Shabby Chic Lighting Ideas that Deliver That Cottage Style

Shabby chic used to be a popular term but you don’t hear it as much since farmhouse has become popular. Shabby chic is the feminine and soft decor style. Everything is comfortable with lots of vintage elements. The images that come to mind have a light color palette with lots of texture and fabric. Shabby chic doesn’t necessarily mean lots of floral patterns, just feminine and light.

What makes LIGHTING shabby chic? It looks aged, but not traditional or formal. It makes the space feel cozy. Can a light fixture do that? YES. The right lighting can transform your home. It’s like putting on a pair of sparkly earrings with your oldest pair of jeans.

I’ve got affordable options if you’re looking for shabby chic lighting in every category, chandeliers, pendants and lamps. If you want to learn more about the Shabby Chic style, there is no better source than Rachel Ashwell, the creator of the term (and this chandelier is from her store). She has written dozens of books on the style since the 1990s.

Shabby Chic Chandeliers

Some of the best deals for french country or crystal chandeliers are on ETSY. You can find vintage lighting that is being through antique stores without the legwork. Adding a vintage chandelier can help you to get the shabby chic look.

Lighting a room is like adding jewelry to an outfit. Lighting is the quickest way to take your room up a notch. Unusual lighting makes a strong focal point. It is one of the most important design elements.

• French Country chandelier from ETSY
• A white feather chandelier from ShabbyChic.com
• Violet and crystal chandelier
• White Leaf chandelier (this seller has lots of vintage styles and close-out deals)
• Empire wood chandelier from Wayfair

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What conveys the shabby chic design is the rustic-looking or time-worn finishes of these chandeliers.

Shabby Chic Pendants

If you have recessed ceiling lights converting them to pendant lights is a great way to add a cozier vibe. These kits make it easy to convert a “can” or recessed light to a hanging or ceiling fixture.

If you have lots of recessed lights you might NOT want to swap out all of them. Choose a few spots where pendants make sense like over a kitchen island.

Here are a few examples of pendants that will make your room feel more shabby.

• Cottage Pendant from Wayfair
• Rustic pendant light
• Flush mount brass pendant
• Rustic white pendant
• Brass flush mount – these come in different finishes and you could use a bunch of them where you have can lights
• Glass pendant – Comes in multiple sizes

Shabby Chic Lamps

To find lamps that give your room a shabby chic vibe, try using the terms distressed or vintage.

• Birdcage lamp from Wayfair
• Pair of distressed table lamps from Wayfair
• Ogden floor lamp
• Floor lamp at Walmart

Shabby Chic Garden

If you want to transform your outdoor space, you might NOT be thinking about lighting. Lights make a big difference outside too. You might have the coziest wicker outdoor sofa, but try adding string lights and you’ll see what I mean.

You can also hang solar outdoor lanterns like these or these from pottery barn. These mason jar string lights are battery-operated and perfect for the garden.

My favorite images of a Shabby Chic garden are at ShipandShells. Be sure to have a look at her amazing greenhouse.

If you are looking for lighting solutions that give your space more of the cottage or shabby style, try swapping out your lighting. You will be surprised at what a difference it makes.

Before you go, you might be interested in how to light a small bathroom and Pottery Barn lighting dupes.