How to Create Shabby Chic Painted Furniture

Choose a piece that has antique lines with lots of curves. You can get these really cheap at garage sales & thrift shops. It's OK if the finish is messed up, you're just going to be painting it.

Choose something non traditional when selecting paint colors. Shabby Chic designs call for white, blue, green or pink furniture. If you live in an apartment pick a bright color that will make your room feel decorated even though you have white walls.

Get the piece ready for painting. If the piece you are painting is laminated, you will need to prime it first. Clean off any dirt or chipping paint from the furniture.

Distress the paint. If you'd like the edges of the furniture to be natural wood just rub candle wax over the edges. This should keep the paint from sticking.

Start layering paint. Shabby Chic is all about layers of paints. This makes it a fantastic project if you aren't the most careful painter. Just watch out for drips. It's not about having a perfect paint job.

Sand the edges. Think about anywhere you would naturally touch the drawer. These spots would wear over time, so sand them down.

Don't forget the cabinet pulls. Find antique glass knobs or iron work handles.

Live with the piece for awhile. If something doesn't seem right, take it back outside & rub a layer of distressing medium or stain over it.