It’s easy to think that ‘country chic’ and ‘shabby chic’ are the same style, but there are subtle differences. One décor aesthetic may appeal to you more, or you might want to incorporate parts of each. If you’re a fan of cozy living and vintage trends with soft color palettes, you’ll be right at home with these wall décor aesthetics.
Country chic elevates the rustic charm of traditional country décor with a more sophisticated feel. It incorporates timeless trends with a more contemporary feel, making it refined but relaxing. By comparison, shabby chic is a more romantic take on country living, focusing on vintage-inspired patterns and warm textures.
We’re exploring the differences between country chic vs. shabby chic décor with our top recommendations for eclectic wallpaper designs.
What is Country Chic?
Country chic is an interior décor aesthetic that’s all about mixing and matching different elements of countryside interiors with vintage elegance. Unlike shabby chic, it focuses primarily on neutral colors to create a relaxing ambiance with contrasting textures.
If you’re a fan of country chic, you’ll be looking to incorporate soft textiles, distressed finishes, and natural materials for a cozy atmosphere. Although this décor style is associated with farmhouses and cottages, you can incorporate it into any type of space. While country chic focuses more on neutral colors, you can layer patterns and designs for a more whimsical or playful take on the trend.
What is Shabby Chic?
Shabby chic is a home décor trend that became popular in the 1980s as a contemporary take on vintage floral patterns of the 1950s and 60s. It became mainstream as an alternative to the opulent styles that were a go-to in the 80s, such as Art Deco. You can spot the shabby chic aesthetic with its white linen, antique furniture, floral patterns, and soft color palettes.
Chalk paint is synonymous with the shabby chic trend in muted and pastel hues. Although shabby chic is considered a romantic type of home décor, you don’t have to exclusively use floral shades. While it relies more on vintage trends and prints than country chic, you can make the trend feel more contemporary by adding a minimalistic feel. The key to mastering the look of shabby chic is to make it feel authentic to you, rather than copying and pasting someone else’s Pinterest board.
Wallpaper Ideas for Shabby Chic Interiors
If you’re embracing shabby chic when decorating a room or larger spaces, wallpaper can help create a cohesive feel. Shabby chic focuses on soft colors and patterns that make it feel like you’ve stepped into a British period drama like Bridgerton.
You can give this trend a more understated feel with our ‘Floral Calm’ wallpaper. Feel like embracing vintage romanticism? Add our ‘Vintage Floral Bouquet’ wallpaper to your bedroom or powder room.
The Best Country Chic Wallpaper Designs
Our farmhouse wallpaper collection is packed full of inspiration for your country chic home décor. Unlike shabby chic, this aesthetic focuses more on earth-tone and warmer colors with a neutral base.
Create an elevated look for your living room with our ‘Green Farmhouse Tartan’ wallpaper, or bring the outdoors inside with our ‘Farmhouse Toilet’ wallpaper.
Are you looking for ideas for your country chic or shabby chic décor? Shop our latest wallpaper arrivals and explore our blog for more home décor inspiration.
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