If you're a fan of vintage French decor and want to infuse your home with timeless elegance, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll explore various vintage French decorating ideas that can transform your space into a chic and stylish haven.
French Interior Design: Versatile and Glamorous
French interiors are known for their versatility, timelessness, and glamour. Whether you prefer a traditional American kitchen with a touch of French charm or a Parisian-inspired patio in Texas, French style transcends genres and can be adapted to any home.
Wall Color: Oval Room Blue
Mixing Vintage and New: Creating a Uniquely Chic Space
One of the joys of vintage French decorating is the ability to mix vintage and new pieces to create a truly unique and chic space. Imagine a vintage French settee alongside modern furnishings, or a French chandelier illuminating a contemporary kitchen. The juxtaposition of styles adds character and charm to any room.
Take a look at this vintage French settee found on Facebook Marketplace, paired with blush curtains from Amazon, a side table from World Market, and a footstool from HomeGoods.
Wall Color: Oval Room Blue
Vintage French Decorating Ideas: Curating Your Dream Space
Now let's dive into some vintage French decorating ideas that you can implement in your home. Whether you're a frequent visitor of antique shops, estate sales, or thrift stores, or prefer to incorporate some "new" items with a vintage aesthetic, there's something for everyone.
Vintage French Lighting: Creating Ambiance
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood in any space. When it comes to French-inspired lighting, there are several options to consider.
Empire Chandeliers
Vintage empire style chandeliers are a popular choice for French-inspired interiors. They add a touch of grandeur and elegance to any room. Just take a look at Mallory's kitchen, where empire chandeliers serve as the key design elements.
Brass Sconces
Brass wall sconces are another excellent option for adding a French touch to your space. They blend seamlessly with French-inspired decor and provide a warm and inviting ambiance. Pair them with simple wood pieces for a perfect touch, as seen in Mallory's design.
Crystal Chandeliers
A classic choice for French-inspired interiors is the crystal chandelier. Look to Lory's kitchen for inspiration, where mini crystal chandeliers add a touch of style. Even in small spaces, you can incorporate French touches via lighting.
Retro Style Lighting
If you lean more toward a modern aesthetic rather than the traditional baroque style, consider incorporating retro-inspired French sconces above your nightstands. These sconces exude elegance and are perfect for adding a touch of vintage French charm to your space.
Source
French Style Table Lamps
Lamps are an essential element in French interior design. Look for unique, vintage French lamps like the bouillotte lamp (pronounced: BOO-lot). These lamps, often found in thrift stores or antique shops, add a touch of sophistication to any space.
Modern French Floor Lamps
For a more contemporary French look, consider incorporating a modern floor lamp into your space. Look for floor lamps with thin bases and wide shades, reminiscent of Italian and mid-century modern designs. This styling creates an unexpected yet delightful fusion of old and new.
French Bedroom Ideas: Creating a Tranquil Retreat
Your bedroom is a sanctuary, a place where you can unwind and relax. Incorporating French-inspired elements can transform your bedroom into a tranquil retreat.
White Walls: Parisian Backdrop
For a decidedly Parisian backdrop, consider painting your bedroom walls with a warm, creamy white like "Alabaster" by Sherwin-Williams. White walls create a sense of airiness and allow other elements in the room to shine.
Source: Isabelle Stanislas, French Designer
French Blue Walls: Adding a Touch of Romance
If you're looking for a more romantic vibe, consider painting your bedroom walls in a soft French blue. Pair the blue walls with a neutral color palette for a calming and soothing ambiance.
Source
Tufted Bed: Classic Elegance
To add a dash of French elegance to your bedroom, opt for a vintage tufted bed. These beds exude regency style and create a focal point in the room. If finding a secondhand tufted bed proves challenging, there are affordable options available to help you achieve the look you desire.
Vintage Sheets & Linens: Timeless Patterns
Incorporating vintage floral bedding can add flair and charm to your French-inspired bedroom. Look for vintage linens at thrift stores or estate sales to find affordable, timeless decor staples. You can mix and match patterns with throw pillows and duvet covers to create a French country vibe without going overboard.
Source: Kathy Kuo Home
French Kitchens: Where Functionality Meets Style
French-inspired kitchens are a perfect blend of functionality and style. Whether you dream of a rustic French country kitchen or a sleek and modern space, there are various ways to infuse your kitchen with a touch of French charm.
Cafe Curtains to Hide Storage
Add a touch of French bistro charm to your kitchen by using darling cafe curtains to hide your cleaning supplies. This simple sewing project can be done with fabric found at thrift stores. The dainty brass rod and curtain rings paired with striped fabric create a classic French look.
Copper Kitchenware Accents
Introduce copper accents to your kitchen for a vintage French touch. Thrift stores and antique shops often have affordable copper pieces that can be used to create a charming vignette. Display them alongside your glassware and barware to add warmth and elegance to your space.
Indoor Herb Garden
Fresh florals and herbs are a staple in French-inspired kitchens. Start a small indoor herb garden using vintage tea cups, brass planters, or glassware. It's an easy, inexpensive way to incorporate French elements into your kitchen while adding a touch of greenery and freshness.
