So, you want to give your outdoor space a makeover? If you’ve ever been inspired by the beautifully tranquil gardens found all over the French countryside, you’re in the right place! No matter the size of your space or where you’re located, it is possible to infuse your outdoor area with all of the charm and understated elegance of a French garden. All you need is the right plan when it comes to what French outdoor furniture to shop for and how to set the scene for the French summer of your dreams. Ready to make the most of your outdoor space? Let’s dive in!
Old-World Charm and Refined Elegance
A French garden is recognizable by its luxurious, old-world feel that also never feels too pretentious or stuffy. Thanks in large part to rustic details and lived-in-looking furniture, a French garden is never overly polished or pristine. However, if you prefer a bit of elegance in your decor, you can certainly find that aesthetic in French gardens as well and incorporate that vibe with the right touches!
There are nearly limitless possibilities when it comes to crafting a French garden in your outdoor space. You can choose to really lean into the French country aesthetic, which prioritizes comfort above all else, or you can also incorporate a bit of the glamour and refined pieces that would more likely be found on Parisian terraces or poolside at a French resort. No matter which way you choose to go, you can’t go wrong with French garden furniture.
The Foundation of a French Garden
Before we dive into specific French-inspired outdoor furniture, let’s cover the foundation of a French garden. To start, you can really set the scene with the right architectural details. Stonework, pea gravel, brick, and tile all help to create the perfect blank canvas for your new look. Lean into comforting neutrals or subdued shades like vintage blue, sage green, or lavender when it comes to your color palette. As for patterns, diamonds, classic stripes, or repetitive floral motifs all work well in a French garden.
French Outdoor Furniture Inspiration
The Materials
- Wrought-Iron
- Stone
- Clay
- Weathered Wood
- Marble
- Teak
Planters
French gardens are flush with a variety of different flowers. Although it will depend on what zone you live in, traditional French blooms to consider include lavender, roses, and lilies. Herbs are also a popular choice, including varieties like thyme. When it comes to a color palette, traditional French gardens tend to stick to cool tones – like blues, purples, whites, and greens.
As for how to display your garden blooms, planters are popular pieces incorporated into French gardens. Stick to weathered, antique-looking materials like stone, clay, marble, or terracotta. Anduze urns in particular are iconic French Provençal pottery planters. These urns are known for their handcrafted garlands and medallions. The Biot Jar is another popular choice, and is named for the French town where its terracotta materials is found.
If you’d like to display a selection of smaller planters, consider a wrought-iron or metal plant stand that can hold a number of pots.
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Seaton Metal Plant Stand
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Bungalow Rose Keilson Terracotta Pot Planter
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Jean Pierre Planter
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Fleur de Lis Planter
Seating & Entertaining
When it comes to outdoor furniture, durability is an important aspect to consider. If it’s too lightweight or delicate, it won’t hold up over time or be a good investment for an outdoor space. You can further protect your pieces by making sure to bring them inside if there’s inclement weather on the horizon, or if you live in a place like the Midwest, when the seasons can give a real beating to anything left outdoors over the winter!
If you’re looking for French-inspired seating, wrought-iron pieces are a great option. Wrought iron is a popular choice in French outdoor gardens because of its durability, weather resistance, strength, and its delicate patterns incorporated into the iron. From benches to chairs to tables, wrought-iron furniture is a great place to start when shopping for your own French-inspired outdoor space.
You can also look for cast iron sets, which are also durable and heavy for outdoor furniture. They may need a bit more upkeep to prevent rust, so keep these covered if it rains heavily, or move them indoors during the snowy winters.
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Black Cast Aluminium Bistro Set
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“Le Chardenoux 1908” Round Metal Bistro Set
Looking for a set that looks like it belongs outside an iconic Parisian cafe? Get inspired by the instantly recognizable scene from France with a bistro table set that includes a marble tabletop and rattan chairs. You’ll want to keep these out of the rain and snow as well, but they’re worth the little extra effort. They will instantly elevate your morning coffee experience!
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Outdoor French Cafe Chairs
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Marble Top Metal Base Dining Table Round
If you’re looking for something that can seat more than one, go for a rattan or wicker loveseat or sectional. These materials add texture to your French garden ambiance and are easy to wipe clean. In terms of cushions, bright white adds great contrast against lush greenery and florals!
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Conversation Set
Poolside
Whether you have a pool or not, you can bring a spa-like feel to your French-inspired backyard, patio or balcony with a luxurious striped chaise lounge. Enjoy the privacy of your own home and eat breakfast outdoors, or indulge in a new book. It’s the ultimate piece of furniture for relaxation!
If you have the space on your French country patio, consider adding an umbrella. French girls are loyal to their skincare routines and sun protection, which means that an umbrella will help you to keep out the harmful sun’s rays while still enjoying your outdoor space.
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Alvah Outdoor Eucalyptus Chaise Lounge
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Patio Umbrella
Rugs
Outdoor rugs are a great way to bring the comfort of outdoor living to your patio or deck. Make any space feel cozier with a large outdoor rug. This is also a great tip to pull your seating area together, and create visual focus – especially if you’re working to decorate within a large area.
In terms of patterns, if you want to go for a classic and refined look, try out a diamond pattern! Black and white is a chic color combination that will add perfect contrast to the surrounding environment, and will look especially great when set against a lot of lush greenery.
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Rectangle Indoor/Outdoor Rug
The Final Touches
Now that you have all of your French garden furniture, there are just a few final touches to implement! First, have fun choosing dishes for entertaining. Then, pick out some breezy linen pieces, like napkins and a tablecloth, to really set the scene. When the sun sets, make sure you have some ambient lighting! You can incorporate outdoor lighting into your space if you have the room to do so with wall sconces, or you can go the old-fashioned route with candles. Put some French music on (bonus points if you have a record player), and you’ll have the ideal setting for making the most out of your French-inspired garden all summer long.
Are you in the mood to host in your outdoor space this season? Here’s more inspiration! Up Next: How to Wow Your Guests With an Italian Dinner Party This Summer
