French countryside living room
23 Stunning French Country Living Room Decor Ideas
Looking for French country living rooms to inspire you as you decorate your French farmhouse home? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with the most beautiful French style living rooms you can find online.
When it comes to the living room, you want to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for your family and guests. The living room is where you’ll spend your time hanging out with your family and friends, watching TV, and having endless conversations. At the same time, you want it to match your taste, aesthetic, and home decor style.
The French country decorative style is all about blending the comfort of a country home with the elegance of French design. We hope these living rooms will inspire you as you go about decorating your perfect French country living room.
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Let’s go over some of the key elements of a French living room.
Cream Walls and Patterned Curtains
Here we have a real French chateau located in the French countryside! It’s open, spacious, and has some great French country decor elements. From the creamy walls to the patterned curtains, the frame of this room is warm and cozy.
@provencepoiriersAntique paintings hang on the walls, ivory sofas surround the teal tufted ottoman which serves as a French coffee table, and the space is centered around a vintage, oriental rug. The space is illuminated by a crystal chandelier. This room is definitely upper class and would be best for older residents without children.
Crystal Chandelier
Here we have a somewhat Americanized French living room with some key decorative elements placed in the American countryside. The central crystal chandelier is a great focal point. In the background, two gold mirrors lean against the wall. The sofa itself is white and minimal in design. The antique-style wooden coffee table holds little votives and a rustic bucket of pink roses! It’s a nicely done space, even if it is a bit overly ‘French’ looking.
French Blue Striped Throw Blanket
I love how this space has been decorated using French whites, but I especially love that fringed blue striped linen throw blanket in the corner! The French love their stripes and this blanket is quintessential of their decor style.
ShabbyfufuRound Marble Side Table
How cute is this round marble table reminiscent of a real French bistro table that you would dine on at a brasserie in Paris? I actually own this table and I will say it’s even more stunning in person! You can buy it here.
@decoratinglife.caFrench Vintage Coffee Table
The coffee table is a key element of the living room. This dainty vintage white coffee table epitomizes French furniture design. I like that it was left quite bare except for a small bucket of flowers. It helps the space feel airy and uncluttered! The beige slipcovered sofa adds a bit of warmth to this space.
tidbits-camiGlass Door Cabinet
This faded blue glass door cabinet is a great storage piece for a French living room.
It opens and closes using the signature French iron turnstile. Inside, antique books and decorative objects are sparsely placed on the fixed shelves.
Wood Armoire
This wooden armoire holds lots of things you may need around the house. From extra pitchers to spare linens, there’s a ton of ways to make use of an antique armoire like this one. If you’re looking for a great French storage cabinet, check out our post on the best French country armoires with charm.
love grows wildKeep a wicker basket and a wooden tray on top to add height to the area and fill up dead space. This home has a tufted neutral sofa and a country white side table in their living room. Honey wood floors keep the space looking cozy.
Gold Oval Louis Mirror
A gold oval wall mirror in this bright white living room is the perfect French touch for the wall. Other gold accents are found throughout the space like those gorgeous gold side tables with marble tops. Lots of French white linens laying on accent chairs and sofas make this space feel heavenly! We have a few Parisian mirror recommendations online.
Gray Sofa
For a more rustic French look, go with dark browns and gray sofas like this living room decorated with a darker, mountain vibe. Exposed wood ceiling beams and thick wood furniture make this space feel very outdoorsy! Trip to the French Alps anyone?
@sanctuaryhomedecorLouis Accent Chair
The Louis chair is a classic French accent chair design that you must incorporate into your French-inspired home!
UnknownOrange Sofa
I like that this space isn’t afraid to make a bold design choice like adding an orange sofa. The two ginger jar table lamps on either side add to the uniqueness of the space. Antique art and upholstered French accent chairs neatly finish off this traditional French country space.
@airellesgordesFloral Accents
The French love their florals and you can almost never have too many flowers in your living space! Hold them in glass vases, pitchers, and urns – you’ll be glad you did!
ShabbyfufuOversized Wall Clock
A rustic wood wall clock will help you keep track of the time as you spend your days lounging on your French cabriole sofa.
