Katharina Regenthal

July 21, 2022, 11:56 am | Read time: 3 minutes

Shabby Chic is one of the most popular interior design styles. It gives your home a nostalgic charm. However, furniture in the Shabby Chic style can be quite expensive–it’s cheaper to create the look yourself. myHOMEBOOK, together with upcycling expert Thomas Klotz from Berlin, shows how to do it in the sixth episode of “Revamped.” What you need, what to watch out for when painting, and how to give wooden furniture the Shabby Chic look, we show in the video!

Painting Furniture in Shabby Chic–What You Need

To give old furniture the Shabby Chic look, it’s best to use chalk paint. Its advantage: The furniture doesn’t need to be completely stripped of old paint, just clean, dust-free, and grease-free.

Materials

• Chalk paint (the color choice is a matter of taste)
• Dark wax
• Clear wax

Tools and Equipment

• Brushes
• Sanding tools
• Cloth
• Cotton cloth

Giving Furniture the Shabby Chic Look–Here’s How

This project is perfect for beginners, as Shabby Chic is anything but perfect–it gives the furniture piece a nostalgic charm. Here’s how:

1. First, clean the furniture piece of dirt and dust and wipe it down with a cloth to ensure no residue remains.
2. Next, stir the chalk paint thoroughly, then start painting. Make sure to always paint with the edges to prevent the paint from pooling in one spot. You only need a little paint–coverage will come with the second or third coat.
3. Let the paint dry for about one to two hours, then apply a second coat. Depending on how opaque you want it to be, you can paint the furniture a third time.
4. In the next step, sand the furniture piece–this is how you achieve the Shabby Chic look. First, sand the edges with a fine sandpaper. Focus on areas that would naturally wear over time.
5. Sand until the wood is visible in some areas.
6. Then seal the furniture piece. Since we used chalk paint, use clear wax for sealing. Apply it with a brush to protect the furniture. Use a cotton cloth to remove any excess wax.
7. The Shabby Chic look can be enhanced with a so-called color wax. Use a fine brush to apply it to every groove of the furniture piece to create shading. Blend the color with a cotton cloth–done.

You can also see the detailed instructions in the video–enjoy recreating!

Also in “Revamped”:

• Reupholster a stool in just 5 steps
• From washing machine drum to illuminated side table
• Turn a tree slice into a designer side table
• What else you can make from an old suitcase
• How to turn an old chair into a herb garden