Shabby chic is one of the easiest and most enjoyable styles of home decorating, and surprising to some, this home decorating style is not something new. Shabby chic has been around for decades, and the popularity of this home decorating style continues to grow. It is stylish and whimsical, and it is a relatively inexpensive way to decorate since items that have seen better days can be painted in fun faux ways and transformed into shabby chic works of designer décor. It is a practical way to recycle and reuse while decorating the home. Consider the following creative ways of decorating a bedroom the shabby chic way, and turn an ordinary bedroom of traditional style into a fun and stylish bedroom abode.

Faux Painted Furniture

Old furniture is ideal for decorating a bedroom in shabby chic. An outdated chest of drawers, a nightstand, or dresser with nicks and scratches can be painted with impressive faux designs. All it takes is a little sandpaper, a paintbrush, a rag, primer, and at least two shades of satin latex paint to create shabby chic bedroom furniture that is sure to impress. Begin by removing knobs and handles, and sand away the smooth finish from wood furniture. Next prime the wood, and paint a base coat in a color of your choice. While the paint is still wet to the touch, rag paint the furniture in another shade of the same hue to add depth or in a completely different color for more drama and design. Use your sense of creativity and imagination when faux painting furniture and you will be amazed by the results you achieve. With faux painting, you really cannot make a mistake. If you like a color combination, paint it!

Mix and Match Knobs

When creating shabby chic décor, feel free to mix and match furniture knobs. For a really chic yet delightfully worn look, consider outfitting a faux painted dresser or chest of drawers with glass knobs of various designs. The different glass knobs will add interest and whimsical appeal to furniture and complete the finished look of shabby chic bedroom furnishings. Everything does not have to match to look stylish and eye-catching.

Add Pizzazz with Colorful Throw Pillows

Throw pillows add a touch of class to any bedroom, and besides providing added comfort; throw pillows add color, texture, and design. When decorating in a shabby chic style, change the personality of the room with pillows of various sizes, shapes, and patterns. Choose pillows that match in color but not necessarily the design. When decorating in a shabby chic style, it is okay to pair stripes with flowers if that is what you want. Choose pillows similar in tone or mood, and make choices that make you feel good. It is sometimes the simple touches that make the greatest impact.

Make a Shabby Chic Nightstand with Wicker

Do you have an old wicker footstool you have considered getting rid of? Paint that old wicker footstool and use it as a shabby chic nightstand next to the bed. Choose one of the colors used when faux painting furniture, and do not be concerned with being too careful. Cover the entire footstool with paint, and use a clean dry rag to gently wipe some of the paint away for a worn appearance. Allow some of the wicker to show through for shabby chic appeal.

Create a Shabby Chic Display

Garage sale castoffs can be used to create a display worthy of the finest shabby chic gallery. On top of a dresser, a chest or drawers, or a flower cart, create an interesting display that includes colorful hatboxes stacked according to size, and next to the hatboxes place an old ceramic pitcher filled with faux hydrangeas or other eye-catching flowers that match the color of the décor. A fragrant pillar candle placed on a decorative old saucer adds a nice finishing touch to this bedroom display. Choose several of your favorite items around the home that would make an interesting arrangement, or search garage sales and flea markets for translucent colored bottles of various sizes, shapes, and styles. Create a stylish display on a windowsill, shelf, table, or another area in the bedroom that could use a little embellishing. With shabby chic decorating, the choices are many, and creative options are virtually limitless.

Author Jessica Ackerman has years of decorating and design experience, and her tips and advice have been featured on a number of home decor websites. For unique ideas on decorating with unique wall decor , mirrors, metal wall vases , and sconces, visit Wall Decor and Home Accents.