French living rooms design
26 French Living Room Ideas Stolen Straight From Paris
Royal Roulotte
It's no secret that the French have a knack for all things personal style and decorating, and we can usually turn to them for some of the best interiors and furnishings, from classic trumeau mirrors to iconic Charlotte Perriand furniture. It's not only that the French create beautiful things, but they also take great pride in assembling them together to create beautiful and comfortable interiors.
The best part is that they don't just focus on what's expensive. Just like French women can effortlessly pair a vintage scarf with a shirt from H&M and a Chanel bag, they have a talent for blending family heirlooms with budget pieces from IKEA and flea market finds. Want to know a few secrets to help you decorate like Parisian women? We rounded up 26 French living room tips to inspire your own décor projects.
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Royal Roulotte
The French are all about contrast when it comes to their decorating style. If the architecture of a room is very traditional and ornate, chances are they'll swing more modern in their furnishings. Some of their favorite modern staples: club chairs and pendant lights.
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Royal Roulotte
True to their roots, you can usually find some form of classic artwork in French homes. Incorporating a vintage-style portrait in an ornate frame or an antique vase on your bookshelves can add that subtle touch of French charm. Keep an eye out for these kinds of pieces at thrift and antique stores to save a few bucks.
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Royal Roulotte
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Parisian interiors is the stately, ornate molding adorning the walls, doors, and ceilings—a sign of status from days gone by. Replicate the look (albeit, in a less opulent manor) using affordable trim painted the same color as your walls.
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Bespoke Only
Rugs are great, but people can forget about the flooring underneath that deserves some time in the spotlight, too.
If you've got floors with character, uncover those beauties and let them shine—they've earned it. You might find you like how open your room feels.
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Royal Roulotte
What you won't find in French interiors are rooms crammed full. There's beauty in some ambiguous open spaces, and French designers know this better than most. Group your furniture together to create zones, but leave some open space around these zones for an airy feeling. In other words: Less is more.
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Bespoke Only
The French always know how to set the mood for entertaining—even on a casual Tuesday night with the family. This includes a multitude of dimmed light sources and deep lounge-y sofas that are ultra-comfortable but also look and feel tailored. A velvet tuxedo or English roll-arm sofa is a staple in French living rooms, as is a chandelier with multiple light sources.
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Royal Roulotte
You've gone through all the trouble of curating an impressive book collection (we won't ask whether you've read them), so show it off! For a très French vibe, get those books out of their boxes and display however you can—on a shelf, in a cabinet, or on the floor if you have to.
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Bespoke Only
Dark and moody interiors have earned their spot in nearly every respected design aesthetic, and French-style is no exception. Embrace the darkness with deep paint colors on the walls (and ceiling) for a bold but cozy effect. Take it one step further and create faux paneling beforehand to add a touch of elegance.
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Royal Roulotte
With their reputation for going au naturel, it's not really surprising that the French love showcasing natural wood tones. Mix and match different wood tones for an eclectic French countryside feel, or keep your wood tones in a similar range (but not necessarily matching) for a more streamlined look.
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Royal Roulotte
The French have a knack for creating cozy corners that feel effortlessly put together—and they're not afraid to mix and match styles. For instance, it's not uncommon to see an antique chair paired with a stool or side table to create the perfect little reading nook.
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Royal Roulotte
French designers will often lay a bold, graphic tile to contrast the antique wood floors found in their historic homes. Remember, though, when you have such an eye-catching floor, simplifying the elements throughout the rest of the room is usually recommended. Select an antique pattern for a more traditional feel, or mix it up with a modern print.
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Bespoke Only
Pendant lights are incredibly versatile, which is probably why the French (and everyone else) can't get enough of 'em. The key to a successful pendant light is size—too big and it'll overwhelm the space; too small and it'll get lost. Your eyes will be the best judge.
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Royal Roulotte
Lavishly decorated gilded frames have a long history in France and throughout Europe, so it's not surprising that we often see gilded décor incorporated into French living rooms. Frame your pictures in vintage gilded frames or seek out a gilded mirror to brighten your space.
