simple items in Provencal style and country design.
What in other style solutions is perceived as a defect - chips, peeling paintwork, scratches - on the contrary, is considered an advantage.
It is not at all necessary to spend money on buying antiques or looking for things at flea markets: modern furniture manufacturers produce a lot of goods in this style.
Pieces of furniture can be transformed using the decoupage technique.
Upholstered furniture should have light fabric upholstery with floral prints - for example, small rosebuds.
Furniture with covers made of coarse linen will fit organically into such a setting.
The main furniture element in the room is the bed. You can choose wooden furniture or metal with forged parts, with a spacious and comfortable bed.
A bed with a modern design can also be given a charm that matches the style by showing imagination when decorating the headboard.
Unvarnished boards on the floor, an old wooden door leaf can be turned into a luxurious headboard if desired.
The setting is ideally suited to a bed with a beautiful canopy, giving the room additional coziness.
You can use an antique chest of drawers or a closet to store clothes and bedding.
On a note! Furniture with signs of wear makes shabby chic similar to Provençal design. But in Provence, massive pieces of furniture made of wood are used.
Shabby chic - an incredible and romantic mix of styles
The combination of interior elements from various interior design styles allows you to create a unique design that will radiate coziness and comfort, creating a favorable atmosphere with a romantic touch. Country style has many manifestations when decorating rooms in the “shabby chic” style. Most often it manifests itself in the use of finishing techniques for various surfaces. Wooden beams on the ceiling, as a symbol of home comfort and warmth, came into the shabby chic style from the country style; in many national styles you can see similar design solutions dictated by a long history. The use of ceramic or stone tiles for flooring can rarely be found in the design of rooms for sleeping and relaxation. This is also the influence of country style on the design of shabby chic bedrooms - a practical and effective approach, however, more suitable for households located in the south.
Initially, the shabby chic style became a contrast to minimalism, with its love for decor, embellishment and an abundance of various interior items that do not carry a functional load. But the modern interpretation of the “shabby style” opens up the boundaries to a lot of possibilities. Why not try combining elements of minimalism with a love of antiques or modern interior items, effectively aged specifically for such interior design options?
The shabby chic style has a lot to do with such styles as rococo and baroque. Graceful curves of furniture, luxurious chandeliers, the use of carved elements coated with gold or silver, candelabra, forged candlesticks - all these elements will enrich the interior of a bedroom in the style of shabby chic only if they bear the stamp of time in their appearance or are effectively aged. If the bedroom has enough space to install a fireplace, then the luxury of Baroque and Rococo styles will be more than appropriate for decorating the hearth.
Textiles and decorative elements
The interiors must certainly contain numerous textile products: curtains consisting of several layers of airy fabric, beautiful bedspreads, decorative pillows.
All items must be made from light-colored materials of natural origin. Frills, fabric draperies, lace decor, ruffles - all this fits perfectly into the design.
This direction is the complete opposite of the restrained high-tech design filled with artificial materials and geometric shapes.
The dressing table can be decorated with a napkin or a knitted tablecloth. If you are into needlework, knit an original lampshade or decorate textiles with embroidery.
Small roses and angelic faces are the best motifs for hand embroidery, ideally matching the style features of the interior.
Cover the floor with a natural light-colored carpet or a beautifully woven mat.
To decorate the room, you can also use antique candelabra, mirrors framed in faded, carved frames, lamps with lampshades, a variety of forged items, porcelain figurines, glass vases, clocks and antique toys.
Tip: focus your decor on vintage decorative elements, natural materials and presentable bedding. Give yourself the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sensual world of romance from the comfort of your own bedroom.
Lighting
[ads2] The main source of light in a bedroom with a romantic design should be a chandelier. Give preference to a massive lighting fixture with a beautiful lampshade or crystal pendants.
Avoid chrome in the palette - bronze, gold and silver shades should dominate.
For additional lighting, it is recommended to use lamps with fabric lampshades: place them on bedside tables.
For more romance, you can light candles in the evenings.
Antique candlesticks will fit perfectly into such a setting.
The best design ideas and nuances of decorating a bedroom in the Provence style: many examples in the photo gallery.
You can view a selection of photos of bedroom interiors in the Art Deco style here.
Which high-tech curtains for the bedroom are considered the best? Read the answer in the article at:
Shabby chic bedroom furniture
Choosing furniture accessories for a shabby chic bedroom interior is not entirely easy. Modern furniture manufacturers are not helping you in this matter.
You will have to look for a bed, chairs, ottomans, cabinets, tables, an old chest of drawers, mirrors, as well as “nice little things” for the furnishings in antique and consignment stores, in the markets of old things, in the barns and attics of our forefathers. A prerequisite must be the good quality of all these items.
