How to Decorate Your Bedroom like a French Girl
Dreaming of Parisian nights? ✨ Transform your bedroom into a chic retreat! This post spills the secrets to French-girl style, from light-filled walls to the perfect Parisian bed frame. Get ready for a touch of effortless elegance
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Index
- What is a French style bedroom?
- 1. Invest in quality bedding
- 2. The Parisian approach to your prefect bedframe
- 3. Unleash the Parisian light
- 4. Don’t be afraid of vintage finds
- 5. The Parisian secret weapon: The gilded mirror
- 6. Keep it clean and uncluttered
- 7. Choosing the perfect night stand
- 8. The alluring accent chair
- 9. A canvas for your story
- 10. To rug or not to rug
What is a French style bedroom?
Let’s be honest: we’re all a little obsessed with the French.
Their effortless style, their je ne sais quoi, their ability to devour a croissant without a single crumb on their perfectly white linen shirt (okay, maybe that last one is a stereotype, but you get the idea).
And who wouldn’t want to bring a touch of that Parisian je ne sais quoi into their own home?
A French-style bedroom, or Parisian bedroom as it’s often called, is all about creating a space that’s equal parts romantic, sophisticated, and utterly comfortable.
Here are some key elements:
Light and Airy
White or light-colored walls with plenty of natural light are essential. This mimics the feel of Parisian apartments and creates a sense of spaciousness.
Minimalist Elegance
Furniture is simple and clean-lined, often in mid-century modern or vintage styles. Avoid clutter and bulky pieces.
Neutral Bedding
Crisp white linens are a classic choice, but neutral tones like greige, light grey, camel, or even a muted terracotta work beautifully too.
Simple Bed Frame
Parisians favor minimalist bed frames, often crafted from wood or metal with clean lines and a low profile. Skip the overly large, upholstered, or antique styles.
Vintage Touches
A touch of history adds personality. Look for unique vintage finds like a rug, mirror, or nightstand at flea markets.
Textural Details
A chunky knit throw, velvet accent pillows, or a woven bench add warmth and visual interest.
Overall, a French-style bedroom is a haven of comfort and effortless elegance. It’s a space that reflects a love for simplicity, quality, and a touch of history.
1. Invest in quality bedding
No Parisian retreat is complete without indulging in luxurious linens. Imagine yourself sinking into crisp white sheets, the soft fabric feeling like sunlight captured and woven. These sheets are the epitome of Parisian chic, adding a touch of timeless elegance to your bedroom.
But white isn’t your only option. For a touch of Parisian sophistication, consider light grey sheets. This calming hue creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring the city’s charming streets.
As the seasons change, your Parisian bedroom should adapt as well. For a cozy winter wonderland feel, consider flannel sheets. A soft greige, with its subtle blend of grey and beige, offers a touch of warmth and complements a variety of color palettes. For a richer look, camel colored flannel sheets create a sense of warmth and luxurious comfort, reminiscent of a Parisian pied-à-terre on a chilly winter evening.
LUXURY SHEETS
FRENCH LINEN – GREY
FRENCH LINEN – NATURAL
FRENCH LINEN – NATURAL
FRENCH LINEN – NATURAL
No matter your preference, remember – Parisians favor quality and natural textures. Opt for linen or high-thread-count cotton sheets that will soften with every wash, ensuring a truly restful night’s sleep in your Parisian haven.
2. The Parisian approach to your prefect bedframe
The bed is the heart of your bedroom, and in a Parisian retreat, it embodies the city’s essence: simple elegance. Parisians, with their knack for maximizing small spaces, prioritize clean lines and functionality to create a haven of tranquility. So, ditch the bulky and ornate for a bed frame that reflects this philosophy.
Here’s how to choose the perfect Parisian bed frame:
Embrace Minimalism
Bulky four-poster beds or ornately upholstered monstrosities have no place in a Parisian bedroom. Instead, opt for a modern mid-century frame. Imagine clean lines, sleek wood or metal finishes, and a low profile. This minimalist approach creates a sense of airiness and keeps the focus on the overall tranquility of the space.
Size Matters (and Keep it Manageable)
Parisian apartments are known for their charm, but not always for their expansive square footage. Consider a bed size that fits comfortably within your room. A queen-size might be the most you can manage, and a twin or full could be perfect for a truly cozy nook.
Skip the Statement Headboard
Parisian apartments are known for their charm, but not always for their expansive square footage. Consider a bed size that fits comfortably within your room. A queen-size might be the most you can manage, and a twin or full could be perfect for a truly cozy nook.
