Shabby Chic Wall Decor Ideas

• Shabby chic, originally started during the mid 1980s, is a style of interior decorating that steadily gained popularity during the 1990s and 2000s. The design style focuses on reusing old or worn and often mismatched pieces of furniture and decorative items to create a stylish, laid-back atmosphere. Wall hangings are a large part of shabby chic decorating, and many different items can be used as wall decor.

Frames

• Ornamental frames can make interesting wall decor when hung sans glass insert and backing. Wooden frames work best with shabby chic decor, although plastic and glass may fit in certain themes. Hanging your frames slightly off kilter will give your frames a charming skewed look.

Postcards

• Postcards, especially older postcards, can put a vintage twist on your shabby chic decor. They can be mounted on walls framed or unframed, and look especially nice when grouped in bunches. Try using matte postcards instead of glossy, and avoid choices with a company name or commercial brand visible.

Fabric Hangings

• Quilts, needlework samplers and framed pieces of decorative cloth all make excellent shabby chic wall hangings. If you're not a crafter, these items can be found in abundance in local thrift and secondhand stores. Keep an eye open for patterned cloth napkins, as these can be pressed flat and framed for a cheap and simple wall hanging.

Plates

• Plates featuring decorative patterns or painted scenes can be balanced in mounted plate holders on walls. This shabby chic look goes especially well in kitchen and dining room areas. As with fabric hangings, single plates can be purchased from your local thrift store quite cheaply.

Shelves

• Not all wall decor has to be flat or two-dimensional. Small shelves can be mounted sparingly on walls and used to display vases, candles, books and other small knick-knacks. However, large shelving units should be avoided as they can make your room look small and cluttered.

Photograph Collages

• Frame several pictures of varying sizes and arrange them in small, uneven clusters on your wall. Those with extensive families may wish to designate a wall to host a visual family tree of pictures. Mismatched frames can give your photograph collages a real shabby chic look.