It can be restored to its well-groomed appearance using modern design techniques.
Shabby chic furniture is usually made from natural, white-painted and light-varnished old wood or ornate wrought iron. If the item has not been used or is new, then it must be visually aged.
This is done using special techniques - small chips, small cracks, and remnants of old paint appear. Such work should be done by a specialist designer, so as not to “overdo it” and complete the task with artistic taste.
The bedroom is a place for sleeping, the bed plays a major role in it. In this style, it would be quite appropriate to install a large wrought iron bed coated with copper or bronze. A wooden bed made of any type of wood will also look good if the effects of aging the material are successfully applied.
A “royal model” with a canopy may be an excellent option for decorating a bed. This really will turn out to be a GORGEOUS bedroom in the style of past centuries!
And one more condition - you should not clutter up the space even with the most beautiful and exquisite things. Remember that shabby chic design in the bedroom implies a lot of light and sunny space in the room, then it will become a real decoration in your home or apartment.
Arrangement of a bedroom in the attic
In the shabby chic style direction, you can decorate not only an ordinary bedroom, but also a bedroom located in the attic.
A bedroom in the attic area is a non-standard solution that will surely appeal to romantically minded people. Many years ago, poor people lived in attics; today, famous designers are happy to design such premises.
The decor of the sleeping area in the attic room can be done with your own hands.
The distinctive features of the attic are the sloping ceiling and limited space. But even in a small area you can place a compact bed with a dressing table.
Accessories will help complete the furniture set. Place a soft cream-colored bedspread with numerous ruffles on the bed and don't forget about decorative pillows with frills. You can place an elegant vase on the table, and place a lace napkin under it.
A ceiling surface covered with wood will make the atmosphere more natural, since these are the types of ceilings that are most often found in attics.
The advantages of a bedroom with a similar design, located under the roof, include:
- lack of laconic geometric shapes;
- small window openings made directly in the roof;
- sloping ceiling surface.
The finishing of such premises often involves the use of load-bearing elements of the roof - beams with rafters. Wooden beams in the ceiling design give the interiors a resemblance to country design.
Who is this design suitable for?
The bedroom, decorated in a “shabby chic” style, sets the mood for romance and tenderness. This type of environment is not suitable for everyone. This style is not appropriate in the room of a teenage boy or a mature macho who is trying in every possible way to demonstrate his masculinity.
Shabby chic is ideal for romantically minded girls. Young ladies who are fond of reading love stories or poetry will be delighted with this bedroom design.
But this does not mean that such decor will not be to the taste of newlyweds or experienced married couples.
If the design is successful, such a room will turn into a wonderful corner, conducive to relaxation from the everyday hustle and bustle. The decor gives a feeling of comfort, and the design makes you want to give attention and love to your spouse.
The main task when creating such an interior is to maintain balance. Do not overload the room with unnecessary elements; do not turn the bedroom from a cozy room into a shop filled with antiques.
If you are tired of everyday problems and want to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of romance, choose a special decor for your bedroom. This option is ideal for women who read historical novels and lack tenderness and tranquility.
The furnishings of the room will allow you to detach yourself from pressing problems; the charm of this design sets you up for relaxation, and this is exactly what most of the fair sex living in big cities need.
Even if there is no courageous knight nearby who can perform romantic deeds for you, create a fairy tale yourself by decorating your bedroom in a shabby chic style.
Fill the interior of the room with femininity, dreaminess and romance, create a design that will give you warmth. This design is suitable for both mature women and young girls, because true elegance has no age restrictions.
A graceful splash of color
There is no strict rule that says shabby chic bedrooms must be white and only white. Of course, as you read through this article you'll understand why white is the most suitable color in most cases, but feel free to add a little of your own 'style' to make your bedroom truly unique.
Pastel colors have been ruling the fashion and design world for the past few years, and now is your chance to try them in the bedroom too. Pastel and shabby chic go together like nothing else, and it's an approach that never fails. Soft pinks, watery yellows and elegant greens help accentuate vintage decor and thus give it a colorful new life.
An amazing handmade canvas adds color to a stark white bedroom (by Liquid Design & Architecture).
Chic modern bedroom with beautiful vintage touches (by Cornnne Pless).
Distressed wood paneling is a great way to bring shabby chic luxury to your bedroom (from Wendi Young Design).
Beautiful bedroom decorated in shabby chic style (by Alison Kandler Interior Design).
Pendant lights, vibrant throw pillows and colorful bedding add style to this bedroom (from Sweet William).
Those who want to combine a bohemian look with a shabby chic style can choose throw pillows and bedding in bright colors, while French Country or Mediterranean-style interiors require much less color. No matter what design direction you follow, remember that color is secondary to texture.