Pale yellow sofa
If the rule of thumb is to stick to just one statement piece per room, then this pale yellow floral upholstered sofa is certainly the one!
@rarecornersGingham Pillows
Ever since French actress Brigitte Bardot wore her famous gingham skirts and dresses in the 50s, gingham fabrics have been incredibly stylish according to the French. You can use them on your throw pillows, as seen here. Don’t limit yourself to just green either, I’ve seen cute gingham decor in red, blue, pink, and even yellow!
@simplyfrenchmarketPatterned Wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper will instantly make your space feel more upscale and more French. It should be in contrast to the color of your sofa, or subtly bring it out, as seen in this living room with sage green French furniture. Antique wall portraits and a painted wood coffee table help to round out the space.
Conde Nast TravellerTufted Accent Chairs
Tufted furniture is very old-world European and fits in perfectly with most French interiors.
You can use tufted accent chairs like these in pairs or on their own, too!
Gold Accent Chairs
These singular gold side chairs are used as extra seating in this white French living room – a bold design choice that adds warmth in an otherwise cold, wintry space.
@white_and_fadedStraw Basket Bag
This classic French fashion accessory is also great to leave as decoration in an empty corner of your living room. The deconstructed French accent chairs nearby give this room an intentionally unfinished, casual look.
Shop the best French straw basket bags from Wayfair, Etsy, or Anthro.
SomuchbetterwithageTufted Ottoman as Coffee Table
Many country living rooms use ottomans as coffee tables. You can use trays on top to create a flat surface and hold flowers, candles, books, and more. This tufted ottoman holds the family’s treasures, showing off their personalities and style.
DesignthusiasmVintage Sofa and Gold Leaning Mirror
A vintage cabriole sofa and a gold leaning wall mirror complete this charming European living room.
A straw basket filled with market flowers sits on the floor. I can only dream of how fresh this room must smell!
White Slipcovered Furniture
Lastly, white or gray slipcovered furniture is very popular in French country homes. Having ample seating for a large family or for entertaining guests is very important when it comes to French living room design. You never want your space to feel cramped or crowded. Oversized, comfortable slipcover furniture helps you achieve the right balance of coziness and practical style.
@white_and_fadedI hope these French country living rooms inspired you to live your best French life! As you can see, there are a few core elements to French country decorating, but you can also experiment and mix them up with your existing home architecture and decorative style. There are many ways to get a charming French look in your home. Don’t be scared to try something new!
More French Country Decor Ideas
If you love decorating at home with the French country style, you’ll love these other related articles on our site.
- French Country Bedrooms
- French Country Home Offices
- French Country Kitchens
- French Country Dining Rooms
- French Country Bathrooms
Let us know your thoughts on these living rooms in the comments below!
French country living room ideas :10 ways to add timeless elegance
French country living room ideas are renowned for their enduring elegance. With an appreciation for the rural landscape at its heart, French country is a style which has been bringing timeless charm and an air of romance to interiors for centuries.
Rustic yet comfortable, and elegant yet practical, living rooms decorated in the French country style boast a relaxed, lived-in look and are characterised by gentle neutrals and faded colors paired with a wealth of natural materials. Linens in floral, striped and checked prints lend that all-important soft touch, while antique furniture and time worn pieces bring depth and character.
Whether you're looking to redecorate, or simply introduce a few French-style finishing touches, we've rounded up a beautiful array of living rooms ideas which are perfect for those that adore the French country look.
French country living room ideas
If you're looking to create a French country living room then you're in luck as it’s an easy look to recreate. 'It doesn’t rely on closely coordinated accessories, matching suites of furniture or lots of designer pieces,' explains fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott. 'Instead, its eclectic, mismatched style is all part of the charm.’
While part of the enduring appeal of the French country decor is that there's no real recipe, there are some recurring themes, so to help you get inspired we've rounded up some beautiful ideas alongside some tips from the experts.
1. Layer delicate prints in soft colors
(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)
The palette and prints you use can have a big impact on the look and feel of a space. Renowned for being relaxed and elegant, French country living rooms tend not to include vibrant or dramatic tones, but instead are characterised by their myriad soft colors inspired by nature alongside gentle floral prints.
