Shabby chic quilts celebrate the simple, well-worn, and well-loved décor that might have graced a seaside cottage a century ago. The shabby chic style is simple, understated, and eclectic, with an emphasis on a well-worn, distressed look. See the photo gallery at the bottom of the page for several examples of fabrics and quilts in the shabby chic style. Click on any photo to enlarge it.
How to Make Your Own Quilts Shabby Chic
You can make almost any traditional pieced quilt pattern achieve a shabby chic look if you follow a few basic rules when you choose fabrics:
- Natural fabrics. Woven cottons and linens fit the cottage style much better than synthetics, which were introduced well after the time period the shabby chic style is designed to evoke. If you can find vintage cottons or linens that are worn but still usable, they will give the finished quilt the distressed, well-loved look that shabby chic designers aim for.
- White and pastel quilt fabrics. Combine white fabrics with pale colors in soft, flowing patterns. Pastel yellows, greens, blues, and pinks all fit well in shabby chic settings. So do pale greys, antique whites, and ecrus.
- Floral fabrics. Nothing says “cottage” like a flower garden, especially one filled with old-fashioned cabbage roses. Big, impressionistic rose fabrics that look as if they were painted in water colors epitomize the shabby chic style.
- Wide stripes and muted checks. These are usually combined with florals for a soft, feminine look.
- Pale fabrics with a narrow range of values. Cottage style relies on colors that fall at the pale end of the color value spectrum. Steer clear of bold colors, dark fabrics, geometric patterns, and strong light-dark contrasts. Learn more about using fabric contrasts in your quilts.
Quilts that Celebrate Simplicity, Comfort, Wear and Tear
Devotees of the cottage style cherish the dings and worn spots on objects that have been used over a period of many years. You may want to tea dye or distress the fabric to give it well-used look. Your quilt will look right at home in a setting designed for comfort with plump armchairs, antique tea tables, and eclectic accessories.
Where to Find Inspiration for Cottage Style Décor
Looking for more ideas on how to create a shabby chic décor? You’ll find lots of suggestions in Victoria magazine, Country Living magazine, or the book Cottage Style Decorating [Sunset Books, 2003, ISBN 978-0376011084.]
Christine Mann - Christine Mann writes about quilting, home decor sewing, and creativity in daily life.
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