Parisian apartments are almost as recognizable as the iconic fashion worn by their occupants. From enjoying an espresso on one of the famous wrought-iron balconies to setting out a fresh charcuterie board in the kitchen, Parisian decor sets the scene for luxurious, slow mornings enjoying the simple things in life. If you want to recreate the magic of the City of Lights in your own home, there are 11 key tips to help you achieve the perfect French Parisian style bedroom. Keep reading to find out how to transform your bedroom into the French-inspired space of your dreams.
1. Decorate with Antique and Vintage Furniture
The typical Parisian bedroom isn’t filled with only the best brand-name furniture from well-known designers. No, Parisian apartments are luxurious because of how they balance new and old pieces. Antique furniture pieces provide elements of history, cultural significance and timeless craftsmanship to Parisian homes. They also add character and a uniqueness that can’t be replicated from space to space. Parisians appreciate their individuality, and that appreciation extends from their daily style to their living quarters as well.
Parisians also view their antique decor pieces as a source of pride – and with good reason! There’s a certain thrill that comes along with a great antique piece that takes a special eye to find. When you bring it home and style it, the mix of new and old finds adds depth to a space and can make a bedroom feel lived-in, curated, and timeless.
2. Utilize Neutral Tones
A soft, neutral palette is ideal for the bedroom. It helps to create a timeless, calming feel in your space. You want your bedroom to be your sanctuary from a busy, chaotic day and be a space for quality rest – soft neutrals can help to achieve this effect.
You can still incorporate color into your space, but use it wisely. Keep the big features neutral (like your walls and ceilings), but play around with incorporating color with your rug, pillows, accent furniture, etc.
3. Hang a Chandelier
Looking for the perfect focal points that will transform your space? No Parisian home is complete without a crystal chandelier. Add a dash of vintage charm to your bedroom with a chandelier to give your space a touch of glamour. This piece can balance out any of the more minimalist pieces in your bedroom, and elevate your room to a new level of Parisian chic.
Crystal chandeliers can also help a space to feel larger by refracting light from their individual pieces. Just make sure to get the right size so that you’re not in danger of hitting your head as you climb out of bed each morning!
4. Play Around with Architectural Elements
Architectural details are a key component of the classic Parisian-style bedroom. From ornate moldings to tall French windows, it’s the little things that transform a space into the Parisian home of your dreams. And even if you aren’t building a home, there are plenty of details that you can add to your space that don’t require a full-scale renovation. Check out your local home improvement store for intricate crown molding, wall paneling, ceiling medallions, etc.
5. Lay Down Wooden Floors
Speaking of the home improvement store, here’s another thing to look for while you’re there! Wooden floors, especially parquet floors or herringbone oak floors, are very common in Parisian apartments. If you want to give your own bedroom a bit of Parisian flair, consider these flooring types to give your space a warm, intricate look.
Parquet floors emerged in France in the 16th century in some of the grandest chateaus and palaces. Later on, they were adopted across Paris when it was discovered that this timber was lighter and easier to maintain than marble or stone flooring. Parquet floors are not only a beautiful remnant of French architectural history, but a stunning way to add interest from the top down in your own home.
6. Warm Up the Space with a Cozy Rug
Parisians love to balance out the antique, ornate elements in their bedrooms with cozy pieces. A large rug is the perfect way to soften the creaks and natural sounds that come from hardwood floor. Plus, who likes to get out of bed in the morning and immediately step on the ice-cold ground? Besides its noise-muffling qualities, a rug also helps to protect the hardwood floor underneath.
Design-wise, a rug can also help to create a layered look in your interior design. The right rug can add elegance, and help tie together the other colors in your French Parisian style bedroom.
7. Gild Your Room with Ornate Mirrors
The pièce de résistance in any French space is a bronze or gold mirror. Ornate mirrors were popularized during the Rococo era in France, when the French were influenced by the Palace of Versailles. The opulent design style of these mirrors portrayed a certain level of wealth, and also helped to make a space appear larger and lighter by reflecting light.
Today, Parisians love a large ornate mirror in their space for many of the same reasons, in addition to the sense of history and elegance that they bring to any room. In the bedroom, they can help to open up the space, as well as provide the perfect place to do your makeup in the morning or get ready for the day. Add a gilded gold finish mirror to your bedroom to get the Parisian look.
8. Use a Marble Fireplace as a Focal Point
Another popular feature in Parisian interiors? Marble fireplaces. And they aren’t just for the living room. This statement piece can add a touch of romance and a touch of drama to even a small bedroom. Even if it’s not functioning, a marble mantle is the perfect piece to complement a timeless design aesthetic. It’s also a great way to display fresh flowers, coffee table books, and any worldly accessories that are important to you.
9. Find a Ceiling Medallion
If you want to transform your space with the Parisian decor style, try finding a ceiling medallion. This inexpensive piece is the perfect way to add visual interest to your ceiling. They’re the perfect complement to an ornate chandelier, as well as any other vintage furniture pieces you might have in your bedroom.
10. Brighten the Room with Ambient Lighting
Parisian bedrooms are dreamy, relaxing spaces where you can go to unwind after a busy day. Ambient lighting, like small table lamps and wall sconces, helps to complement this atmosphere. Rather than choosing a bright overhead piece, wind down for the evening by turning on your softer lights instead. This will help to signal to your brain that it’s time for bed, but still provide enough light that you can settle in with a book or magazine before trying to sleep.
11. Paint White Walls
Parisian bedrooms commonly feature white walls because of how they help to maximize natural light. White walls not only help to make a space seem larger but can also provide a neutral backdrop for other more ornate fixtures and decor pieces. A light color on the walls also serves to highlight delicate architectural pieces, which otherwise might get lost against a darker paint color.
If your bedroom doesn’t boast tall ceilings, light-colored walls can help the room feel larger. Plus, white walls transcend any fleeting color trends – and they’ll work well with whatever furniture you use to decorate your space.
The Parisian Look
You don’t have to start from scratch if you want to give your bedroom a Parisian makeover. Oftentimes, it’s the small details that can truly transform your space with the Parisian look. Adding an ornate gold mirror, giving your walls a fresh coat of white paint, or putting up a ceiling medallion can help to transform your bedroom into the French oasis of your dreams.
Ready for more French decorating tips? Up Next: 15 Parisian Apartment Decorating Tips to Elevate Your Space
