You shouldn’t have to dismount at Charles de Gaulle Airport for a slice of Parisian life. Many of us are just one gilded mirror away from perfecting the je ne sais quoi of the French in our own homes. The magic of Paris is not just in its grand boulevards or the iconic twinkle of the Eiffel Tower but also in the intimacy and charm that radiates from the interiors of its homes. The good news? You don’t have to book a flight to Paris to capture this effortless, yet captivating style. Because despite what people tell you, doing as the French do is really quite achievable with the right attitude and eye for detail. With just a few key elements, you can bring that same understated elegance into your living room or dining space.
For starters, there’s a few design rules to stick to when it comes to emulating French interior style in your own home. A blank canvas, helped along by a lick of white paint and mismatched timber are an ideal place to start. Think of it as the French approach to simplicity, where less is more. Aside from that, it all comes down to the decor. Fresh flowers and candlesticks are the obvious additions. But what about the less so?
From antique mirrors and ornate frames, to vintage-inspired coffee pots and a well-loved French press, there are a multitude of ways to bring the magic of the City of Light into your own home. Textiles — think plush velvet cushions on linen sofas, and sweeping curtains in soft shades —also play a huge role in creating a cozy ambience, while an eclectic mix of artwork brings a little charm to bare walls.
Below, we bring you a roundup of what to buy if you’re ready to lean into Parisian interior decor — no passport required!
MCM HOUSE Joe Sofa
LOUISE BOURGEOIS Paintings
HERMON BLUE Ritual Candelabra & Neptune Sticks
Fresh Flowers
FAZEEK Balance Vase
IN BED 100% Linen Tablecloth
MAISON BALZAC Le Soleil Large Candle
THONET No. 18 Bentwood Chairs
TAMSIN JOHNSON Abstract Ceramic Vase
ESPRO Press P5
HEIMUR Wallace Room Divider
DINOSAUR DESIGNS Large Bones Bowl
EN GOLD Santos Console Table
ETSY Gilded Mirrors
SABRE Bistrot 24 Pc Cutlery
French Flax Linen Curtains
Claude Monet The Artist’s Garden in Argenteuil, 1873 Art Print
IN THE ROUNDHOUSE Soft Scallop Embossed Bowls
MAGNOLIA INTERIORS Large Rattan Tray
Featured products are selected editorially. Our opinions are our own. Occasionally, we may receive a standard affiliate partner fee if you make a purchase using the links we feature.
