Shabby chic decor ideas on a budget

Last Updated on 17/07/2024

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Discover beautiful shabby chic decor ideas on a budget through inspiring mood boards and pretty findings with a romantic French country aesthetic. Are you looking for ways to bring the charm and beauty of shabby chic into your home without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this post, you will find the important elements that could define the shabby chic aesthetic and ideas on how to decorate your home with this beautiful style on a budget.

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What does shabby chic mean?

The word shabby alone doesn’t promise more than poor condition through extended use or lack of care; but if one adds the word chic beside it, it immediately takes a new meaning. That’s when images of cottage-style decor, soft and opulent, recycling old and antique, come to mind, to decorate large country houses, inspired by an old French decorating style.

The World of Interiors magazine took the credit for the shabby chic term in 1980. Influenced by Mediterranean cultures such as Provence, Tuscany, and Greece, shabby chic became extremely popular in the US in the ’90s using an eclectic mix of decorating styles.

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What is the shabby chic decor?

The shabby chic aesthetic has a feminine character. It adopts a romantic decorating style and tries to achieve an elegant and artistic effect without losing its soft, comfortable, and inviting character.

It is not a coincidence that the original shabby chic interiors were usually considered works of art since they became popular again during the 1980s by modern Bohemians and artisans.

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Shabby chic decor ideas on a budget

From inspiring mood boards to pretty findings with a romantic French country aesthetic, we’ll help you discover the perfect pieces that will make your house feel like a home. Shabby chic is perfect stlye to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere in your home on a budget especially if this is your bedroom or dining room.

Recycled old furniture and antique pieces

Firstly, the shabby chic decor is characterized by antique pieces and the distressing finish on wooden surfaces. Old doors, shutters, and other furniture are ideal for upcycling and repurposing projects like headboards and closet doors.

It’s also about heavily painted furniture with many layers. And, there are motifs on surfaces like depicting flower swags and garlands, cherubs.

Fabrics

Cotton and linens, chenille bedspreads, and bark cloth fabric pillows. Pure whites, beige, and worn or bleached-out pastel colors.

Vintage floral patterns and anything with roses in the design. Cotton ticking patterns or linen in earth tones. Soft neutral hues such as sky blue rose pink and beige tones.

Rococo lighting

Hints from French-style interior design and rococo lighting are also another characteristic of shabby chic decor. And, wall paneling also gives the rustic farmhouse aesthetic of French Provence.

Lastly, shabby chic decor not only is cozy without losing its eclectic characteristics, but it also gives inspiration for so many DIY projects and crafts for anyone who loves the process of upcycling old items and making handmade creations. That’s why it makes it one of my favorite decorating styles!

^{This page contains AFFILIATE LINKS. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Plus, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more on the disclosure policy page.}

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