You may have noticed that we are major Francophiles over here at Who What Wear. From their effortlessly chic style and nonchalant aesthetic in fashion and beauty, we’re utterly captivated by that French je ne sais quoi. Naturally, French-girl style extends to their interiors too. A fashionable French woman’s apartment is chic yet welcoming, classic with a modern edge, and sophisticated without looking like she’s ever tried too hard. The spaces feature a perfect mix of vintage and contemporary pieces without looking too precious or extravagant. Essentially French spaces are timeless, classic, and cool.
So how do we emulate that aesthetic in our own homes? And just how are our fashionable French friends decorating their apartments right now? Scroll below for French interior tips and picks you’ll that will help you decorate your home like a chic Parisian. Now, if we could only find an apartment with those tall windows and ornate Haussmann-style balconies…
Oversize Gilded Mirror
One of the most popular choices we’ve seen in fashionable French homes is ornate, larger-than-life gold mirrors. (The perfect spot for an Instagram opp!) The French are expert at showcasing an undone look while still embracing a lavish touch.
Shop:
Anthropologie Camillia Mantel Mirror (£198)
Antique Rug
French girls love to add texture and colour to their apartments with a large, chic antique-looking Persian rug. It’s a statement investment piece we’ve seen on practically every fashionable girl’s Instagram.
Shop:
Louis De Poortere Bakhtiari Janissary Rug (£385)
Outdoor Chairs Inside
French bistro and rattan chairs that we’re used to seeing at outdoor Parisian cafes are a very popular seating choice inside the apartment too—exuding a more casual, nonchalant aesthetic.
Shop bistro chairs:
Six the Residence Cord Rope Lounge Chair (£395)
Chandelier
While French interiors are never overly ostentatious, the French do love a little glitz—mostly in the form of a statement chandelier.
Shop the chandelier:
John Lewis & Partners Malik Chandelier Ceiling Light, Nickel (£135)
Wildflowers or Dried Plants
French fashion girls will always have a bunch of flowers in their apartments. No prim and proper roses here though. Think wildflowers of all different varieties or go for of-the-moment dried plants (almost dead plants) for a very French-girl vibe.
Shop:
Etsy Dried Flowers (£35)
Etsy Hayley Dried Flower Arrangement (£25)
Candles and Candelabras
A shelf sprinkled with candles, candelabras, bric-a-brac, and a vase of dried plants radiates a French bohemian spirit. The more undone the better.
Shop:
Diptyque Baies Scented Candle, 190g (£49)
Cire Trudon Set of Six Madeleine Tapered Candles ($24)
Chaise Longue
There is something that feels inherently french about a chaise lounge—perhaps because they were so popular in the grand houses of France in the early 19th century. To this day, French girls love to add the formal-meets-casual chair in their homes.
Shop:
Made Margot (£499)
Undone Bookshelf
Books are a staple in every fashionable girl’s apartment. Stack them on the floor by your bedside or nonchalantly on bookshelves (horizontally and vertically) mixed in with vases, leaning art, and other bric-a-brac.
Shop:
John Lewis & Partners Calia Bookshelf (£499)
Mismatched Vintage Dinnerwear
From plates, bowls, and jugs—vintage prints such as toile and shabby chic florals add that French flea market feel to your table.
Shop:
FrenchVintageShop French Antique Soup Plate (£30)
Relaxed Linen
What is the fabric of choice for bedspreads and curtains in Parisian apartments? Relaxed and casual linen. For the French girl, minimal attention is paid to decorating the bedroom as she opts for an uncomplicated look. Choose linen in subdued tones such as white, beige, blush, sage green, and gray.
Shop:
Brunello Cucinelli Fringed Linen Blanket (£490)
H&M 2-Pack Multiway Linen Curtains (£70)
Statement Velvet Sofa or Armchair
Scroll through any French influencer’s Instagram and you’ll spot a statement trendy velvet sofa or accent chair, which lends a hint of opulence and sophistication to any space. Opt for rich jewel tones such as marigold yellow or forest green for a cozy yet sophisticated look.
Shop:
Soho Home Jeanne Armchair, Moleskin Velvet Pumpkin (£839)
Candles of Varying Heights
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace or a simple enclave where you can house simple white candles of varying heights, then you’re a step closer to nailing French aesthetic.
Shop candles:
H&M Led Pillar Candle (£6)
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Up next, 39 of the coolest French brands everyone should know.
This article originally appeared on Who What Wear
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