It can easily be considered that shabby chic furniture is something of an oxymoron, since furniture which is chic is often not considered to be the same as furniture which is shabby. Chic often implies elegance and class, whilst shabby may suggest, well, shabby really.

But more than ever before such furniture is something which a great many of us are looking to introduce into our refurbished and redesigned rooms in order to help create a truly stylish room bursting with character and elegance.

When most people consider the idea of shabby chic furniture it tends to largely be French furniture which is perceived and purchased. But in fact this concept started in Britain, not France. The phrase ‘shabby chic’ was coined in the 80s, since when it has grown massively in popularity, and is today a style of interior decor and furnishing which suits rooms of almost any size. Living rooms large enough to host a reasonably entertaining second division football match can certainly carry the shabby chic look extremely well, but then so can small, modestly sized living rooms, bedrooms and even bathrooms.

Today one of the reasons why many people consider shabby chic furniture to be associated with French furniture is because of the charm, style, elegance and character of the traditional French chateaux. The reason that shabby chic furniture works so well is because it implies a sense of classic styling, just as many older stately homes had an abundance of expensive and beautifully designed and constructed furniture which had often been handed down through the generations.

The fact that this old furniture had become a little worn, and perhaps shabby, in no way detracted from the essence of quality which was unmistakable. The shabby chic furniture available today may not have been handed down through generations nor be much older than your mobile phone, but still achieves the same effect extremely well. And at a minute fraction of the price that genuine antique furniture is likely to sell for.

Although this sort of furniture is available in a variety of colours, styles and wood effects, those looking for French furniture will almost inevitably find themselves acquiring items of furniture and furnishings which are white, cream and decorated with a little gold. These are classic colours which are suited perfectly to a wide range of rooms.

Shabby chic furniture and French furniture works brilliantly in the bedroom when done properly, creating a calming, elegant and very stylish look relatively easily. By combining a few choice pieces of French furniture such as a bed, armoire and perhaps a dressing table with traditional French items such as large, ornate mirrors, chandeliers and suitable bedding, cushions and curtains it is possible to completely transform a bedroom for a relatively modest budget.

French style furniture has become incredibly popular of late in the most fashionable of homes. Creating a look that is classic but contemporary is a task that many people find difficult. However, as French furniture can allow virtually every taste to be catered for, it can be the ideal solution if you are struggling to create a look you can be truly proud of. With an ageless and timeless piece of furniture such as a chaise longue, a feeling of warm and inviting luxury can be achieved in any home.

The chaise lounge has long been associated with opulence, charm and elegance. This item of French furniture has graced the finest of living rooms for many years and is probably the ultimate statement of elegant daytime relaxation. With so many styles now available, from traditional to contemporary, it is simple to transform a space which was once merely functional into an inspired setting that would not look out of place on the covers of a glossy interior design magazine.

As with all French furniture, a chaise lounge imparts a style that is uniquely comfortable as well as aesthetically pleasing. Traditionally used as a day bed, the chaise lounge conjures classical images of ladies lounging luxuriously, whiling away the daytime hours, perhaps sipping delicately from a crystal glass. French furniture is often elaborate in its detail and although a chaise lounge can be very streamlined in appearance, it can also, like more traditional French furniture, be ornately carved and covered in opulent fabric such as velvet or silk.

Although there is a wealth of French furniture available today, it is surely the chaise lounge which is the epitome of style and glamour that is associated with French furniture throughout the decades. Being able to recreate this luxury in today’s fashionable homes is a relatively simple task, given the huge choice that is available to the modern chaise lounge buyer.

However, as with any type of furniture, it is essential to take the time to get the detail right and consider which style most befits the look and period of your home. Whether it is a strong style statement, such as zebra striped velvet you are looking for or a more neutral, classic feel which can be achieved with a material such as plain striped linen, it is crucial to ensure that the furniture you choose complements the room, and your home.