Material Matters
Wood and metal are the go-to choices for Parisian bed frames. Wood offers warmth and a timeless feel, while metal adds a touch of modern sophistication. Choose a finish that complements your overall color scheme.
By following these tips, you’ll choose a bed frame that embodies Parisian style: simple, sophisticated, and perfectly sized for your space. It will become the foundation of your tranquil retreat, inviting relaxation and reflecting the effortless elegance of the City of Lights.
3. Unleash the Parisian light
Ah, Parisian light! It dances through the windows, illuminating cozy cafes and filling apartments with a warm glow.
To capture this essence in your bedroom, we need to maximize natural light and create a feeling of airiness. Here’s how:
Embrace Light Walls: White is a classic choice, instantly brightening your space and mimicking the effect of large Parisian windows. But don’t feel limited! Explore pale shades of grey, lavender, or muted sage green. These colors add a touch of personality while still reflecting light and creating a sense of spaciousness.
Think Beyond Paint: Don’t forget the power of sheer curtains or blinds. They allow natural light to flow freely while still offering privacy. Opt for light, neutral tones that complement your wall color.
4. Don’t be afraid of vintage finds
Parisians are masters at weaving stories into their homes, and vintage pieces are a treasure trove of tales waiting to be told. Don’t be afraid to give a pre-loved bed frame a new lease on life!
Here’s how to incorporate vintage charm into your Parisian bedroom:
The Thrill of the Hunt
Flea markets and antique stores are your playgrounds! Imagine discovering a mid-century wooden frame with delicate tapered legs, or a classic iron bed with a touch of ornate detail. These finds add a unique personality and a touch of history to your space.
Reimagine, Don’t Replace
A vintage bed frame might need a little TLC. Fresh paint or a new stain can bring out its natural beauty. Consider reupholstering a headboard in a classic Parisian fabric like linen or velvet for a touch of timeless elegance.
Mix and Match with Modern Touches
Vintage doesn’t have to mean old-fashioned. Pair your vintage bed frame with crisp white linens and modern bedside tables for a balanced look. A statement pendant lamp or a piece of abstract art can add a touch of contemporary flair.
The Parisian Art of Storytelling
A vintage bed frame isn’t just furniture; it’s a conversation starter. Imagine guests asking about its origins, sparking stories and creating a truly unique atmosphere in your Parisian retreat.
By embracing vintage finds, you’re not just acquiring a bed frame; you’re adding a layer of history and personality to your Parisian bedroom. It becomes a testament to your unique style and appreciation for timeless design.
5. The Parisian secret weapon: The gilded mirror
Beyond white walls and minimalist furniture, Parisians have another clever trick up their sleeve to maximize brightness and create a sense of spaciousness: the gilded mirror. These reflective surfaces act like magic, bouncing light around the room and creating an illusion of a larger space.
But the magic doesn’t stop there! The warm glow of the gold adds a touch of Parisian opulence, seamlessly blending with the light-filled space.
Here’s where to place your gilded treasure to maximize its impact:
A Focal Point Above Your Dresser
This classic placement creates a stunning vanity area, adding a touch of grandeur and reflecting light back into the room.
Opposite a Window
This is a strategic position that doubles the natural light streaming in, instantly brightening the entire space. Imagine the warm glow of the gold frame catching the sunlight and casting a soft, inviting ambiance throughout your bedroom.
An Empty Wall
A strategically placed gilded mirror can visually expand a smaller wall, making the room feel more spacious. It creates a sense of openness and reflects interesting details from other parts of the room, adding depth and visual intrigue.
By incorporating a gilded mirror, you’ll not only enhance the brightness of your Parisian retreat but also add a touch of undeniable Parisian sophistication. It becomes more than just a functional piece; it’s a conversation starter, a beautiful focal point, and a testament to your appreciation for Parisian elegance.
6. Keep it clean and uncluttered
A true Parisian retreat is a haven of peace and tranquility. To achieve this calming atmosphere, Parisians champion the concept of “less is more.”
Here’s how to embrace minimalism and keep your clutter at bay:
Declutter is the Mantra
Parisians understand that clutter creates visual noise, disrupting the serenity of the space. Start by decluttering your surfaces. Pack away any clothes that don’t belong on the bed, find homes for books or magazines, and keep bedside tables free of unnecessary items.
