Cottage style furniture is no longer just limited to town and country houses anymore. This style has found its way in the houses of chic and hip city folks. Often referred to as the "shabby chic" this type of furnishings are fast becoming the new trend simply because of its vintage and nostalgic appeal. Many people who like the shabby chic look say that this type of home furnishings give their homes a little Parisian feel. Everything from drawers, cabinets, side tables, to chairs, book cases and beds that look like they came from a flea market somewhere in Europe. Another great thing about cottage style furniture is the romantic feel it lends to a place. They are also very classic pieces and would never go out of style.

Most of these "shabby chic" furnishings are either painted a nice white color or are distressed giving off that worn, aged feel. The style is also a little carefree, with a very light almost effervescent appeal to it which is perfect for people who are very easy going and laid back. So what makes something "shabby chic"? More often than not, it's the use of light colors and comfortable as opposed to expensive fabrics that makes it "shabby chic". Every piece of furnishing is easy on the eye and ignites a feeling of nostalgia, whether it is real vintage or just made to look like one.

Another appeal of having cottage style furniture is the fact that it doesn't cost as much as more modern looking furnishings do. You can simply go to a local flea market or used furniture store and you can find some really good pieces. You can also refurbish your old furnishings to make them look "shabby chic". For example, you can take an old side table that you haven't used in a while and paint it in a nice white color afterwards, you can make it look distressed which is the look of the most shabby chic furnishings by using sandpaper on parts of it. As simple as that, you can make your own cottage style furniture without having to spend a penny. But if you aren't handy with such things, there are many websites that specialize in this type of furniture and they offer good quality stuff. Most of the time, you will find new custom furnishings that were made to look vintage and then there are those which offer items that come from flea markets and were refurbished by the seller themselves. These items can sell at really good prices but the more antique ones might fetch a higher price tag.

So you want to decorate your house using cottage style furniture? Well here are some easy to do tips which you can incorporate to your renovation:

1. When you think of this type of furniture you immediately think of timeworn, old pieces that have that heirloom appeal. So why don't you try looking at your current furnishings and see which one could be taken and worked on to get that sort of style. All you need are some paint and sanding tools.

2. Texture. Add small things like shells to your current fixtures and this would instantly add that cottage style appeal.