- 1). Cover a large, comfortable couch with a washable slipcover. Pastels and pale floral fabrics go well with a shabby-chic decorating scheme. An over-sized slipcover gives the wrinkled, easy-going look made popular by the original designer.
- 2). Add three or more large cushions to the couch. These make a deep couch into a soft nest, adding to the comfort and the welcoming shabby-chic look. Arrange two or more smaller cushions on the couch, resting one or more on each armrest to complete the soft and comfortable couch. Select matching cushions or use accent pillows in a coordinated color. For example, add cream and rose floral cushions to a solid cream slip-covered couch.
- 3). Center a coffee table in front of the sofa. A round or oval coffee table or one with curved legs goes well with the soft lines of the shabby-chic decor. Drape a lace scarf over the coffee table---to disguise the table if it doesn't fit well with the decorating scheme.
- 4). Arrange two large armchairs in a "U"-shaped conversation grouping with the couch. For example, arrange the armchairs so they face the ends of the coffee table. Cover the armchairs in washable slipcovers to match or coordinate with the couch, such as choosing solid rose slip covers to go with rose floral cushions.
- 5). Add old furniture painted white or in light colors to your dining room, bedrooms and throughout the house. Shabby-chic furniture often has chips and worn edges, so it's convenient to bring in mismatched pieces and create a harmonious look.
- 6). Use lace tablecloths and dresser scarves to create a romantic look throughout the home. Drape lace on sideboards, end tables, file cabinets, desks, speakers, TVs and any furniture that appears out of place. This strategy also helps hide damaged tabletops and marred dressers or nightstands---or any functional furniture you don't want to replace or paint.
- 7). Give the bedrooms the shabby-chic look with big pillows and an old-fashioned quilt on each bed. Propping big pillows up against the head of the bed provides the same comfort as the over-sized couch and chairs.
- 8). Center vases on tables and bedroom dressers and fill them with bouquets of real or silk flowers. Big, loose bouquets of garden flowers such as roses, hyacinth, hydrangeas, lilies and dahlias create suitable accents for shabby-chic decor.
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