Shabby Chic Dresser and Furniture Choices for Every Age of Princess
 
Today's little girls have grown up surrounded by Disney and Barbie princesses. So it's no surprise that so many request a princess themed bedroom so they can feel like Cinderella in their own bedrooms. Instead, of going with a generic themed princess design turn to Shabby Chic furniture and bedding for a romantic, uncluttered and unique looking princess theme. Even adult woman can jazz up a princess theme with a Shabby Chic dresser, desk or chair for a home office or bedroom that offers a calming oasis to come home too.

What is Shabby Chic?

The term shabby chic, refers to a style of interior design that is functional and comfortable. White furniture is usually the trademark of the Shabby Chic design. Often quality antique and gently used furniture is painted country white to create a fashionable, clean and functional look. A Shabby Chic dresser or bed does not reflect just one look. It is often combined with Victorian, Country and Romantic styling. As well as with vintage furniture and even vintage laces to give a perfect mix of lived in comfort. The Shabby Chic furniture line, also offers authentic workmanship and quality wooden white furniture at affordable prices and stylish designs.

The main function of Shabby Chic is about creating clean lines and avoiding a cluttered look. Decide on the Shabby Chic dresser and other furniture elements that need to go in the room before starting the princess decorating theme. This will lead to designing a room with more open space and will be more comfortable for your little girl to sleep and play in.  

Mirrors:

A central feature of many Shabby Chic rooms with a vintage theme is the use of large old fashioned, embellished mirrors. Large mirrors are feminine and give a room more depth. For young children anchor a large mirror to the wall for safety purposes and give your little princess a fairy tale dress up corner. Add hooks to the wall by the mirror to display your daughter's princess dresses. Then place several small wooden bins by the mirror to hold various crowns, costume jewelry, feather boas and other princess themed clothing items for role playing.

For an adult woman, add in a small secretary mirror to the décor. These small mirrors are great for sitting on the vanity table, a Shabby Chic dresser or a matching secretary desk to add elegance to the room.        

Bed and Linens:

For a girl princess room a Shabby Chic design must consider the type of bed to be used. A Shabby Chic bed with a large embellished headboard is a popular option. Be sure that the bed and Shabby Chic dresser complement each other. One of the most sought after bed styles for a princess theme is the canopy. A canopy bed adds softness and luxury to the room and makes a little girl really feel like royalty. If the Shabby Chic bed you choose does not already have a canopy, you can make your own using chandelier hooks and tulle material. Decorate the linens with glitter or rhinestones to complete the look.

Shabby Chic Dresser, Nightstand Shelves or Desk:

The Shabby Chic dresser and nightstand is an important focal point in the room. These furniture pieces usually feature glass pulls on the handles and decorative carving for a feminine touch. A bookcase works well for the uncluttered look because it can be used to store items up out of reach. Thereby increasing organization and keeping a child's room from getting messy. Your child's collection of dolls, princess themed books, family pictures and awards can be placed in the shelves or on top of a Shabby Chic dresser. For a woman using the princess theme for the home office or bedroom, a secretary desk offers a pretty accent that traditional desks do not have. Their spindle skinny legs, narrow benches and minimal design, effortlessly tie in with the uncluttered look praised in Shabby Chic decorating.

Flooring, Walls and Lighting:

Put up a fresh coat of paint in order to make the walls pop when redesigning a child's bedroom. Many princesses' themed rooms use a soft pink or purple to go with the fairy tale design, though an off white or soft yellow work just as well. Alternatively, you can paint the walls white and add a colorful border. Princess, crown, castle or chandelier murals can be hung on the walls. Butterfly or star wall hangings and peel and stick decals are another attractive options. For a personal touch, a large banner with a fairy tale scene and the child's name can be hung up over the bed.

Though Shabby Chic works great with a light colored carpet for a truly authentic princess look go with hardwood floors. Area rugs featuring a floral design can be placed in front of a Shabby Chic dresser or by the bed. Lighting also matters in a Shabby Chic design. A chandelier, desk lamp or floor lamp with teardrop chains or glass beading can be the focal point in a room. Fairy lights can also be hung over the wall for added detail.

Accessorize:

No princess themed Shabby Chic room will be complete without the right accessories. These small details are what will make a child see their new bedroom and instantly think princess. When choosing fabrics for the bed, don't limit your choices to designs sold featuring popular Disney princesses. Satin, velvet, chenille and lace bedding with lace and ruffles make a young girl or woman feel special. Combine layers of stripes, floral and print patterns to give a comforting look. Add lots of stuffed pillows in various sizes, shapes and colors. Glass slippers, wands, a children's tea set, doll houses and play sets can be spread around the room for a full renovation.

Where to Find Shabby Chic:

The beauty of Shabby Chic is taking someone else's old and used items and giving them new life. You can mix new Shabby Chic dresser and other central pieces with used items from your attic, yard sales, flea markets and estate sales. When dealing with old furniture look for items that have been handled with some care. If items are damaged, or are missing pieces they may not be salvageable. Though the focus of Shabby Chic is on white, you can add beautiful contrast by adding a few dark colored pieces. Cream colored furniture also fits seamlessly into the Shabby Chic princess theme.