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Whittney Parkinson Design
Because many French interiors are so traditional, Parisians often have a penchant for more modern pieces. They also know how to mix and match items of varying price points. For instance, it's not uncommon to see a high-end sofa next to more affordable framed prints or other inexpensive accents.
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Royal Roulotte
Graphic wallpaper is yet another tool French designers use to contrast very traditional architecture. A bold, large-scale print makes a great statement and allows for minimal styling throughout the room, while a smaller-scale print can be a subtle compliment to other attention-grabbing pieces.
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Royal Roulotte
Large floor-to-ceiling windows are a staple of French architecture, allowing for as much natural light as possible. It's also not uncommon to see interior windows between rooms for even more light penetration. Opt for large windows and glass doors when possible, and choose window treatments that let the light in.
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Royal Roulotte
The French don't typically miss an opportunity to add architectural interest to a space—including on the ceiling in the form of decorative molding, medallions, or antique beams. If you aren't lucky enough to live somewhere with this kind of character, you can always add a little architecture of your own with prefab ceiling medallions, crown molding, or faux beams.
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Royal Roulotte
Another way you'll find French interior designers playing with contrast is through the woodwork. Get the look by painting your walls a bright, fresh white and your trim a deep, contrasting color like black or navy. For a more subtle effect, try a creamy beige or gray on your trim.
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Royal Roulotte
Have you heard the good news? Black is the new black, but the French never lost sight of that, of course. When choosing colors for furniture, accents, and décor, you can't really go wrong with black. It goes with everything and it ages well, so when in doubt, stick to the classic color.
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Rikki Snyder
Though many homes feature beautiful French doors and intricate plasterwork, some skew a little more on the modern side. In these instances, it's not rare to see the French reverting back to a very traditional interior to give the space a little character. Vintage furniture and ornate chandeliers can give architectural detailing to a room that's on the simpler side.
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Royal Roulotte
While we've discussed gold gilding, it's also worth mentioning how prominent ornate gold hardware and metalwork are in French design. Try swapping out your door handles or furniture pulls with something in a golden hue for a subtle French vibe, or go more authentic with it and source some decorative vintage hardware for the full effect.
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Royal Roulotte
Nothing screams classic French quite so much as an ornately carved stone fireplace. And while you may not be able to afford to spend several grand on an authentic marble mantel, you can incorporate stone in other ways as a nod to the French hallmark.
Consider using stone tile around your fireplace for a more modern approach and incorporating carved stone accessories like candle pillars, vases, and sculptures.
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Royal Roulotte
Speaking of fireplaces: If there's one thing that the French know how to do better than anyone, it's styling a mantel. It doesn't hurt that their homes often come with the most beautiful fireplaces and original trumeau mirrors already in place. But even if you have to source your own classic French mirror to hang over your fireplace, consider complementing it with anything sculptural, like a vase or a work of art that can offset the classic nature of the mirror.
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Royal Roulotte
Vintage busts will always be in style, especially for the French look. Incorporate one among your bookshelves or on your mantel or sofa table for maximum impact.
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Bespoke Only
Given their love for natural light, it makes sense that the French often bring in organic touches like houseplants and fresh-cut stems.
After all, a little greenery in the home is always a lovely touch, even if you aren't blessed with an abundance of natural light.
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Royal Roulotte
Something else we love about French interiors is how utterly lived in they look. While the ornate architecture and soaring ceilings could contribute to a formal atmosphere, the casual (but tasteful) placement of clutter brings it down to a comfortable and realistic level for a very pleasing effect. Play around with organized piles of "stuff" to see if you, too, can master the look.
Effortless French Interior Design Tips from Designer Sarah Lavoine
25 French Country Living Room Ideas
Joshua McHughMuch like a French girl's disheveled bangs and red lipstick — flawlessly applied avec, well, her finger — French country interior design is effortlessly chic in all the right ways.
