Shabby chic dining room ideas

last updated 6 June 2022

These shabby chic dining room ideas are timeless, feminine, and the epitome of rustic charm – and it's one of our favourite country trends.

The iconic term was first coined 20 years ago and it's still going strong today, with many choosing to bypass expensive furnishings in preference for worn and well-loved pieces, from a distressed dresser to faded fabric hand-me-downs.

To create the feel of timeworn opulence from scratch try mixing new buys with vintage market finds. Look for decorative accessories such as chandeliers and mirrors that haven’t been perfectly restored, but have aged with character.

Opt for furniture and textiles that feel lived-in for a romantically rustic dining room idea. Chipped paintwork, faded fabrics and blemishes all add to the charm.

1. Pretty up a shabby chic look

kitchen with white window and floral crockery

Jazz up a white kitchen with punchy floral crockery, pastel mixing bowls and hard-working enamelware. Team a subtly striped blind and funky rose trim with table linens in pinks and blues and add a contemporary vibe with practical metal chairs.

Mix new pieces with old ones to prevent a drab or staid look, and stick to a set colour palette so you don’t end up with a hodgepodge of uncoordinated items.

2. Work the shabby chic look into a small space

room with wooden table and chair and white wall

This simple small dining room combines shabby chic decorating ideas such as distressed furniture, a neutral colour palette and vintage touches. The natural wood adds a rustic feel and hints of punchy colour enliven the otherwise cream space.

3. Give your dining room a sunny disposition

dining area with white wooden table and matching soft furnishings

Look to your favourite country schemes to create a dining room that will make you smile as soon as you enter.

This rustic, shabby chic space features a simple colour palette of yellow and white, which work exceptionally well with the weathered wood finishes on the floor, walls and furniture. Don't be afraid to mix and match pieces – it is all part of this trends eclectic charm.

4. Look to lived-in pieces for inspiration

shabby chic dining room with a traditional wooden table French dresser and wooden wall panels

No shabby chic dining space would be complete without a well-worn table. Although white is key, pastel hues also contribute to the look. Paint and distress chairs in mismatched shades for a modern twist. Beaten-up enamelware and chipped china work wonderfully as planters for fresh flowers – a great centrepiece idea.

5. Create a nostalgic feel with ditsy prints and sorbet hues

white kitchen diner with traditional furniture and appliances and coloured chairs

Go for a vintage-inspired scheme that’s light and bright by adding pretty prints to a pale backdrop. Throw caution to the wind and don’t be afraid to clash fabric prints!

Choose classic designs like florals, stripes and polka dots but be sure to stick to a palette of sugary pastels, such as powder blue, mint green, blush pink and lemon yellow. Opt for white of very light walls and floors to allow patterned accessories to take centre stage and prevent the look from becoming too busy.

Accessories with vintage picks like enamelware and other classic kitchenalia. Use a simple woven rug with rustic appeal to zone the dining area of a kitchen. Look out for old cabinetry in skips, but remember to ask the owner if you can take it first.

Will you be using these shabby chic decorating ideas to give your dining room a feminine update?

Jennifer is the Deputy Editor (Digital) for Homes & Gardens online. Prior to her current position, she completed various short courses a KLC Design School, and wrote across sister brands Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes, Country Homes & Interiors, and Style at Home.