Shabby Chic Furniture: Use Paint to Create that Shabby Chic Look

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How To Paint Furniture to Achieve a Distressed Shabby Chic Look

The term "shabby chic" was made popular by Rachel Ashwell's 1996 book, "Shabby Chic," and it refers to a distressed, vintage look. Shabby Chic home decor can be described as original yet traditional; plain yet decorative; relaxed yet stylish; scruffy yet orderly.

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're looking for new Shabby Chic furniture that has already been distressed, please check out this website: Three Cats Home Decor.

An overview 

If you'd like to create a distressed Shabby Chic look with a furniture piece you already have, the process isn't difficult. This page will explain the process of distressing a piece of furniture such as a table, desk, cabinet, or shelf to achieve the Shabby Chic look. Let's get started!

Step 1: Sand and Prime Your Shabby Chic Furniture 

Begin by sanding your table, shelf, or cabinet. It's best to start with an unfinished piece. If your piece 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 furniture piece 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 or use a spray primer. Let the primer dry completely before continuing to the next step.

Step 2: Paint With A Dark Wood Color 

Next, paint your Shabby Chic shelf or cabinet with a light or dark wood color. Spray paint is best for this. This is not the final color of the piece. This is the color that will show through on the distressed parts of the piece.

Step 3: Paint With White or Pale Color 

After this color has dried, spray paint the piece with white, antique white, or a pale blue, green, or pink. When this layer is dry, smooth it with steel wool then brush on acrylic craft paint of the same color as shown in the video below.

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Step 4: Distress By Sanding 

Once the final coat is dry, distress the piece by lightly sanding the edges and corners of your desk or table 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.

Step 5: Finish With Shellac 

Dust the piece with a tack cloth and let it dry overnight. Finish your Shabby Chic Furniture piece with a protective layer of shellac.

Illustrated on a YouTube video 

This video illustrates steps 3 and 4.

Shabby Chic Distressing

Get the Shabby Chic look by layering paint and sanding. Paint layer coats: 1st: Espresso Spray 2nd: Heritage White Spray (2 coats for full coverage) 3rd: Acrylic Craft Paint (

curated content from YouTube

Shabby Chic Furniture on Amazon 

Simply Shabby Chic™ Vanity Stool - Sour Cream

Simply Shabby Chic™ Vanity Stool - Sour Cream

Amazon Price: $19.94 (as of 01/02/2010) Buy Now

CARVED WOOD TOP WHITE SIDE NIGHT END TABLE SHABBY CHIC

CARVED WOOD TOP WHITE SIDE NIGHT END TABLE SHABBY CHIC

Amazon Price: $22.89 (as of 01/02/2010) Buy Now

Simply Shabby Chic® Green Cozy Blanket - Full/Queen

Simply Shabby Chic® Green Cozy Blanket - Full/Queen

Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 01/02/2010) Buy Now

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