Cottage Chic style is a decorating style that is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds. It's easy to achieve, fun and stylish and, since it's all about reusing, repurposing and recycling, it's a very economical way of decorating. Cottage chic is big on comfort, so it's a great choice for a bedroom. Here's how to bring this trendy and stylish look to your bedroom.
Step 1
Pastels, Pales and Painted Furniture
Cottage chic style nearly always combines white with pastels in one of two ways: Either white painted furniture against pastel or light neutral walls, or, furniture painted in a deeper color than the walls. Whether you want to recycle furniture of your own or a bargain piece that you picked up at a garage sale or resale shop, here's how to make it cottage chic.
Cottage chic style nearly always combines white with pastels in one of two ways: Either white painted furniture against pastel or light neutral walls, or, furniture painted in a deeper color than the walls. Whether you want to recycle furniture of your own or a bargain piece that you picked up at a garage sale or resale shop, here's how to make it cottage chic.
- If your furniture has a natural wood finish and you want to do it in a shade of white, start out by lightly sanding the original finish, and then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Apply your white satin latex paint and let it dry overnight. Then lightly sand the edges for a distressed look; wipe down again and apply satin polyurethane to seal the piece.
- Another option is to paint your furniture in two colors, such as a deeper color over white, or a shade of white over a deeper color. Again, sand and prep the piece, then apply your base coat. Let it dry, then apply your second coat with a rag and wipe off excess as desired. Let it dry and sand edges to let the base color show through; follow with polyurethane. If you want a special finish, such as crackling, apply the crackling medium after the base coat and before applying the second coat.
Step 2
Bringing the Look Together
- There are lots of options for creating a cottage chic bed. Vintage wood beds with curved, poster or simple headboards and footboards can be painted in your choice of color schemes. Or, try a headboard in white iron, old brass or wrought iron. A piece of wrought iron wall art can be hung on a wall and used as a headboard; even an old fence gate can be used as a headboard. Old wicker is another choice. To make it really cottage chic, paint the wicker and wipe off some of the paint while wet to create a worn and distressed look.
- Curvy wooden, metal or wicker wall shelves from the past make great wall accents where you can gather accessories like old photos, vases, tea cups and tea pots, books, or collectibles. Tuck a layer of lace or an embroidered hanky or doily underneath your collection for true cottage chic appeal.
- Old lamp bases in glass, porcelain, ceramic, wood or metal can be found at antique stores or garage sales. Add a scalloped vintage shade or one trimmed out in beads or fringe. Make a lamp out of a vase, ceramic urn or vintage planter with a lamp kit.
- Add glass knobs to a dresser or night stand. Whether the knobs are vintage or new, feel free to mix them up. Old porcelain knobs, painted metal, brass escutcheons and hardware are another way to add cottage chic style.
- Layered bedding in chenille, patch work quilts, and goose down comforters invite you to take a nap or curl up with a good book. Mix patterns and fabrics for composed hand-me-down cottage chic appeal.
- Lots of throw pillows in a mix of fabrics and patterns are a "must" for your cottage chic bed. Floral patterns, stripes, checks, buttoned up pillows, and plaids with trims in fringes and piping of every shape and size can be happily commingled.
- Repurpose items: An old stool or chair can be used as a nightstand or a place to stack books. Use an old glass-fronted china hutch to store and display your sweaters, woolens and quilts. Hang plates on a wall and bring in antique paintings, prints, photographs and mirrors to complete the look.
