Tips for decorating a shabby chic bedroom

Arguably one of the most opulent trends out there, shabby chic décor is sure to impress those who enjoy a little romantic French flair.

Elegant and highly decorated, shabby chic interiors are quintessential of old English country houses, with plenty of French inspiration when it comes to textures and colours. Rachel Ashwell, who published the book Shabby Chic in 1996 as a bible to the trend, described the aesthetic as: “the aura of old money, cushy comfort, and crafted indifference”.

To evoke the elaborate but soft feel of true shabby chic style for your home, read our top tips for creating the look in your bedroom.

Curvaceous beds

Set the scene with a statement bed frame.

Distressed wood is a staple of shabby chic interiors, and it doesn’t get much more opulent than the Ullswater bed frame. Created in partnership with Country Living, the Ullswater pairs handcrafted weathered oak with beautiful natural-tone fabric for an elevated rustic finish.

The warm tones and smooth lines of the Ullswater add refinement to the aged oak – and save you the bother of distressing the wood yourself! We’ve paired this classic model with floral accents, which are commonly used in shabby chic décor to evoke the natural world and add interest.

French colour schemes

We recommend choosing colours reminiscent of the rich countryside, such as soft pastels and muted deep shades.

18th-century interiors were light-filled heavenly spaces, and your bedroom can feel the same with colours like sage green, dusty pink, lavender, cream, grey, burnt orange and brown – think French farmhouse.

Focus on drawing the eye upwards to create a sense of space and light, drawing attention to any original features. Some interior enthusiasts even go so far as painting the ceiling in a statement shade to complete the look.

Romantic bed linen and furnishings

Ornate prints and patterns have their place in a shabby chic bedroom – here’s how.

Think clean white bed linen with intricate detailing like hemstitching, ornate embroidery, or broderie anglaise. Patterns like this are fabulous for adding texture, without sucking light from the room. Alternatively, add a decorative throw to instantly transform your existing sheets and add warmth.

Dial up the French flair with brass bedside lamps and white-washed or distressed wooden accessories.

Sophisticated chandeliers

No boudoir would be complete without a chandelier, right?

There are lots of styles to choose from to complement your theme. A basket light with multiple strings of crystals on a gilt frame is feminine and elegant, but there are plenty of modern options too.

You could also opt for a crystal candelabra style for an even bolder statement. Why not consider matching wall lights too, for a softer night-time glow?

Parquet flooring

Dating back to the 1600s, French parquet flooring is a mosaic design of wood pieces.

Practical and attractive, this antique flooring style is usually patterned in herringbone and is the perfect complement to a shabby chic boudoir – particularly in a bleached, painted or lime-washed finish.

If replacing your bedroom floor isn’t an option right now, why not add a deep pile rug in a statement pattern to add texture and colour?

Upcycling furniture

For shabby chic on a budget, upcycling furniture is one to try.

The brilliant thing about shabby chic style is that you don’t have to buy anything new if you don’t want to. Upcycling wooden bedroom furniture is incredibly easy with a few tools, and you can achieve any look you’d like. From staining oak to classic chalk paint, it’s time to get creative.

Not sure where to start? Check out this article that shows you how to turn tired pieces into treasure.