The French Bedroom: A Guide To Its Unique Style

The French are known for their stylish décor, and this extends to the bedroom. A French bedroom can range from the most decadent examples of opulent velvet beds with gold-painted details to the simplest rustic French-style rattan beds in natural wood tones. The term 'French bed' carries a rich history and artistic influence, with each successive ruler bringing a unique style motif that distinguished their reign and shaped the era's aesthetics.

French-inspired bedrooms are romantic and elegant, often featuring a statement French bed with a vintage-style frame, sinuous curves, and lavish treatments such as gilding or deep-buttoned upholstery. For a light-filled space, opt for walls and floors in white, cream, or soft pastel shades, and finish with ornate vintage wallpapers and draped window treatments.

French beds

There are several styles of classic French beds, ranging from opulent velvet beds with gold-painted details to simple rustic French-style rattan beds in natural wood tones. For instance, Louis XV defined the 'rococo' period with ornately carved motifs and a romantic, sensual, feminine look. Twirling acanthus leaves, floral and shell motifs inspired by nature are captured in hand-carvings across furniture from this period.

Bonaparte introduced a neoclassical style using light-coloured woods, geometric detailing, and solid forms. Carved motifs of acanthus leaves, delicate floral garlands, and panelling are also common. Louis XIV, on the other hand, focused on opulence and excess. The furniture in his Palais de Versailles was grand, bold, and lavishly decorated in gold details and rich fabrics such as velvet and silk.

When it comes to choosing a French bed, there are various options to consider. Upholstered French beds offer a luxurious statement style, whether cool and contemporary or sumptuous and decadent. For a contemporary feel, opt for clean lines and a low footboard, while muted colours like neutral linen upholstery allow for accent colours. Velvet or silk upholstery paired with a gold frame instantly draws the eye, and for maximalist style, pair it with a mix of patterns and a decadent French chandelier.

Rattan French beds are incredibly versatile, adding a touch of bohemian relaxation or an air of elegant simplicity when painted in neutral tones. Create a country French style that emits warmth and comfort with a natural rattan bed in a rustic finish, or evoke vintage elegance with painted rattan in antique white or pale grey.

French-style decor

French-style décor is all about elegance, whimsy, and romance. Here are some tips to achieve that quintessential French bedroom:

Choose a Focal Point

Start with a statement bed and build the rest of the décor around it. Opt for a vintage-style frame with sinuous curves and luxurious details such as gilding, deep-buttoned upholstery, or ornate needlepoint headboards. If you're feeling bold, go for a velvet bed with a gold frame. For a more rustic feel, choose a rattan bed in natural wood tones.

Work with Colour and Pattern

For a light-filled space, choose walls and floors in white, cream, or soft pastel shades. To create a modern French bedroom, use pale, light, and airy colour palettes, combining toile prints and soft-hued wallpapers with bucolic scenes. For a touch of drama, paint walls and ceilings in dark shades.

If you prefer a more rustic French country look, opt for soft, muted colour palettes with aged-looking fabrics. Blush pinks, peaches, duck egg blues, sage greens, creams, and light greys are all excellent choices. You can also layer patterned bed linens, such as floral prints or silky satins, for an eclectic, feminine look.

Add Accessories

Mirrors, frames, candles, and perfume bottles make great accessories. A chandelier adds sparkle, while a mirror over a mantle or dresser enhances the sense of space. For a truly French touch, display photographs of Paris or add some French-inspired artwork to your walls.

Shop Second-Hand

To achieve that authentic French feel, shop second-hand and hunt for unique pieces that you can upcycle. Look for gilt furniture and décor, such as mirrors, sconces, and ornate bedside tables, for an elegant, antique-filled space. For a French country vibe, seek out vintage pieces with a distressed look.

Layer Textiles

Layer plenty of pretty textiles, such as floral prints and silky satins. Draped window treatments and lace-edged bedspreads also add a touch of French elegance.

