The elegance and refinement of French design has captivated decorators and homeowners for centuries. From Versailles to Parisian apartments, certain elements are quintessential hallmarks of classic French style.
As a former resident of Paris, today I want to explore some of the key components that make up the timeless look of French interior décor. We’ll look at how architectural details, furniture silhouettes, fabrics, accessories, and colors come together to create an aesthetic that is sophisticated yet charming.
French design manages to strike the perfect balance between formality and liveliness. As we examine the building blocks of this iconic style, we’ll also provide tips on how you can use classic French elements to add a touch of Parisian flair to your own home.
Whether you go for a historically accurate period recreation or just borrow some signature details, incorporating facets of French decor offers a lovely way to make a space feel curated, polished, and très chic!
Vintage French Interior Design
The ceiling and wall moldings are so very French. The crystal chandeliers are another favorite decor pick by McGovern.
French Flea Market Finds
Anne McGovern obtained much of the antique furniture and decor (such as the Venetian mirror on the wall) in her French apartment from local flea markets, which give the space a uniquely elegant feel.
Classic French Fireplace and Gold Mirror
The ornate French fireplace is a centerpiece of many elegant French interiors. Often made of marble or carved wood, the mantel sits atop a grand firebox featuring decorative molding, carvings, or tilework.
Above the mantel, it is typical to hang a large mirror in a gold leaf frame. Usually arched or gently rounded, these mirrors reflect light and add brightness to rooms. Their gilded frames draw the eye upwards and lend a glamorous, sophisticated look well-suited to French décor.
This pairing of a marble or carved fireplace mantel with a big, gold mirror above is a go-to combination seen in French inspired spaces. It creates a focal point and an alluring vignette while upholding the refined aesthetic characteristic of French design. Together, the substantial fireplace and glitzy mirror make a striking statement and anchor the room’s furnishings.
Trumeau Mirrors
Trumeau mirrors are a classic element of French decor. A Trumeau typically refers to a large mirrored wall panel that sits between two windows or other vertical architectural elements. The mirror is generally placed at eye level and extends down to the floor.
Flanking the mirror are two decorative panels, often made of carved wood or intricate metalwork. The panels may feature symmetrical candle sconces, figurines, scrolling designs, or other embellishments. The mirror itself is usually arched at the top.
Trumeau mirrors originated as a way to amplify light in France’s grand homes and palaces. In addition to being functional, they brought ornamentation and elegance to spaces.
Today, the mirrors continue to have a glamorous, almost regal aesthetic. They suit French inspired spaces like entryways, living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Trumeau mirrors act as graceful focal points and make spaces feel brighter and more spacious.
Wall Moldings
Elaborate wall moldings and trimwork are common features of French interior design. Crown molding, baseboards, and ceiling medallions often have intricate carved detailing. Chair rails and picture rails add decorative horizontal bands while pilasters flank doorways and windows with symmetry. Plaster or wood panels framed by trim create architectural niches for artwork or furnishings to shine. Walls may also have ornamental wainscoting on the lower half.
Together, these varied French moldings form borders along the tops, bottoms, and frames of walls. They establish graceful proportions within rooms. The repetition of carvings and cornices gives a tailored, custom feel.
Moldings tend to be painted in light hues like white, cream, or robin’s egg blue. This allows the workmanship to stand out. The overall effect is very elegant and a bit formal, but the profuse use of trim prevents spaces from feeling too sparse. Wall moldings are a subtle yet transformative aspect of French interior design.
Black Wrought Iron Rail Staircases
A grand black wrought iron rail staircase is a signature characteristic of French interior design. These striking staircases have delicate swirling metalwork balusters and rails. They often feature ornate decorative flourishes like metal flowers or curves. The metal used is almost always a deep black that contrasts beautifully with light walls or marble stairs.
French wrought iron stair railings have an airy quality that doesn’t obstruct views or light. Yet they make a bold stylistic statement and immediately grab attention. Usually, they connect multiple floors seamlessly. The dark color and metal materials give them an industrial vibe, but the elaborate artistry keeps them refined.
There’s no doubt black metal rail staircases feel distinctly Parisian. They bring drama and a captivating focal point to foyer spaces or anywhere they can be viewed within a home. Black wrought iron rails support an elegant function, perfect for the French aesthetic.
Modern Kitchen and Bathroom
Most French interior homes have plenty of modern updates such as a rectangular marble bathtub, resulting in just the right amount of old and new.
I hope you have a better understanding of French interior design elements and characteristics after reading this post!
