How to Paint Shabby Chic Cabinets or Shelves from C.F. Kearns Home Decor

Shabby Chic

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Shabby Chic

How To Paint Shabby Chic Cabinets or Shelves

If you're looking for a shabby chic curio cabinet or shelves for your living room, bedroom, or hall, the easiest way to achieve a shabby chic look is to purchase a shelf or cabinet that has already been distressed. There are many companies that specialize in this type of decor, and it isn't difficult to find shabby chic shelves and cabinets of all sizes and shapes.

However, if you'd like to create a distressed shabby chic look with a cabinet or shelf you already have, the process isn't difficult.

Begin by sanding your shelf or cabinet. It's best to start with an unfinished piece. If your cabinet or shelf is already painted or finished, you may need to strip off the finish. Otherwise, consult your local home improvement store for the best way to prepare your piece for painting.

After your shelf or cabinet has been sanded or otherwise properly prepped for painting, you will want to start with a good primer. Apply the primer with a roller or brush. Let the primer dry completely before continuing to the next step.

Next, paint the shelf or cabinet with a light or dark wood color. This is not the final color of the piece. This is the color that will show through on the distressed parts of the piece.

After this color has dried, paint the piece a final coat with white, antique white, or a pale blue, green, or pink.

Once the final coat is dry, distress the piece by lightly sanding the edges and corners of the cabinet or shelf to simulate years of use. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser also works well for removing areas of paint to simulate wear. Continue distressing the piece until you achieve the look you want.

Home Decorating / Interior Home Decor Ideas
for Shabby Elegant Style

The term "shabby chic" was made popular by Rachel Ashwell's 1996 book, "Shabby Chic," and it refers to a distressed, vintage look. This type of home décor can be described as original yet traditional; plain yet decorative; relaxed yet stylish; scruffy yet orderly. Shabby Chic decorating adorns your home with household accessories, furniture, and other flourishes from 1900 to 1950. The style is reminiscent of how your grandmother used to decorate. Rather than buying new articles of the furniture or embellishments for the house, most decorations were made by hand or passed down from older generations.

However, some decorators remember the style and the term from decades ago. The style glorifies the less-than-perfect. It's is characterized by discarded and vintage furniture and accessories. Tables with peeling paint and worn rugs are often used to decorate the shabby chic home. The style is also characterized by such colors as white, off-white, muted greens, faded grays, and pastel pinks.

If you follow your heart while decorating, it is only a matter of deciding where to put your accent pieces. And that is simply what it is about, following your heart in designing your interior decor. If you have a wooden country style dining table and chair set, then adding a well placed distressed chandelier will add that last touch of glamour you are looking for. In a room with a white background reflected in the furniture and slip covers with floral designs here and there, you can always raise the tranquility by adding a shabby elegance mirror and shelf set on the wall. We have many of these items in different designs that will suit your decorating needs perfectly. There are different categories to choose from which would simplify your interior design adventure.

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Shabby Chic Cabinets and Shelves

Home Decorating / Interior Home Decor Ideas for Shabby Elegant Style

Home Decorating / Interior Home Decor Ideas
for Shabby Elegant Style