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If you are just as infatuated with European culture and style as I am, then I know that making your home feel like Provence is the goal. After all, not much can compete with French Country charm! The relaxed take, exquisite details, and classic design of the French Country style all work together to create a beautiful yet welcoming environment. From chairs and tables to armoires and cabinets, we’ll be exploring the beauty and charm of French Country furniture and how you can incorporate it into your home using authentic European homes as inspiration.
​What is French Country Furniture?
French Country furniture is a popular style of interior design that has been around for centuries. French Country furniture is characterized by its use of natural materials, rustic accents, and often a touch of whimsy. French country-style furniture is an excellent choice for those looking to bring a bit of French charm into their home.
So what’s the secret? The beauty of French Country furniture lies in its classic lines and use of natural materials. Dining chairs often feature carved wood or wicker accents. End tables, coffee tables, and kitchen islands may also be constructed from wood or wrought iron. Upholstered pieces often boast neutral colors, stripes, and florals. These pieces add instant texture and interest to any room.
But don’t take my word for it. Let’s look at some inspiration and see!
Tips for Decorating with French Country Furniture
1. Place a Dining Set in Your Kitchen or Dining Room
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to add French Country furniture to your home is to add a beautiful dining table to your eating space. This is a statement piece that can set the tone for your whole house, especially if you have an open floor plan.
Complete the room with other French furniture, such as dining chairs (they don’t have to match) and a cabinet for your dishware. Add in accent pieces that showcase the French provincial style such as vases, clocks, wall decor, and artwork. All of these details come together to create the perfect French Country atmosphere!
2. Place a Small Table in Your Living Room
A small table in the middle of your living room? Why not? If you have the space, adding a quaint, vintage table to your living room is the perfect way to add that French Countryside look.
This doesn’t just have to be for show either! You can actually use this as a place for homework, studying, working from home, playing chess, or seating overflow, for starters. Complete the table with a vintage French Country chair or two. Short on space? Tuck a cute bistro set into the corner for an impromptu breakfast nook instead.
3. Place Accent Chairs in a Sitting Room
If you have a house with a more formal layout, then an extra sitting room is the perfect place to add some French Country furniture. This includes accent chairs, a settee, and a coffee table. And though the right furniture is one of the best ways to have that French chateau look, it doesn’t have to stop there!
Complete your room with French Country decor to further enhance the French style, such as a gold mirror, picture frames, a large area rug, candlesticks, statues, books, and throw pillows. Paying attention to these small details helps to create the perfect place for you.
4. Place Furniture in a Home Office or Library
Want to create a French Country look in your home office, library, sunroom, or conservatory? The options are endless! Choose a few statement pieces, such as a desk, dining table, or piano, and go from there.
Next, you’ll want to fill out the design with chairs and bookshelves. After you have the key furniture pieces in place, then can you get to the (really) fun part! Finish out your French Country home with table lamps, picture frames, chandeliers, books, candelabras, sconces, and area rugs.
Where to Find French Country Furniture
Online retailers such as Wayfair and Overstock offer a wide selection of “inspired” French furniture that’s semi-affordable for every room in the house. Kathy Kuo offers very realistic French Country furniture, however, it’s on the higher end price-wise.
If you’re looking for a more unique shopping experience, consider visiting your local antique stores or flea markets. These shops typically offer an eclectic selection of antiques and vintage furniture, which can make for some great finds when it comes to authentic French Country decor. Look for statement pieces such as an armoire or china cabinet, or even something as small as a candelabra or table runner.
You can also take a look at your local furniture stores to see if they carry any items that fit the French Country aesthetic. Many stores nowadays carry lines of classic French-inspired furniture with updated twists. For example, instead of traditional carved legs, you may find sleek metal ones or updated colors that still capture the essence of French style.
From bedroom sets to accent chairs, you’ll want to choose from a range of classic French Country design elements such as distressed wood, ornate carvings, and muted colors. Lucky for you, we already found some great picks for you!
French Country furniture is a great way to add a touch of traditional style and charm to your home. Not only does it create a cozy atmosphere, but it also has a timeless quality that will never go out of style. With the right pieces, you can create a home that feels like Provence!
Looking for even more inspiration? We’ve got plenty. Up Next: 10 French Country Flooring Ideas To Make Your Home Feel Relaxing and Elegant
