Are you looking for ways to transform your walls into a canvas of vintage charm? From distressed finishes to romantic floral accents, these expert tips for decorating walls in a shabby chic house are sure to inspire you.
If you decorated your house in the shabby chic style, you are probably a nostalgic and romantic individual who wants to come home to cozy dwellings.
The thing with the shabby chic style is that you can easily make the space feel like it’s filled with stories.
You only have to bring inside some vintage charm through soft colors and timeworn textures.
But once you’ve curated your furniture and found the perfect distressed armoire or slipcovered sofa, one important question remains— how do you choose wall decor that complements the shabby chic vibe without overwhelming it?
Whether you’re dressing up a tiny hallway or the main living area, your walls deserve just as much love as your flea-market finds.
Here’s how to get that whimsical-meets-elegant look just right.
Have a look at the color palette
Revisit the color palette you picked for the house before browsing the internet for wall decorations, frames, or even furniture.
Usually, shabby chic interiors revolve around mute tones like faded pastels, dusty pinks, creamy whites, and soft greys.
Therefore, when you pick wall decor, ensure it echoes these hues and harmonizes with them.
Suppose you already painted the walls in a pale hue, now you are left with using frames in a similar tone to create a calming and seamless effect.
A gallery wall of vintage botanical prints in whitewashed wooden frames, for example, can add beauty without disrupting the peaceful palette.
Have a vintage shopping spree – or marathon
The shabby chic style best pairs with vintage elements, so it’s time you take some time and make a list of the thrift shops in your area because you are about to visit all of them in search of wall decor.
The best wall decor pieces for your house are the ones with a bit of history – or at least those previously owned by someone else.
When you visit thrift shops, here are some things to look out for:
● Antique mirrors with weathered or ornate frames
● Old window panes turned into wall art or photo displays
● Pressed flower frames that feel straight out of a romantic novel
● Vintage plates arranged in charming clusters above a sofa or dining nook
● You might not find something the first time you go, but be patient and visit the flea market and estate sales often. You will definitely find something sooner than later.
● And don’t forget about your grandma’s attic, it’s always an inexhaustible source of vintage goodies.
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Open your house to softness, layers, and texture
As mentioned earlier, shabby chic is not only about looks, it’s also about the feel you get when you step inside your home after a busy day.
Therefore, the secret to capturing the essence of this style is to layer your wall decor with textures that whisper warmth.
Think lace, soft linen, or faded cotton used in unexpected ways.
Try hanging a framed piece of vintage lace or even a small tapestry with floral embroidery.
A wreath made of dried flowers or twigs adds dimension and a rustic touch.
These pieces invite a tactile curiosity—your guests will want to lean in for a closer look.
Keep the decor romantic, airy, and light
Your wall decor in a shabby chic home should always feel romantic and effortless, so when you browse for paintings on a platform like made at number 7 website avoid anything too stark, modern or heavy, as they don’t fit the style.
Instead, go for pieces that make the room feel like a dream you can live in.
Don’t overcrowd your walls; let each piece breathe. Give yourself space to add or swap items as your collection grows.
And remember—sometimes the most beautiful design decisions are the ones made from the heart, not a catalog.
Go beyond traditional art
A couple of paintings are more than welcomed into your shabby chic house, but not everything you hang on the walls should be framed paintings.
If you check Pinterest boards that collect shabby chic decor, you’ll notice that they usually contain unconventional decor that feels creative and personal.
When you look at them you often capture yourself asking the question Why didn’t i think about it?
Here are some recommendations to achieve “Think about it”:
Consider:
● A repurposed shutter or louvered door used as a photo holder
● A collection of hats or antique tools arranged in an artful way
● A hanging mobile of keys, beads, or hearts in delicate tones
● A decorative ladder leaned against the wall and draped with soft fabrics
Keep in mind that your purpose is to curate with intention – so each piece you bring home should tell a story, whether real if we’re talking about vintage pieces or imagined if we’re talking about brand new ones.
Whimsy is the keyword when decorating
The hallmark of your shabby chic dwelling is that it feels loved and lived in, so this is what you should keep in mind when you decorate the walls.
So you should make sure that your walls also display glimpses into your life.
Frame pictures you took during special occasions and playful moments, and don’t hold back on giving the house a personal touch.
You can also go a step forward and frame a handwritten recipe from your beloved grandma, or a chalkboard where you leave sweet daily messages for your loved ones.
You can start a game where each of you writes something inspiring for the other.
A quote about love or home in handwritten-style script can also warm the space without overpowering it.
And don’t be afraid to be a little whimsical! A painted wooden birdhouse, a small hanging heart, or a kitschy vintage sign with a charming phrase can all add to the magic.
Nature should always be welcomed indoors
Bringing natural elements is a great way of softening your interior decor, and the wall decor makes no exception. Your calm and cozy shabby chic house could include:
● Wreaths made from eucalyptus, lavender, or dried roses
● Wall-mounted planters with trailing ivy or faux greenery
● Floral wall decals in faded, watercolor-style patterns
● They make great wall decorations because nature and nostalgia go hand in hand.
Parting words
Choosing wall decor for a shabby chic home is like curating your own cozy art gallery—one filled with memories, textures, and vintage soul.
With a gentle color palette, layered textures, and a dash of whimsy, your walls can become a canvas that reflects everything you love about this timeless style.
So grab that chipped frame you almost tossed, pick some dried lavender, and start decorating. Your walls are ready for a little shabby chic charm.
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