‘French country decor ideas focus on a look that's soft, rustic, elegant and casual. The style incorporates traditional freestanding furniture, lots of wood and exposed stone walls, and a penchant for off-whites, soft blues and yellows,’ explains Vanessa Arbuthnott . 'Think softly upholstered or loose covered sofas and chairs in natural linens and gentle florals in neutral tones.'
2. Embrace rustic textures and natural materials
(Image credit: Dan Duchars)
When it comes to French country style, often less is more. Rather than opting for bold prints and vibrant colors, think about embracing aged surfaces and the gentle textures of natural materials. Boasting subtle variations in tone, exposed plaster work makes a fabulous textural backdrop for a French country living room plus it pairs beautifully with the grain of natural timber furniture.
If you're keen to introduce pattern, then consider limiting it to small areas so as not to distract from rustic textures.
In this stunning space bobbin chairs covered in linens from Fermoie (left) and Designers Guild (right) bring a touch of pattern without dominating the space.
3. Choose faded floral fabrics
(Image credit: Colefax & Fowler )
Bringing the beauty of nature into the home, floral fabric is the perfect choice for a country living room helping them feel connected with the landscape that surrounds them. The French are renowned for their floral fabrics, from ditsy repeat designs to elaborate prints with urns, ribbons and cartouches and luckily there's a wealth of French-inspired prints available that take inspiration from traditional designs.
A beautiful trailing pattern, this Fuchsia fabric by Colefax & Fowler looks fabulous across curtains and elegant curved armchair in this living room, and helps bring softness and femininity to the space.
4. Keep it simple
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
If you've got a penchant for pretty details, and love French interior pieces such as decorative carved wall sconces; crystal table lamps and delicate lace fabrics, then consider choosing a pared-back all-white scheme to really show them off.
Limiting the palette of a room to just one color is a brilliant way to focus attention on delicate details of French pieces as this beautiful space proves. If you're thinking of white living room ideas then be sure to fill the space with elegant shapes and plenty of layered fabrics to bring the look to life.
5. Furnish with distressed pieces
(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)
Antique painted furniture bearing time-worn patinas and chipped paintwork are guaranteed to bring character as well as a relaxed, lived-in feel to a living room. Antique shops and flea markets are a good source for vintage pieces. Alternatively, drab brown furniture picked up at low prices from yard sales can easily be transformed into characterful, unique pieces using a simple lick of paint and some distressed paint effects. If you're sourcing pieces to paint don't worry too much about the color of finish – look for pieces with beautiful shapes and silhouettes as this is what will shine through.
6. Showcase architectural features
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch )
If you're lucky enough to have a living room with beautiful original features such as exposed masonry and stone fireplaces then be sure to showcase them within your interior as these aged surfaces are a key part of the French look.
French country interiors, 'have a slightly rustic finish, celebrating rough plastered walls and worn wooden floorboards,' says Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch . 'The interior of Emma’s Wiltshire home is a great example of this, inspired by the Provencal style of the French hotel La Bastide de Marie.'
7. Decorate with ornate wallpapers
(Image credit: Little Greene)
Wallpaper is a brilliant way to instantly change the look and feel of a room. If you're looking for living room wallpaper ideas with a romantic French feel then consider using prints that reference the Rococo style – a movement that first emerged in France in the 1720 – 1730s that is characterized by elaborate ornament.
'French country decor is highly decorative. Patterns that detail more traditional flowing damasks, fleur-de-lys and scrollwork will bring a touch of elegance and rustic charm to a room,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene .
'These patterns will offer a sense of timeless grandeur, creating a trompe l’oeil that draws the eye and can accentuate the height of a room. These designs work well in colors that complement the period, such as soft yellows and blues, pairing beautifully with whitewashed woodwork and parquet living room flooring.’
8. Don't forget the chandelier
(Image credit: Colin Poole)
If there's one piece a French country living room can't be without, it's a chandelier. Elegant and timeless, a statement chandelier can instantly transform the look and feel of a room and makes a beautiful ceiling centerpiece. While there are lots of reproduction designs available, nothing quite matches the grandeur and elegance of an antique crystal chandelier, however, care must be taken when installing.
