I love French country house-style decor. It is beautiful, relaxed, and charming.
This rustic style draws its inspiration from Provence’s lovely nature and landscapes. The lavender fields, hills, and bright sunshine.
While it incorporates different elements, the French Country Décor mainly leans towards a rustic, vintage, and lived-in look.
It is warm and casual.
Let’s have a look at essential French country interior design elements to create your perfect place.
23 French Country Style Accessories & Tips | Give Your Home a “Provencal” Look
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How to decorate your home in French country style?
Whether you are after French provincial decorating tips on a budget or can afford to splash a bit of cash, I have the tips and accessories you need.
To get the French style right is essential to pick accessories that complement your home’s look and furniture.
Pick accessories that can be placed strategically on walls, floors, rooms, and furniture to accentuate their laid-back appearance.
Now let’s have a look at specific French country decorating tips and decorative accents.
1. Add Vintage Floral Drawings
Hang abstract paintings on the wall, some black and white photography, or vintage floral drawings. These lavender prints are absolutely beautiful.
2. Distressed rug
Another way to recreate this look is by placing distressed vintage rugs over wooden floors.
3. Fireplace
A French country house is not complete without a fireplace. If you do not have a built-in fireplace create a faux one. Put some beams together and make it a wooden mantel. Complete the fireplace with some white spray paint or chalk paint.
Lay some candles, hand carvings, plants, or pottery over the fireplace to complete the homely lived-in look.
You can collect beautifully aged accessories from antique shops, flea markets, or garage sales.
4. Chandeliers
Chandeliers are a signature in French décor and a must-have accessory to add taste and style.
Rustic chandeliers with metal finishes are the perfect pick for a French country look. Add these magnificent pieces to the bedroom, kitchen, or sitting room for a rustic and smart style.
If you love chandeliers check out the one below. It is beautiful, luxurious, and affordable.
White Distressed French Country Chandelier
5. Open armoire
Store some pots, used books, or tableware in an open armoire. You can also fit this wonderful French choice cabinet in the bedroom instead of a closed wardrobe.
6. Oversized clock
Another accessory found in the Provence countryside homes is an oversized wall clock. Pick an aged-looking clock for a timeless addition to the kitchen, bedroom, or dining area.
French Country Oversized Wall Clock
7. Hang rustic items
A nice addition to country French decor is rustic metal and wrought iron. Hang rustic items in your kitchen or a wrought iron framed mirror in your living room to incorporate these metals into your decor. I love this rustic metal sign with a French quote.
8. Vintage bookshelf
A typical item of the Provence style is a bookshelf. Place a shelf along the wall next to the fireplace or in the room corner with a collection of books. A vintage bookshelf with carved details will complement this look perfectly.
9. Flowers
Add a bouquet of dried or fresh flowers. Flowers over a basket or a vintage rustic vase will brighten up the place beautifully.
Farmhouse Rustic Iron Vase Container
French Farmhouse Decor Ideas: Furniture & Walls
10. Distressed furniture
The keyword for rustic French décor furniture is, distressed. A distressed look adds a lived-in Provence air to the house.
If you like this style you can find distressed furniture in stores or if you are into DIY you could transform old furniture to achieve a vintage look. This distressed end table with 2 shelves is beautiful and has good reviews.
11. Mismatched furniture
Your goal for a sitting area is comfort and relaxation. Place mismatched sitting chairs or furniture and incorporate vintage armchairs and upholstered pieces.
12. Large dining table
Consider a large, dull-waxed dining table and curved chairs with an upholstered design to add to your décor. Upholstered adds luxury and class to the home.
# You could also opt for a large farmhouse-style dining table to get the rustic feeling.
13. Large wrought iron headboard
For a French country bedroom, pick a bed with a large wrought iron headboard and throw in as many pillows as you want. Check out this selection of beautiful pillow covers with decorative French motifs.
14. Large upholstered headboard
Fit the bed with a large upholstered headboard or place a tufted ottoman, chair, or upholstered bench at the end of the bed to complete the French rustic look.
15. Revealed brick walls
French country homes are adorned with stone walls or revealed brick walls. Distressed beams and timbers, woods that reveal their grain, and lightly finished window casing that shows natural nuts are characteristics of this home décor.
16. Unfinished looks
Furniture and other architectural features should portray some age. Some unfinished looks and unique designs. Allow enough room for creativity.
French Country House Style Accessories: Colors and Fabrics
French country décor is characterized by simple neutral colors.
The varying country landscapes of the Provence and climate influence the choice of colors for a country French Décor.
The color palette favors neutral soft colors and colors from classic French fabrics.
17. Colors
The Provence style is known for its soft, muted color palette inspired by the natural landscape. Think shades of lavender, soft blues, creamy whites, earthy terracottas, and sunny yellows.
These colors could be used on walls, fabrics, and decorative accents to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pick complementing colors for a relaxed French country home. Check out these French country house color palettes for more ideas.
Fabrics
In French country house decor, especially in the Provence style, a variety of fabrics are used to create a rustic and charming atmosphere.
- Linen and cotton in soft, muted colors are staples for curtains, tablecloths, bed linens, and cushions.
- Toile de Jouy adds elegance with its detailed pastoral scenes, while tapestry and damask offer rich textures for formal areas.
- Burlap introduces a rustic touch, and floral prints with lavender, sunflowers, and olive branches bring the outdoors in.
- Gingham checks and stripes add a casual, homey feel, perfect for kitchen textiles and cushions, maintaining the rustic charm of Provence.
19. Whitewashing cabinets
Another way to achieve the rustic French look is by whitewashing the cabinets and some walls to create a rustic or aged effect. It is commonly used in country or farmhouse decor to brighten spaces while maintaining a natural look.
20. Floral patterns
Add wallpapers with flower patterns. Floral patterns are a quintessential element of this decor style, contributing to the charm and elegance associated with French country interiors.
22. Long drapes
Hang long drapes over the large framed windows. Let them flow and make a pool on the floor.
To enhance the French country style, hang long, flowing linen drapes in a soft color. The drapes frame the windows beautifully and allow natural light to filter in, creating a bright and airy feel while maintaining privacy when needed.
22. Bedding
To enhance the country French decor feeling, choose linen fabric in cream and white colors for the bedding. The covers should have extra length to sweep the floor.
23. Wall color combinations
In French country decor, the colors used for walls are typically soft, muted, and inspired by the natural landscape. These colors create a warm, inviting atmosphere and reflect the rustic charm of the French countryside.
Here are a few color combinations examples:
- Creamy White Walls with Pastel Blue Accents: This combination creates a serene and inviting space.
- Soft Yellow Walls with Warm Beige Furniture: Adds warmth and a sunny disposition to the room.
- Muted Green Walls with Creamy White Trim: Bring a natural, calming feel to the decor.
- Light Grey Walls with Lavender Accents: Provide a sophisticated and tranquil environment.
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French Country House Style Decor: Très Chic!
Turning your house into a French country house is easy if you know what to look for.
French style is versatile. Take advantage of old furniture, worn fabrics, or antiques you have in your home and make them count.
Throw in some vintage pieces and personalize a few items and you will always long to stay in your Provence “Maison”.
What are your favorite French country house style house style decor and tips?
