What Are the Best Tips for a Shabby Chic Bedroom?

Shabby chic decor is a mixture of feminine, vintage glitz and glamor that is a little rough around the edges. Vintage or retro-style furniture painted white or in a pastel color can help define a shabby chic bedroom's look, while softer accents such as flowers, vintage clothing and pillows help complete the look. Elegant accessories, such as mirrors, artwork and ornate lighting, are used to put the "chic" in shabby chic.

Having a focal point is key to creating a shabby chic bedroom. Whether a crystal-laden chandelier, a vintage chenille bedspread or an ornate dressing table, the key element sets the tone for the room. It is best to choose the focal point first, and then select the rest of the decor to complement it.

Furniture in a bedroom decorated in shabby chic style can be an eclectic, mix-and-match assortment of styles, colors and finishes. The "shabby" in shabby chic can be created by using furniture with floral patterns or worn edges. On wood furniture, the shabby look can be created by using sandpaper to remove paint where normal wear and tear would occur. While white is a typical color for shabby chic bedroom furniture, pastels are also a good choice. For example, a vintage white dresser can be matched with a pair of mint green nightstands and a light pink chair. Ornate metal, crystal or colored glass knobs can be used to accent the furniture.

Sparkle and shine are critical components of a bedroom with this style. Ornate, gilded frames can surround mirrors, which can be used on walls, dressers or left freestanding. Sparkle can also be added to a bedroom by using hanging crystals on chandeliers, wall sconces and candelabras. Lamps should feature vintage-style shapes and shades. Artwork can be ornately framed and hung, or a simple, unframed canvas can be leaned against a wall.

Choosing the appropriate dresser accessories can add to the charm of a shabby chic bedroom. Colorful vintage pins, earrings and lockets can be placed as if the wearer had just removed them. A vintage, silver-plated brush and comb set can be placed on a dressing table, along with a free-standing, ornate mirror and antique jewelery box.

Femininity and romance can be infused into a shabby chic bedroom by adding flowers, quilts and vintage collectibles. Antique quilts, bed jackets and mink stoles can be placed on chairs and benches in the room. Vintage hats and hat boxes can be used to add a bit of style, along with splashes of color. Other unique and feminine items, such as ladies gloves, ballet slippers and purses, can be strategically displayed.

Garden art and yard art can add a unique touch to a shabby chic bedroom. Cement statues, bird baths and gazing balls are unexpected items in a bedroom and help to create a shabby, but elegant, atmosphere. Outdoor furniture, such as glass-topped tables, wood benches and wire chairs, are also suitable. Vintage poetry books on a bedroom nightstand and handmade throw rugs at the bedside can complete the look.