From elegant drawing rooms to laid-back lounges, these 25 French country living rooms are the solution to your design woes if you're looking to upgrade your lounge space for relaxed refinement.
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1
Bright Country Design
Joshua McHughIn Emmy Rossum's home, chairs by Bernhardt upholstered in fabrics by Cowtan & Tout surround a dining table by Baker; the photographs are by Irving Penn, the large ceramic pot is from Horchow, the chandelier came from Rossum's house in Los Angeles and the walls are painted in Farrow & Ball's Ammonite.
2
Airy Rustic Conservatory
Stephen Kent JohnsonIn a West Village apartment, the living room’s 19th-century English faux-bamboo chairs and antique French stool are covered in Robert Kime linens, the antique French iron garden-table base is topped with antique marble and a sculptor’s stand holds a 19th-century Italian terra-cotta urn.
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3
Understated French Style
Mikkel VangIn the living room of a Manhattan home, the custom sectional is upholstered in a Le Manach print and the custom sofa in a Loro Piana fabric is topped with a pillow in an Osborne & Little fabric.
The table lamp is by Niermann Weeks, the floor lamp is by Aero, the rug is Persian, and the cashmere throw is by Pratesi.
4
Patterned Country Chic
Pascal ChevallierIn a Parisian apartment, the custom Turquerie-style sofa bed and canopy are covered in a hand-printed cotton that was also used on the walls.
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5
Cozy Countryside Charm
Stephen Kent JohnsonIn the great room of this New York farmhouse, a row of French doors affords panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. The couple’s French spaniel, Georgie, rests on a custom velvet sofa. Collins purchased the antique console, wooden chest, and wingback chairs on trips to Italy. The 19th-century limestone columns are from New Delhi, the custom lanterns and laurel reed–and-leather rug are from Morocco, the pendant above the sofa was fashioned from an antique Italian tole lantern, and the curtains are of a Jim Thompson fabric.
6
A Formal Country House
Joshua McHughIn the living room of porcelain designer Marie Daâge’s country home in the Loire Valley, Louis XVI chairs, left, and Regency chairs covered in a Lelievre velvet damask, right, flank the mantel, which is original to the house. The wall and curtain fabrics are by Braquenié, the birdcage is 19th century, and the rug is from the Conran Shop.
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7
A French Country Nook
William WaldronOn an estate in Bordeaux, France, the multi-purpose breakfast and lounge area features a sofa by Georges Jacob. The table, medallion chairs, and daybed are all 18th-century.
8
A Country-Style Lounge In Normandy
Mikkel VangAt this bucolic retreat in Normandy, 19th-century French landscape paintings hang salon style in the bar lounge area. The stools by Arthur Umanoff and the bamboo chaise are vintage.
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9
A Relaxed Drawing Room
Nicolas MathIn the drawing room of a 19th-century Normandy house decorated by Franz Potisek, the 19th-century armchairs are French, the cocktail table is custom made, and the curtains are of a plaid wool by Sanderson.
The door and walls are painted in Zuber's Matte in Noir de Fumée, Femme Chocolate, and Frau Gretschen, and the beams are in Farrow & Ball's Estate Emulsion in Eating Room Red
10
A Vibrant Drawing Room
Miguel Flores-ViannaIn the drawing room of a historic French chateau owned by Count Jean de Ganay, baroque chandeliers hang from a ceiling designed by Mogens Tvede. The furnishings include a Louis XV sofa and a red Louis XVI bergère, and the desk and bookshelves are both Regency style.
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11
Silver And Blue Palette
William WaldronInside an 18th-century estate in Bordeaux, the salon's Georges Jacob settee and armchairs are upholstered in a Lelievre velvet, the chest of drawers, barometer clock, and Aubusson rug are all 18th century, and the chandelier and sconces are 19th-century.
12
A Regal Seating Area
Simon UptonInside a Hamptons cottage, the living room fireplace, with a surround of delftware tiles and an Adam-style carved-wood mantel, is original to the house. The walls are covered in a hand-painted wallpaper by Gracie.