'It’s wise to remember the practical aspects of safely installing chandeliers. Fixing chandeliers to a ceiling can be a very difficult endeavour; I’ve had to lift floors and put reinforced bars in situ to take the weight of some, so take this into account when buying,' says antiques expert Marc Allum writing for Period Living magazine.
9. Choose plantation shutters
(Image credit: Future)
Synonymous with the south of France, shutters are a common feature of many historic French buildings, so if you're looking for window treatments ideas for a French country living room then plantation shutters are a brilliant option. Boasting faded pastel and aged paintwork, antique shutters are also prized for their decorative qualities, too and can look particularly effective leant against the wall as a characterful backdrop or fitted as wall paneling.
10. Opt for timeless stripes
(Image credit: Future)
From grain-sack style, heavyweight linens to tightly woven cotton tickings, striped fabrics are a staple of classic french decor, bringing a timeless and relaxed feel to living room upholstery.
Using a selection of different striped fabrics of the same colorway to upholster chairs is a great way to bring added texture and interest neutral living rooms.
What makes a house French country?
If you're wondering what makes a house French country then the answer is there is no one defining feature – part of the charm of French country interiors is their relaxed, lived-in look created from a mix and match approach to decorating. It is safe to say however that French country is an elegant style that has timeless appeal.
'There is something about French country style and textiles that draws me in time and again, it has a vibe all its own but instantly you know the look,' says Caroline Inchyra, founder of Inchyra. 'I think it is to do with the ability of the designs to be both rustic and comfortable but at the same time exude elegance.'
While the style has no one defining feature, French country interiors are often based on a palette of soft neutral tones and delicate faded colors.
Whether introduced through furniture, flooring or wall treatments, natural materials are a key focus within the look as is an abundance of rustic textures and time worn patinas. 'Think about layering color and designs too, keep it eclectic. French style is distinctive but not contrived,' adds Caroline Inchyra.
When it comes to furniture, elegant pieces with curved silhouettes and ornate details are often used to bring femininity and softness – think Louis XVI style settees with scrolled arms, upholstered headboards and white-washed armoires crowned with carved details.
What fabrics make a house French country?
There are many fabrics that work well in French country living rooms. Capturing the romance and beauty of nature, floral fabrics are a brilliant choice for a French country look as they have a timeless appeal and help connect homes with the rural landscape.
Linens in prints like checks, ginghams and stripes are also popular with interior designers looking to channel the French country style as they bring a subtle touch of pattern while keeping spaces feeling restful and relaxed.
'The French use a lot of linen and it does create quite a specific look, that of faded grandeur, effortless style that works no matter how big or small the house,' says Caroline Inchyra.
'Linen always feels as though it has been there forever, there’s just something about it combined with a muted softness and a very subtle color palette, mainly inspired by nature. I think that’s why it works so seamlessly within a country interior, especially as curtains and cushions. Heavier linens can be used as upholstery but not for heavy use.
