Shabby chic has been gracing many homes for decades ever since its introduction into the mainstream in the 80s, but for some, its meaning is still unclear. It often gets compared to boho chic, as both feature well-loved vintage finds and flowing white rooms. However, boho chic looks to evoke a worldliness to its design, and finds inspiration from travel and nomadic lifestyles. Shabby chic, on the other end, finds its foundation from almost the opposite: it pulls inspiration from classic country homes in the British countryside.

The shabby chic trend started in Britain in the 1980s as a way for the middle class to emulate the style and feel of a rustic but grand country home. These homes were old yet comfortable, with light and airy rooms filled with well-used heirloom furniture. Shabby chic design emulates that by creating liveable, beautiful rooms that appreciate the beauty of imperfection. Rooms typically feature weathered antique pieces with personality, the kind you might find at a vintage sale, passed down through the generations, or as a one-of-a-kind piece in the shops.

Start Fresh

One key to creating a shabby chic room is to start with a blank slate. Shabby chic rooms are often painted white or have light, neutral colors on the walls. This lends more to the feeling of airiness and can make your furniture and decor pieces really stand out. The style also leans a bit more feminine, as florals are usually the pattern of choice for shabby chic design. However, the softer lines of the style doesn’t mean this design can’t be used in neutral or even masculine ways!

Old World In Today’s World

Old world textures are a key part of shabby chic design, especially when it comes to shabby chic bedrooms. White linen, wool, leather and lace are good fabrics of choice when making a shabby chic room. Materials that are light and natural evoke that English countryside feeling and maintain a light, comfortable energy in a room. Woods are a great choice for material, especially unfinished or distressed wood. What is a shabby chic room without a beautifully distressed wooden heirloom piece, after all?

Gild Your Lilies

When it comes to decor, shabby chic balances the line between ornate and cluttered. Similar to boho chic design, shabby chic decor incorporates intentional found items with a story, or that you simply just love. A shabby chic living room may incorporate a gallery wall with vintage frames or unique artwork, or a large bookshelf filled with tchotchkes and collections. You can really mix and match accessories when it comes to shabby chic, however, make sure you’re approaching it with an editing eye. Check to see if you have too many items or pieces displayed in one area by walking around the room and viewing it from another perspective. It will help you to see if some pieces need to be adjusted or moved. While the style isn’t minimalist by any means, shabby chic really shines with intentional and specific choices.

Shabby Chandeliers

If you really want to bring shabby chic into your home, look no further than the workhorse of the design style, a chandelier. Nothing brings a sense of class and brightness to a shabby chic dining room quite like a chandelier, and you can find them in any size and design. It’s a great way to add style as well as brightness to your decor, as it creates a centerpiece for your room while also giving you that extra light.

Although many are familiar with the term “shabby chic,” not everyone knows exactly what it is or how to incorporate it in your home. If you love the look of clean, white rooms filled with vintage furniture and classic lines, it may be the exact style for you. There’s a reason it’s still popping up on Instagram and in the design world today. Just like the heirloom pieces it features, shabby chic can stand up to the test of time.