French-style furniture

Choose a Statement Bed

The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, and this is especially true for French-style bedrooms. Opt for a vintage-style frame with sinuous curves and luxurious details. Deep-buttoned upholstery, gilding, or intricate carvings can add a touch of opulence and romance. If you prefer a more rustic look, a simple rattan bed in natural wood tones can also be a beautiful choice.

Create a Light and Airy Space

French-style bedrooms often feature light-filled spaces with white, cream, or soft pastel walls and floors. This creates a heavenly ambiance that complements the ornate details of the furniture. Delicate, draped window treatments and vintage wallpapers further enhance the elegant atmosphere.

Layer Pretty Textiles

Layering is key when it comes to French-style bedding. Mix and match ditsy florals, silky satins, and pretty textiles to create a luxurious and romantic vibe. Don't be afraid to add a touch of sparkle with a chandelier, the perfect finishing touch to any French-inspired space.

Incorporate Antique Pieces

Antique French furniture adds a unique vintage touch to your bedroom. Look for pieces with ornate details, such as a floral needlepoint headboard or an antique mirror. You can hunt for these treasures in antique shops or online marketplaces. Don't be afraid to upcycle and give new life to pre-loved furniture.

Accessorize with Delicate Details

When it comes to accessories, less is more. Frames, candles, and perfume bottles can add a touch of French elegance without overwhelming the space. A mirror above a mantle or dresser can also bring a touch of Parisian charm.

Whether you're working with a budget or splurging on a complete makeover, these tips will help you create a beautiful French-style bedroom. Remember, the key elements are elegance, romance, and a touch of whimsy.

French country style

To achieve this look, you can start by choosing a statement bed, perhaps with a vintage-style frame and sinuous curves, or a rustic, rattan bed. Opt for a bed with an ornate headboard, or a floral needlepoint headboard for a pretty, vintage touch. You could also choose a luxurious coronet to hang over your bed, for a truly authentic French country feel.

When it comes to colour, French country style tends to favour muted, dusky shades, such as blush pink, peach, duck egg blue, sage green, cream and light grey. These colours have an aged quality, which is key to this style. You can also use white to freshen up the subtle tones, or as a base to let other pieces shine.

To finish the look, layer pretty textiles, such as ditsy florals or silky satins, and don't forget to add that all-important chandelier for a touch of sparkle.

French-style accessories

French-style bedrooms are known for their elegance, whimsy, and romance. Here are some French-style accessories to elevate your bedroom décor:

Bed

The bed is the focal point of a French-style bedroom. Opt for a vintage-style frame with sinuous curves and luxurious details such as gilding, deep-buttoned upholstery, or ornate needlepoint headboards. For a rustic touch, choose a natural rattan bed or a simple, elegant, minimalist design.

Linens

Merci in Paris is known for its luxurious linens. An all-white bed with layers of pretty textiles, such as ditsy florals, silky satins, or soft neutrals, embodies the French aesthetic.

Walls

For a light-filled space, paint your walls and floors in white, cream, or soft pastel shades. To create a modern French look, use patterned wallpaper with toile prints or soft-hued wallpapers featuring bucolic scenes. Alternatively, make a statement with bold floral motif wallpaper for a truly immersive experience.

Chandelier

Add a touch of sparkle to your French-style bedroom with a chandelier. Whether it's a simple, elegant design or a more decadent, ornate piece, a chandelier will enhance the romantic ambiance of the room.

Mirrors

Hang a mirror over a mantle or dresser to reflect light and create the illusion of space. Antique mirrors with ornate frames complement the French aesthetic and add a sense of elegance to the room.

Accessories

Complete the look with carefully chosen accessories. Frames, candles, and perfume bottles add a touch of French sophistication. Floral or lace-edged bedspreads, antique suitcases used as bedside tables, and gilt furniture such as mirrors, sconces, and ornate bedside tables bring a sense of opulence to the space.

Frequently asked questions