Storage is Key
While minimalism reigns supreme, functionality is important too. Utilize hidden storage solutions like ottomans with built-in compartments or under-bed storage drawers. This allows you to tuck away belongings while maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
Quality Over Quantity
Parisians prioritize quality over quantity. Invest in a few well-chosen decorative items that resonate with you, rather than filling the space with clutter. A single, beautiful vase or a carefully curated collection of vintage finds can add personality without overwhelming the senses.
Fresh Air and Sunshine
Parisians cherish natural light and fresh air. Open your curtains each morning to allow sunlight to bathe the room and keep windows open when possible to promote air circulation. This natural light will further enhance the feeling of spaciousness and contribute to the overall tranquility of your bedroom.
By embracing minimalism and keeping your space clean and uncluttered, you’ll create a haven of peace that reflects the spirit of a Parisian retreat. It becomes a space that invites relaxation, fosters focus, and allows you to unwind after a long day exploring the city or simply enjoying the simple pleasures of home.
7. Choosing the perfect night stand
Your nightstands should be like charming companions in your Parisian retreat – functional and stylish in equal measure. Here’s how to find the perfect fit:
Your nightstands should be like charming companions in your Parisian retreat – functional and stylish in equal measure. Here’s how to find the perfect fit:
Mid-Century Modern Marvels: Embrace the era with a mid-century modern nightstand. Clean lines, tapered legs, and a sleek wood or metal finish are quintessential Parisian. This style won’t overwhelm your space and complements the overall minimalist aesthetic.
GET THE LOOK
FRENCH NIGHTSTAND CLOCK
JEWERLY TRAY
WALL HOOKS
Size Matters: Remember, Parisian apartments often have limited square footage. Choose a nightstand that’s proportionate to your bed size. A small, sleek table next to a queen-size bed creates a balanced look.
8. The alluring accent chair
Imagine curling up with a book, bathed in the warm glow of a Parisian afternoon. A well-placed accent chair can transform your bedroom into a haven for relaxation and reflection.
The Parisian Picks: Parisians favor chairs that are both stylish and functional. Consider a classic slipper chair with its low profile and inviting curves. Alternatively, a vintage dining chair with a reupholstered seat adds a touch of history and elegance.
9. A canvas for your story
The white walls in a Parisian bedroom are more than just a color choice, they’re an artist’s canvas just waiting for its masterpiece. Unlike their boldly colored counterparts, they don’t dictate a specific theme or demand a certain style. Instead, they act as a pristine surface, a silent invitation to showcase your artistic preferences.
This philosophy echoes throughout Parisian design – a celebration of curated collections and cherished finds over ostentatious displays.
The beauty lies in the endless possibilities. These white walls are an open invitation to curate your own mini-gallery. Perhaps you favor a collection of black and white photographs in mismatched frames, each capturing a fleeting moment in the city of lights.
Or maybe a single, statement piece of modern art demands all the attention, its bold colors and dynamic composition drawing the eye across the room.
Here’s where you can truly unleash your inner art aficionado:
Embrace the Unexpected: Forget boring landscapes! Parisians love to mix and match. Explore flea markets for one-of-a-kind pieces – a vintage botanical print, a quirky abstract painting, or perhaps a charming black and white photograph.
BEDROOM PRINTS
CLASSICAL PAINTING
LANDSCAPE WALL ART
FRENCH WALL ART
Mix and Match Parisian Style: The key to Parisian décor is a harmonious blend of styles. Pair your artwork with modern furniture, vintage bedside lamps, or even a touch of ornate molding (if your apartment has it) for a truly Parisian vibe.
10. To rug or not to rug
The Parisian approach to bedroom rugs is all about creating a balance between aesthetics and practicality. Here’s how they navigate this decision:
Barefoot Bliss or Cozy Comfort? Parisians adore their beautiful hardwood floors, often opting to showcase them for a light and airy feel. This allows the natural warmth of the wood to shine through and complements the minimalist aesthetic.
Vintage Vibes: Keep your eye out for unique vintage rugs at flea markets. A small Moroccan kilim rug or a Turkish Oushak rug can add a touch of history and global flair to your Parisian retreat.
FRENCH STYLE RUGS
TRADITIONAL RUG
IVORY RUG
MODERN RUG
Remember, darlings, the key to French-girl style is to keep it effortless. Don’t overcrowd your space. Let each piece tell a story and reflect your own unique personality. With a little creativity, you can transform your bedroom into a Parisian haven, perfect for unwinding after a long day and dreaming of strolls down cobblestone streets.
Bisous and happy decorating!
