Shabby Chic Style Guide: 13 Ways To Get the Romantic, Vintage-Inspired Look at Home

Shabby chic design has been a beloved decorating style for those who appreciate a romantic mix of vintage finds, soft colors and timeworn finishes since designer Rachel Ashwell coined the term in 1980. Drawing inspiration from English cottage style and French country design, shabby chic's signature look always includes a whimsical mix of flea market treasures paired with classic elements like traditional floral patterns and airy white walls. Shabby meets chic, indeed.

Whether you're drawn to well-loved antiques, homey slipcovered furniture or a breezy palette of whites and pastels, shabby chic style offers endless ways to bring character and charm to your space. Read on to learn more about the hallmarks of this dreamy style and get ideas for incorporating the look into every corner of your home.

To bring shabby chic style into the heart of the home (read: the kitchen), mix one part sunny, one part sophisticated, with a few hints of yesteryear. Vintage fixtures, hardware and accessories married with white or pastel-painted cabinets are the essence of today's shabby chic style kitchen. A (partially) painted vintage hutch and antique candle sconces give this white kitchen its signature shabby chic look.

Layering shades of white is another hallmark of shabby chic style. This dining room features varying shades of white on the painted table, caned chairs, upholstery and vintage hutch. Even the dishes on display are all white! The only whisper of color comes from the blue-gray ruffled tablecloth, which adds just the right amount of contrast.

Shabby chic is all about fun, feminine finishes. In this home office designed by Grayson Pratt, rosy-hued walls and pink textiles make sweet statements. Chinoiserie patterns on the cabinet doors and floor-length curtain add to the soft and pretty look.

The more frilly edges, carved wood and tufted upholstery the better. Fringe-trimmed pillows and a painted antique bench give this dreamy corner shabby chic flair. Completing the vignette with muted, abstract art gives this space a modern edge that keeps it from being too saccharine.

Built-in shelves are a historic home feature that lend themselves to shabby chic spaces. What better spot is there to display your prettiest dishes, serving pieces, tea sets and keepsakes?

It's rare to find a shabby chic space without a vintage chandelier — and for good reason. There's something inherently elegant, romantic and chic about crystal chandeliers. They instantly elevate a space, like this stunning blue bedroom with a vaulted ceiling. But a vintage (or vintage-inspired) chandelier works just as well in more unexpected shabby chic spaces, too. Try hanging a small one in a laundry room or bathroom for instant charm.

Craving an extra-cozy look? Warm things up with slipcovered furniture. In this pretty pastel dining room blue striped slipcovers are fitted over the dining chairs to enhance the frilly and feminine look. A tufted armchair, vintage buffet table, ornate mirror and a trio of potted hydrangeas add to the romantic feel of the space.

Use your prettiest stuff as decor to give any room more shabby chic flair. A quartet of vintage-inspired floral aprons are a delightful way to decorate this kitchen wall. Their soft colors and pretty patterns pop in the otherwise neutral space.

Blue-and-white floral wallpaper creates a beautiful accent wall in this cozy bedroom designed by Lonni Paul, but what takes this space to the next level of shabby chic charm is echoing the pattern on the curtain panels and adding a blue printed lumbar pillow to the bed.

To create a shabby chic space with a slightly contemporary edge, try injecting some clean-lined furniture, accessories and architectural interest. In this bedroom designed by Marie Flanigan, a shiplap ceiling and a sleek bed fram happily co-exist with the painted vintage nightstand and weathered door.

Designer Lauren Messina understands that multiple floral motifs in one space — even a small one — is a trademark of shabby chic style. In this Charleston bathroom, chintz wallpaper and a botanical rug aren't the only blooms adding feminine flair. A vase of fresh roses on the vanity completes the floral theme.

Using well-worn furnishings with interesting patinas will help to create an intimate, comfortable feel. In this space designed by Maria Carr, a pair of chipped doors form a one-of-a-kind headboard. Other materials that patina naturally, like copper and unlacquered brass, are always a good idea in shabby chic spaces.

Pro tip: Always remove loose paint with a piece of fine steel wool and coat items with a protective sealer before bringing them into your home.