Want to create a shabby chic garden worthy of a magazine but don't know where to start? This guide is just for you! If you love this style, you'll surely have a delightful little house decorated in shades of white and dove gray, with that perfect blend of elegance and worn-in style that we love so much.
White frames, lace doilies, hearts, elaborate chandeliers... And all your personal taste. Maybe you were thinking of adding your own touch to the outdoor spaces, too. But here's where things get a little more challenging!
Read our guide and discover all the secrets to creating a fairytale shabby chic garden: from furniture to accessories, from plants to DIY, discover how to create the shabby chic garden of your dreams!
What are shabby chic gardens like?
Small or large, covered or uncovered, shabby chic gardens all have one thing in common. What is it? A delicate, welcoming, and slightly nostalgic look. They don't need to be impeccable, the grass perfectly cut, or the furniture luxurious. Not at all: a slightly worn look will make them even more interesting.
Shabby chic gardens are a mix of old and new. They always have some fairy-tale elements, like hanging decorations, lanterns, or candles. They seem to have stepped out of another era. After all, shabby chic decor celebrates the worn charm of furniture and accessories, and if you want to embrace this style, the rules to follow are roughly the same.
It goes without saying that the predominant color is white, which stands out beautifully against the greenery. But shabby chic gardens are even more beautiful when they're in bloom: that's when pastel colors, always a great ally of the shabby chic style, come into their own.
A helpful tip: if you want to add a touch of charm to your shabby chic garden, set up a secret, slightly hidden corner. Behind a tree, a bush, or a gazebo, you can hide a small table and a couple of chairs: the ideal place to organize a date or tea with a friend.
How to choose the furniture for your shabby chic garden
Now let's move on to the furniture. How do you choose shabby chic garden furniture? The things to keep in mind are the same as with any other outdoor furniture: sturdy, waterproof furniture that can withstand a little rain without ruining.
White stained wood is beautiful and very well suited to the shabby chic style, but it's also delicate: use it without hesitation if you have a covered garden or porch; otherwise, it's best to avoid it. You can, however, create impeccable shabby chic garden furniture using other materials: wrought iron, dove-gray woven rattan, or treated wood. Even white, of course, as long as the paint is waterproof!
An interesting option is to use vintage furniture to give the garden a timeless look. It doesn't matter if the chairs are mismatched; in fact, the effect is beautiful—try it and believe it!
If your garden doesn't have a cover but you really don't want to give up on furniture in perfect shabby chic style, a beautiful white gazebo, a sail shade, or a parasol could be a quick and easy solution to shelter your favorite furnishings.
If you have enough space for somewhat bulky garden furniture, you should definitely aim to create a proper sitting area: a small sofa, two armchairs, and a coffee table will be ideal for organizing dream tea parties and snacks in the garden. If you really don't want to buy them... Have you ever considered making them yourself? It's not difficult: a painted pallet and some soft cushions will make a beautiful shabby chic garden sofa.
If space is limited, however, don't worry: choose a smaller table, complete it with two folding chairs, and you'll have created a delightful bistro corner in the greenery.
Let's talk decorations! The most beautiful ideas for your shabby chic garden
Now that you've arranged the garden furniture, what about the decorations? The beauty of a shabby chic garden is that everything doesn't have to be new or trendy: you can create splendid decorations by reusing old objects and giving them new life.
In the shabby chic garden images you find on Instagram or Pinterest, you'll have noticed one element that's almost never missing: lanterns. Decorated with flowers or candles, hung from a tree branch above a coffee table, or perched at the foot of an armchair, they're a must-have.
An alternative? Vintage metal birdcages, beautiful as flower holders.
Since we're talking about a green space, a great idea for a shabby chic garden is to use gardening tools as decoration. No, not modern ones! A vintage metal watering can can become a beautiful vase for your flowers. So can a pair of green rubber boots!
Don't underestimate DIY: with a little skill, for example, repainted doors and windows can be transformed into splendid accessories for your garden.
Imagine leaning them against a wall and using them as supports for hanging flower pots: beautiful, right? In short: a shabby chic garden lends itself to many original decorative ideas, which can be achieved independently with a small budget and a lot of creativity. This is definitely good news!
The most suitable plants for a shabby chic garden
We've seen the furniture, the decorations... But let's not forget that we're talking about a green space! And in any self-respecting garden, even a shabby chic one, the plants should always take center stage.
What are the most suitable plants for a shabby chic garden?
Flowers, of course: those with delicate colors and intense scents are a must. Lavender adds a Provençal touch, and its color is the ideal complement to a shabby chic decor. Other flowers in shades of lilac and violet include irises and lilacs.
Roses are perfect, of course; especially English roses, which are incredibly fragrant, come in soft pastel colors, and are beautiful as shrubs in gardens.
Do you have a pergola or wall to decorate with climbing plants? A wisteria plant is a must! It's true, it blooms only once a year, but its beauty more than makes up for it. Alternatively, jasmine is more hardy and has a wonderful scent. And it's equally suited to a shabby chic garden.
To recap! Distressed yet refined furniture, fairytale decorations, fragrant flowers in soft colors, and a touch of DIY: here's the ten commandments for the perfect shabby chic garden. Make good use of them, please!