| 07.09.17 Among the cozy, light and bright interior style is Provence. Recreating the atmosphere of the warm Mediterranean, French country makes the accommodation comfortable, romantic and full of true home charm. A touch of elegance and antiquity can be traced in every thing and every object, giving the house a uniqueness. French provinceFirst line indent Village houses, neat, entwined with climbing plants and pleasing to the eye with their appearance, are conducive to a leisurely measured life and a pleasant rest in the bosom of nature. Aging is one of the hallmarks of Provence. It manifests itself in scuffs on the ends of furniture, in burnt fabrics, old photographs in faded frames. To make the design look simple and natural, you need to make an effort, carefully select finishing materials and furniture in the style of provincial southern France. Precise stylization of the environment is possible using only natural materials: Interior design should be based on the shades typical of Provence: Saturated colors can only participate as individual accents, which should be few. These are terracotta, ocher, blue and brown. The village was not demanding in terms of frills. Interior decoration - simple: For the background of the house, one of the lighter shades should be used to avoid excessive variegation. FurnitureIndent of the first lineThe external appeal of the Provence style is based on the presence of antique pieces of furniture. Aged things look noble, as they are made of natural wood - chestnut, oak, walnut, etc. Simple forms and lack of pretentiousness are emphasized by an organic combination in the design of the house. Provence furniture can be really old or artificially aged. Preference should be given to objects that are low, squat, having smooth shapes without sharp corners, carving or painting. Provence in the interior of the bedroom requires a comfortable bed and solid solid furniture, the items of which are combined with each other and harmonize well. French chic is an elegant combination of all components. Moreover, the color and texture of the furniture may vary. A bedroom is inconceivable without a bed, a comfortable chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a bedside table. If there is enough free space, the bedroom can be supplemented, for example, with poufs, armchairs, chairs, shelves, etc. Important! When buying furniture for your home, pay attention to the quality of materials and the reputation of the manufacturer. Only a thing made in accordance with all technological requirements will serve for a long time and look decent. Details matterFirst line indentFrench rustic style begins to play with colors with the participation of decor items, careful attention to detail. For decoration, you can beat the presence of ceramic dishes, textiles, things made by hand. Hand-embroidered bed linen, bedspreads and pillows will look impressive and colorful. Hand-knitted blankets, knitted napkins are exactly those items that create comfort. TextileIndent of the first lineThe interior of the bedroom in Provence style looks very stylish. It is in this room that the French style can show its maximum beauty. A wide comfortable bed covered with embroidered linen, bedspreads trimmed with lace and ruffles. In addition, additional pillows on the bed and upholstered furniture may be present in large quantities. Textile complements the living room, nursery, dining room and kitchen. Natural fabrics and lyrical colors enliven the environment and give it the chic that provincial Europe is famous for. For your information! A bedroom, children's or girl's room with properly selected textile additions acquire the softness and comfort characteristic of a warm home environment. ForgedIndentation of the first lineForged elements, skillfully introduced into the interior, contribute to the fact that French furniture acquires color and charm. Forged cornice, candlesticks and furniture elements combine the elegance of curls and the solidity of the material. Forged can be: Such elements will fill the room with the surroundings of antiquity and echoes of noble luxury, adapted for everyday life. For example, a bedroom with wrought iron bed pieces will grab attention and look antique while remaining comfortable. FloralFirst line indented The flair of the French countryside can be seen in a large number of fresh flowers and floral motifs. Lavender is among the favorites of Provence. Being a symbol of the region, it is cultivated in the fields, grown on window sills, decorates vases. One of the original features of the style is the ability to use any old dishes and household items as containers for flowers. For example, buckets, cups, glasses, beakers, etc. It will look unusual, original and quite impressive. AccessoriesIndentation of the first line To give the atmosphere individual features of the room, accessories are added to the interior - commemorative photographs, souvenirs, paintings, candlesticks. An old metronome and barometer in a bronze or wooden case will look no less interesting and relevant. Unity with nature makes the Provence style attractive for those who prefer eco-friendly materials, flowers and natural shades in the design of their home. Buying high-quality and solid furniture made from natural materials can be an expensive investment that is worth it. Good-quality furniture made of rare wood species will transform not only the style of the house, but will also affect the households themselves. French Provence in the interior is sure to impress the guests of the house with its originality and difference from the usual template approaches to design. Buy French furniture in Provence style Catalog "Textiles" (pillows, bed and table linen) Return |
More than one generation grew up in such charming houses in Provence. Furniture and household items were carefully used and stored, bearing a trace of history. 
There can be no bright and contrasting combinations here, all transitions of shades should be soft, flowing and whitened. 
Since Provence prefers naturalness in everything, household items and office equipment should not be put on display. So, for example, a hanging TV can have a wooden frame, which will allow it to fit organically into an ethnic interior. 
The girl's bedroom looks especially attractive with floral images. Prints of flowers can be present on wallpaper, textiles, in the form of paintings or dried inflorescences. There can be a lot of fresh flowers in pots and vases - even in the bathroom, on tables and cupboards in the rooms. 
10 examples of Provencal interiors: a selection of houses from a French village we imagine Provence.