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13
A Book-Lined Living Area
Pascal ChevallierIn the library lounge of a Parisian home, the sofa is upholstered in a cotton damask, the armchair is covered in a silk velvet and the slipper chair is based on a Mongiardino design; the desk is Louis XV, the chandelier is Louis XIV and the 19th-century rug is Persian.
14
An Urban Take On French Country
Bjorn WallanderInside this Paris pied-a-terre, the daybed and light fixture in the entryway are custom designs, the Chinese chair and side table are from the Qing Dynasty. The 1939 painting hung on the wall was found at a Paris flea market, the walls are painted in Farrow & Ball's Cornforth White.
The 19th-century marble tiles used for the flooring came from a farmhouse.
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15
Earth-Toned Living Space
Bjorn WallanderTake a peek inside this Santa Monica home with deeply-rooted European influences. In the sitting room, the clients' sofa was reupholstered in a fabric by Jasper, and the Napoleon III-style bergère is covered in a Rogers & Goffigon fabric. The Anglo-Indian inlaid games table is from the 19th century, and the rush matting is by Stark.
16
Formal Guest Room Living Area
William WaldronAttached to a guest room on a French countryside estate, this petite living space features a hand-painted chest, settee, and armchairs all from Directoire.
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17
French-California Hybrid
Eric PiaseckiIn the family room of a converted summer camp in Northern California, the George Sher lock sofa is upholstered in a Raoul Textiles linen, the ottoman, covered in a de Le Cuona corduroy, is by Howe, the armchairs are from Dean Antiques, the stool is a Paris flea market find, and the antique bench is from Ruby Beets.
Works by Sam McEwen and Hugo Guinness, among others, hang above the fireplace, the walls are painted in Emery & Cie's C'est Un Garçon, the cane shades are from Joss Graham, and the rug is by Beauvais Carpets.
18
Summer Home Refinement
Thomas LoofIn the family room of an East Hampton summer home, the sofa and club chairs are by Celerie Kemble for Henredon. The ottoman, by Bunny Williams Home, is covered in a Moores & Giles leather and the early-19th-century Louis XVI-style armchairs are upholstered in a Shyam Ahuja cotton.
The artwork over the mantel is by Mallory Page, the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's Pleasant Valley, and a grass cloth by Jeffrey Michaels covers the ceiling.
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19
French Country Accents
Mikkel VangIn the sitting area of Eric Hadar's carriage house in Bedford, New York, which was decorated by Virginia Tupker, a sofa from Matter holds cushions from Les Indiennes and Nathan Turner.
The chairs are by Pierre Jeanneret, and the cocktail table by Roger Capron is from Maison Gerard.
The pendant light is by Roost, the ladder is from John Derian, the garden tables are French, and the wool rug is a custom design.
20
A Country Cottage
Simon UptonAt a Southampton cottage owned by Lorry Newhouse, the sitting room, which she decorated with designer Rain Phillips, features a sofa that is a custom design. The chairs are by Lee Jofa, the antique chaise is French, the kilim rug is from David Duncan Antiques, and the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's Calla Lily.
30 photos, rules and tips
Home » Design » Living room
Living roomInga Yakimova28
A particularly refined and elegant French style will appeal to lovers of elegant interiors.
Traditionally, the French do not like to flaunt wealth and high prices in their homes. This style originated at the end of the 18th century, in those years the inhabitants of France quickly bought up beautiful and elegant interior accessories. This design option is full of unique originality. Now he confidently conquers the hearts of his new fans and designers.