French Living Room: Mixing Old and New
Creating a French-inspired living room doesn't have to be overwhelming or overly feminine. By incorporating small accents and carefully curating your space, you can strike the perfect balance between old-world charm and modern style.
Bergere Chairs: Elegant Accents
Add a touch of French elegance to your living room with vintage Bergere chairs. These accent chairs blend seamlessly with contemporary elements and create a harmonious balance between old and new. Look for them in thrift stores or online marketplaces for affordable finds.
Source: Riverbrook
Wooden Coffee Table: Timeless Appeal
Incorporate a vintage wooden coffee table into your living room for a dash of French country chic. Look for antique coffee tables with curved lines and decorative motifs that can be painted or restored. The result? A centerpiece that exudes old-world charm.
Modern French Coffee Table: A Twist of Style
For a more contemporary approach to French decor, opt for a modern glass coffee table with a unique silhouette. This unexpected twist adds a touch of elegance to your living room while allowing other elements to shine. Mixing old and new is key to achieving a modern French aesthetic.
Source: Champeau & Wilde
Drapery Panels: Classic and Refined
When it comes to drapery panels, opt for classic white or solid-colored pleated curtains. These timeless panels, adorned with vintage tassel tiebacks or trim, add an air of sophistication to your living room. Look for well-made vintage panels at estate sales or thrift stores for a fraction of the cost.
Source: Erin Gates Design
French Decor Accents: Adding the Finishing Touch
To truly capture the essence of French decor, consider incorporating these enchanting French decor accents into your home.
Busts & Sculptures: Timeless Elegance
Vintage bust sculptures add an air of sophistication and elegance to any space. Look for unique vintage pieces at thrift stores or antique shops to add character and charm to your home. Pair them with other decorative objects for a statement-making display.
Source: Erin Gates Design
Gilded Ornate Mirrors: Reflecting Style
Gilded mirrors are iconic in French decor. Look for vintage gilded mirrors at auctions or explore secondhand options. These mirrors add glamour and visual interest to any space, elevating the overall look and creating a focal point.
Trumeau Mirrors: Understated Opulence
Trumeau mirrors may be a bit underrated, but they exude understated opulence. Look for vintage trumeau mirrors at estate sales or antique shops, or try your hand at making one yourself using a helpful tutorial. These mirrors add a touch of elegance to any room.
Vintage Candelabras & Candlesticks: Illuminating Beauty
When it comes to candles, consider vintage candelabras and candlesticks. Thrift stores often have affordable options to create a collection that exudes old-world charm. These pieces add a touch of sophistication and can be used to create stunning vignettes.
Source: Maria Killam
French Art: A Conversation Starter
Consider adding French-inspired art to your home. Look for vintage pieces with bold colors and motifs that speak to you. Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces are great places to find original art or affordable prints. Support local artists or find unique pieces on Instagram.
French Picture Frames: A Touch of Elegance
Enhance your collection of art or family photos with vintage French picture frames. Look for vintage or secondhand frames and gild them for an elegant touch. Create your own gallery wall with free museum art or DIY abstract art. It's an affordable way to curate your own collection.
Antique French Hardware: A Delightful Touch
The right hardware can elevate the look of your furniture or cabinets. For a vintage French touch, consider incorporating antique French hardware.
Cremone Bolts: Vintage Elegance
Cremone bolts are stylish and reminiscent of vintage French design. While finding vintage ones may be challenging, opting for vintage-inspired bolts can achieve a similar effect. These bolts add a touch of vintage elegance to your cabinets or doors.
Door Knobs & Plates: A Grand Entrance
French doors are known for their intricate design and ornate brass handles. Look for vintage or vintage-inspired door knobs and plates to add character to your home. These small touches make a big impact and set the stage for a grand entrance.
Source: Erin Kestenbaum
Knobs & Pulls: Instant Transformation
Upgrade your cabinets or furniture by swapping out the hardware. Vintage or vintage-inspired knobs and pulls can instantly transform the look of any piece. Look for affordable options online or in thrift stores to add a touch of vintage elegance to your decor.
Brass Gallery Rails: Display with Style
Create a classic French look by adding brass gallery rails to your walls. These rails are perfect for displaying artwork, collectibles, or vintage glassware. Incorporate them into your bathroom, kitchen, or living room to lend a touch of vintage charm to your space.
Source: A Glass of Bovino
Architectural Details: Adding a Touch of Grandeur
Architectural details add depth and character to any space. Look for vintage French-inspired architectural details to infuse your home with a touch of grandeur.
Brass Open Shelving: Bistro Vibes
Create a vintage Parisian bistro vibe in your home by incorporating brass open shelves with glass shelves. These shelves are perfect for displaying vintage glassware, decanters, and other barware. They provide a charming backdrop and add elegance to any space.
Source: Schilling & Co.
Add Picture Molding: Formality and Value
Add a touch of formality and value to your home by incorporating picture molding. This architectural detail evokes a French look and adds sophistication to any room. Consider adding molding treatments to walls, ceilings, or even furniture to create a classic and refined aesthetic.
Source
With these vintage French decorating ideas, you can transform your home into a sanctuary of elegance and timeless beauty. Embrace the charm of vintage pieces, mix them with modern elements, and create a space that reflects your love for French style. Let the allure of vintage France permeate your home, making it a place you adore and cherish.
