Fairy lights, shabby chic lighting and shabby chic candles are all incredibly popular with interior designers and homeowners alike. Why is this so? There are many good reasons for this.
First of all, shabby chic home design offers a certain air of nostalgia. And by nostalgic, I mean classic – the kind of timeless style that will never go out of style. Think about the lovely shabby chic fairy lights that hang over a French Country kitchen. Or how about shabby chic lamps and candle holders in a cozy country-like bedroom? The air of shabby chic is very comforting, and it lends a certain softness and charm to a home. It helps you feel welcome and relaxed – it makes you feel as if you’re not quite so stressed out about your daily life.
But shabby chic isn’t just about light – it’s also about texture. This kind of decorative style highlights those little nooks and crannies to create a charmingly beguiling ‘space’ in your rooms. The way that light plays off different fabrics in this style is absolutely fascinating. For instance, you could play up the shabby chic look with shabby chic curtains or sheer lace window curtains, for a romantic touch.
But perhaps the most important characteristic of shabby chic is the use of candles. Candles are very romantic, and they bring a certain romantic glow to the room. So if you’re thinking of sprucing up that lonely library corner with a scented candle or two, then shabby chic candle design will be perfect for you.
Chandeliers are also popular with shabby chic homes. They’re great because they’re both functional and stylish, and they can really update an old bathroom or kitchen. However, don’t just go out and buy any old chandelier; look out for shabby chic versions that have been hand painted with motifs from vintage novels, magazines or paintings. There are lots of these available, and many of them will date the original artwork almost unbelievably well! You can use a classic image like an ice skating bug or a wedding cake to really add to the feel of the room.
And speaking of lighting, you can also play up shabby chic with your interior lighting fixtures. Remember, the goal with shabby chic lights is to make a space look as worn as possible. You might choose to hang wall sconces on either side of mirrors, or you can choose to hide your light switches under rugs or a mantelpiece. Just remember that light has an important role in this look, so keep the room in dim light or go with a dimmer switch.
Don’t worry too much about matching your shabby chic fairy lights to your bathroom or kitchen. After all, the point of this decor style is to give your home a relaxed air. Think of it as “stylish but not stuffy”, if you want to get that effect for your own home. Don’t go overboard, though – it’s really best to stay away from bold color schemes or very specific themes, since it can make the room seem gaudy and overcrowded.
The great thing about shabby chic fairy lights is that they look great just about anywhere. You can accent a beautiful piece of antique furniture or a nice wooden floor with a fairy light. You can also layer it over your existing lamps and ceiling fixtures. In fact, you can even use it as a focal point by using several small lights along one long, colorful strand. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity go wild – after all, it’s supposed to be a relaxing, whimsical space, not a place where you’re constantly fretting about whether or not your shabby chic fairy lights are being seen. As long as they accent the right things, they won’t be noticed anyway!