We can say that the French stylist in the interior combines features from different styles. So, for example, here you can see the motifs of Rococo, Baroque or Italian style. But nevertheless, this direction looks very gentle and without unnecessary congestion. In a modern version, the style of French dwellings looks more restrained. First of all, you can see here not a certain elegance, but a small deliberate mess. Such a detail, of course, is well thought out and implemented. 9
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French style bedroom interior - 33 photos A spacious living room is always a great place to bring design ideas and ideas to life. Calm light shades, even natural ones, are chosen as colors for the French style. In such an interior, designers are advised to combine different styles, which is called eclecticism - when the design becomes harmonious, you will see it. Be sure to decorate the living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, cornices and attics - this is a traditional technique. Neutral white is a great solution for a sophisticated French interior. For a country house, the French theme in the living room will be an exquisite highlight. Here, the owners can show their individuality by combining incongruous. Rating (No rating yet) Inga Yakimova / author of the article For more than 20 years I have been following trends in design and renovation, and now I also tell readers about them on my website. When I am not blogging, I help people with the creation of apartments and dream houses! Loading ... Article content: The interior, made in the French style, is characterized by grace, uncertainty and sophistication in detail. This composition is formed from simple details and materials, made in pastel shades and skillfully placed in the room. At first glance, it may seem that such an interior is overloaded with furniture and decor, but this reveals functionality and harmony. French interior — Photo 01 
The French style implies a well-lit room with large windows, as much natural light as possible should get in. The presence of forged parts and upholstered furniture is welcome. White living rooms in French style
When combined with beige or gray tones, you get a light and aesthetic design - which is very important in the living room. A little carelessness and "clutter" will not hurt here - it is important to think through every single detail correctly. Vintage and antique paraphernalia are also welcome, such accessories are considered a French-style chip. Do not be afraid and boldly mix old and new, eclecticism is only approved in this direction.
French-style living rooms in the house
Do not try too hard, the living room should have a slightly casual look. It was like she was being rushed. The main rule is the presence of high ceilings, cornices, columns and bas-reliefs.
French style living room. How to decorate a living room in the French style.
Real examples. 15 photos
Key elements of the French style
To create a Parisian atmosphere in the living room, it is important to consider two factors: space and lighting. French style cannot be imagined in a compact room with low ceilings. It requires space and large, while the most open windows.
French style in the living room interior. Photo
Classical French style in the living room interior. Photo
To visually expand the room, the interior of the living room should be supplemented with a mirror. No matter what the frame will be - without unnecessary details or with a luxurious finish - this element will serve as a suitable decoration.
Enough attention should be paid to lighting. With a lack of light, the French style loses its charm. Artificial lighting should simulate sunlight entering through a window on a cloudless day. The best option would be a crystal chandelier. To divide the space into zones, use a sconce. An interesting effect can be achieved by placing candelabra with lit candles in the room.
- Provence style apartment interior
Colors and materials
As for the color scheme of decoration, for the French style, rich in furniture and decor, light, pastel shades are recommended. They will not distract attention from key accents. For the walls, plain paint or wallpaper is used. A light pattern imitating aged chintz is also allowed. Photo wallpapers are not excluded, however, a neutral plot is preferable.
Colors in the interior of the living room — Photo 02
Classic interior decoration in French style. Photo
French style can be created using a variety of materials: wood, porcelain, textiles. The only limitation is that it is incompatible with plastic. When choosing furniture, preference is given to wooden or aged options. Woven or upholstered items are also suitable.
- Provence style kitchen design
Finishing Features
For the floor of the living room in the spirit of Paris, a wooden parquet finish is suitable. Another option is porcelain stoneware with a glossy sheen. It is preferable to choose a finish in light colors.
The ceiling implies a modest finish. The optimal solution is a smoothly whitened surface. As a decorative design, you can use stucco with light gilding or wooden beams - not so luxurious, but at the same time elegant.
For walls, it is best to choose matte paint. Alternatively, decorative plaster or wallpaper with an unobtrusive pattern can be used. In the French style, a play of color is acceptable - the area next to the fireplace or the family collection can be shaded with paint in tones of wet asphalt or terracotta.
Furniture and decorative items
Properly selected and placed pieces of furniture play a major role in creating a French style. Such designs tend to be somewhat cluttered. However, each item in this environment is harmoniously selected and conveniently located.
First of all, you need a soft corner. Since textiles play an important role in the French interior, the fabric upholstery of the sofa and armchairs will come in handy. The material itself can be plain, with a floral or geometric ornament.
