Nostalgic charm, bright colors and elegant furniture with curved lines and romantic decorations - these elements characterize the shabby chic style. As the name suggests, these are items that have worn spots and cracked paint. But you don't have to wait decades to get that used look. The shabby chic look can be created at home using simple techniques. Sandpaper, wax, decoupage, crackle varnish and more - the variety is quite large. Our instructions show how you can make such works of art yourself even from IKEA furniture.
Although furniture and accessories look like they have withstood the test of time, the popular interior style only appeared a few years ago. In the 1980s, British designer and interior designer Rachel Ashwell used furniture of different styles when decorating: country house, Provence, vintage, etc. She selected flea market items and fine furniture from antique shops and gave them a new look without losing their nostalgic charm. The interior trend quickly found worldwide enthusiasm. In 2001, Rachel Ashwell's book “Shabby Chic: Flea Market Living Ideas” was published and became a sensation in the world of interior design. The designer herself also opened her eponymous shop where she sold her charismatic flea market pieces.
Features of the Shabby Chic style
What features characterize the interior in the shabby chic style? The wooden furniture is mostly white and usually has curved lines and ornate decorations. The furniture style specifically focuses on the used look with worn-looking areas on the edges, peeling paint or cracks in the wood. A mix of new elements with the old flea market items creates a unique ensemble: imperfect, a little scratched, worn, but really cozy and romantic.
The color palette of the style
Which colors characterize the Shabby Chic style? Pastel colors and muted nuances such as ice blue, rosé, lilac and pigeon blue are typical. The basis of the furnishings is formed by light white tones such as off-white, cream and ivory. Natural light flooding into the room through sheer curtains underlines the harmonious and romantic atmosphere.
Furnishings and decorations in an antique look
Decorative items should also be in light, delicate colors. Elements such as pillows and blankets with lace decorations, silver bowls, vases, floor lamps, crystal chandeliers complete the decoration and emphasize the charm of the style. Playful baroque and rococo decorations shine in new splendor and appear light, sophisticated and elegant.
Materials and fabrics
Great emphasis is placed on natural materials and fabrics, which have also been particularly popular in the past. White tablecloths and napkins made of lace and linen, soft pillows made of silk and satin, wicker and jute fit perfectly into the interior. Flower and rose motifs and Toile-de-Jouy patterns are also a must.
You don't always have to buy furniture and decorations in the shabby chic style ready-made. Original vintage pieces are difficult to find and are usually very expensive. However, there are a variety of techniques that you can implement to give even new wooden furniture a used look. Chairs, chests of drawers, cupboards, wardrobes, shelves and coffee tables can be transformed into beautiful works of art in just a few simple steps.
Wood stain
Wood stain is a cheap way to match new furniture with old ones. It is not opaque and therefore the wood structure remains clearly visible. It is best to choose a whitish or a grayish color. To achieve the shabby chic effect, the white wood stain is applied sparingly and in individual short brush strokes lengthways.
Water-based chalk paint is ideal for a white wash effect. The painted surface has a beautiful washed effect. After drying, it is sealed with a special wax or alternatively with a special varnish.
Crackle varnish
Crackle varnish is available at the craft supply store and imitates the cracks of aged varnish. As soon as the special paint dries, it cracks and this creates the characteristic pattern. In principle, this method is more suitable for small areas. For example, you can try to make the look of peeling paint only on one corner of the furniture.
Structuring wood by brushing
This method can be used either alone or in combination with another technique. The wooden surface is treated with a wire brush. This creates targeted scratches and signs of wear. However, this only works with soft solid wood types such as walnut, oak, larch, ash, etc. If a normal wire brush is used, the effort required is greater. An alternative are wire brush attachments for drills.
Dry painting or “dry brush” technique
Instead of sanding the piece of furniture, you can create the beautiful old patina using the “dry brush” technique. This means that the signs of wear are not removed by sanding, but rather applied with paint. A flat brush with natural bristles is used for painting. You can stroke evenly or in a jumbled manner. You decide when the opacity convinces you.
Patina
This method creates a greenish-brown patina look that is often seen on copper and bronze items. This occurs through oxidation under the influence of the environment or on surfaces that have been touched frequently with fingers, for example. The patina can be easily applied with a dabbing brush, sponge or cloth.
Use wax or vinegar
If you want to achieve an interesting two-tone effect, you can use simple tools such as candle wax and vinegar. After the first coat of paint has dried, rub candle wax on the areas you want to make appear worn. This way the second coat of paint will not adhere well and can then be easily sanded off.
In the second variant, the vinegar should be diluted with a little water. Dampen an old rag with the mixture and rub the edges until the bottom paint is revealed.
Cutting
The napkin technique has gained popularity in recent years and is used to add a romantic touch to furniture and home accessories. You can use this to complete the impression and add decorative accents.
Below is a tutorial that uses some of these techniques.
Step-by-step instructions for a shabby chic step stool
It is required:
- IKEA Step stool
- Acrylic primer
- Acrylic paint in white and brown
- a sponge and a wide brush
- a candle or Vaseline
- sandpaper
- Napkin with a rose motif
- PVAc-based white glue
Prepare your work surface and lay out newspaper to protect the floor from paint stains. First, the primer is applied with a sponge. In order for the paint to adhere better, you could sand the surface a little with sandpaper beforehand. After the primer has dried, you can level the surface again with sandpaper. Now apply the brown color by lightly dabbing with the sponge. Particular attention is paid to the edges.
Now, take a candle in your hand and scrub all edges and corners, usually anywhere the paint should look worn. This means the paint won't stick well later.
Remove the excess wax and begin painting the step stool with a wide brush and the white acrylic paint. The varnish layer should not be too thick so that the brown color can show through. Allow to dry.
Now use the sandpaper to get the top layer of paint off. Run the paper exactly where you applied the wax earlier.
Now the decoupage technique is used. Choose a napkin with a matching motif. Classic rose motifs are best. There are now a lot of decorative napkins for every occasion and every taste.
Carefully tear out the desired motif with your fingers. Then peel off the top layer of the napkin. Take a little glue on the brush and apply it to the wooden surface. Now put the napkin on top and spread a layer of napkin glue or white glue over it. Allow to dry.
After drying, you can make a few more strokes with a dry brush and white paint over the rose motif. You can then seal the whole thing with clear varnish. Have fun imitating!
