Bedroom Decorating Ideas: Shabby Chic

Rachel Ashwell and Glynis Costin explain in their book, "Shabby Chic" that this aesthetic relies on the use of time-worn objects and themes of practicality and coziness. When you enter a shabby chic room, you can imagine French Provence countryside elegance mixed with 1920s English Victorian grace. Materializing these ideas for your own bedroom is possible with a few decorative touches.

Soft Colors and Textures

Most shabby chic rooms rely on a soft pink color, though hues of lavender, gold, brown, gray and even turquoise can be just as effective. Use white as the predominant color for linens, curtains and furniture. Accent the room with other colors. Find colored decorative plates, tea sets or flower pots to adorn the room.

A simple color palette mandates the use of interesting texture. HGTV.com suggests using damask and toile accessories or wallpaper. Find damask pillow cases, curtains, linens and decorative dishes.

The shabby chic look draws upon imagery of a rural, countryside feel. Enhance this bucolic imagery by adding bouquets of dried flowers to the room. Use dried lavender, roses and sunflowers. Place the flowers in a white woven basket or silver tin. Also use wheat wreaths to place outside the door or on the walls.

Fresh flowers like ranunculus, tea roses and potted herbs are also effective. Place them on the window sill to ensure plenty of sunlight.

Purchase old furniture from any thrift store and paint it to create a faux antique finish. Use white paint and ensure the wood grain is still noticeable when decorating any wall units, bureaus, picture frames and bed stands. Or, buy plain wood chairs and papasans and cover them with white pillows.

A chandelier adds a touch of elegance to the simplistic feel of a shabby chic bedroom. Purchasing an expensive, crystal chandelier is not necessary. Instead, big box retailers like Wal-Mart and Target offer one for under $100.

Decorate the bedroom with rose-printed blankets, pillows or wallpaper. Find accessories, like tiles, picture frames and mirrors, that use rose patterns as well.

Use roses to enhance the fragrance of the room by purchasing rose-scented plug-ins or tea candles.

Many seemingly expensive items can be found for a fraction of the price in thrift stores. Though retail stores like Anthropology offer several items that fit into the shabby chic image, such items can all be found at less expensive places like Goodwill and Savers. Such items include crystal bowls, clocks, apothecary jars and flower vases.