Lucky people live in these places and their home decor is also happy - pastel colors, a lot of textiles, antiques and cute little things.
The latter are especially important, the whole essence of Provence is in the details: a lot of lavender, wrought iron furniture, baskets, family photos, patchwork quilts, old dishes and mirrors. We have collected a selection of villas, houses and apartments located in the real Provence to find out if they are all made in a traditional style.
Good old Provence in Bath
The selection is opened by the most classic villa on our list: Provence as it is. Sunny house with large windows and all the trappings of country life - stone floors, wooden beams, earthenware and lots of flowers.
Pay attention to the furniture: a solid old wardrobe, sofa covers, wicker chairs, rustic tables. Instead of lamps, there are lamps, and there are a lot of textiles in the rooms - blankets, covers, chair cushions.
Creative Silence of Arles
The next hero is a house in Arles, a fresh combination of modern design, antique furniture and handmade accessories.
This interior with accentuated simplicity is a place created to escape from Paris, arrange a rustic retreat, relax and give all the strength to creativity. Take a closer look - the rooms have little furniture, rather simple materials, terrazzo floors and old folding leather chairs.
French rustic chic
Another great place to escape the hustle and bustle. Colorful, warm villa by the famous architect Louis Laplace, where guests are always welcome - no matter people or birds. An interesting solution - painting the walls and ceiling in the same color - gives the rooms a French charm and quirkiness. The curtains in the rooms are made by hand, and the black-and-white engravings (they are called "mezzotints") belonged to the grandmother of Laplace's companion.
Sun and air in Aix-en-Provence
Atypical and very bright - this example shows well that Provencal villas do not always have to be huge. This small trailer is a good option for a summer home near the city.
It can be misleading, but the main attribute of the Provencal style - a large garden - the house still has. The house seems to be created for unity with nature: there is nothing superfluous in it, and the only accessories are flowers and huge windows.
Provence in a new way in La Roquette-sur-Siagne
Classic Provence – light colors, wooden beams, beautiful wrought iron chairs and accessories, neat light fabrics, stone floors… But look how the futuristic fireplace changes the atmosphere! Such a detail is an excellent solution for giving the house freshness and comfort at the same time.
French tenderness in the center of Arles
You didn't think that we prepared for you only sunny villas on huge plots? But catch an example of a small studio apartment. Everything is much simpler in the apartment, but if you look closely, you can find aged stone and wooden floors, many fresh flowers, light curtains and delicate colors. A good example of how harmony with nature can continue in a small apartment.
A vintage wonder in Châteauneuf-Grasse
This home has a lot of vintage stuff and a slight yearning for roots. Slow, a little naive - look, for example, at the farm lamp and the collection of frying pans in the kitchen. Country in the French style, where in the living room there is a bright velvet sofa and neat sophisticated armchairs from a beautiful French castle.
Spirit of the South on the Ile de la Motte
This restored 18th-century farmhouse is actually a hotel in a pear garden in Avignon, where weddings often take place. Which is not surprising: a little naive, elegant, but rustic, the house has absorbed the flavor of southern France. It seems that all accessories, from painted plates to hats hanging in the hall, are made by local craftsmen.
Luxury and eclecticism in the South of France
To complete our list of Provencal variety, look at the example of a luxurious chateau in the South of France.
This castle is atypical Provence, full of eclectic decor and rooms where the furniture literally matches the color of the walls, and the floor is another way to express yourself. There are many, indeed many, prints in the chateau that are wildly combined with each other, and in a room with light, calm walls, the wooden ceiling attracts attention.
Airy and calm villa in Valabrega
Photos of this villa can take a break from the previous one - it is so weightless and light. Wicker, almost weightless furniture, vintage accessories, fireplaces and antique stoves, worn floorboards and stone floors. Strictly speaking, this villa is non-residential - it belongs to Atelier vime - a French company that creates wicker furniture and often serves as a photo studio for this furniture.
As you can see, not every house, geographically located in the Provencal communes, exactly repeats the style of the French village. However, even they have something Provencal - for example, the desire to be closer to nature and use natural materials in the decor.
