Shabby chic style was made for bedrooms. What better place to introduce a casual, delicate and soft feeling than the very place where you unwind and sleep? Creating a sweet, cottage-like vibe seems simple enough, but it’s easy to over do it when it comes to this particular style. As you browse shabby chic-style bedroom ideas, keep in mind the following tips to make your space as relaxing as possible.

Keep a Clean Base

To stay true to the light and airy design of an authentic shabby chic-style bedroom, you need to start with a clean slate. That means basic white walls and ceilings, along with simple flooring, like hardwood. To add a bit of interest, consider using beadboard or shiplap on your walls in a clean white finish, or go with a whitewash stain to let some of the wood character show through. You’ll want to keep a generally muted color palette throughout the room, so cream, ivory or white are the perfect base to build a charming space from.

Refined-Reclaimed

Shabby chic style calls for reclaimed objects and furniture, but this doesn’t mean showcasing a rundown dresser you found on the side of the road. Breathe new life into old pieces by giving them a fresh paint job (pastel tones work wonders) or repurposing them into something different altogether. Using antique doors or shutters as a statement headboard is a perfect example. Embraced mismatched items — it’s part of what makes shabby chic-style bedroom furniture work! A wrought iron bed paired with wooden nightstands will give your space the look you’re going for. The rest of your decor can include more ornate fixtures and hardware, but don’t go over the top. Stick to one main feature piece, like a chandelier, and use smaller, coordinating accents, like drawer knobs, to tie it all together.

Layer Your Linens

Linens and textiles are what bring a shabby chic-style bedroom to life. Traditionally, this style is more on the feminine side, with tiny floral patterns and delicate materials, like lace and eyelet. However, you can skip the ruffles and create a space that still feels soft and airy without being overly girly. Try layering a variety of lighter fabrics, like cotton, linen and muslin to create texture. Use plain or small prints, like subtle stripes and ticking, to add interest. Slipcovers in light colors on chairs, benches and sofas will help soften the space and are easy to wash.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a shabby-chic style bedroom renovation or are building a designer bedroom from scratch, Houzz has 3,994 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Collaborated Works and Alison Kandler Interior Design. Look through bedroom pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a shabby-chic style bedroom design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful shabby-chic style bedroom photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.