Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

French country decor that will wow any room

French country is making a comeback. Here's how to make it work for you

Interior country-style kitchen
Mavo/Shutterstock

French country design is one of those classic styles that never goes out of trend. It has so much history and stories behind it, and it stays in favor because it’s stylish, comfortable, and also uber luxurious. There’s a reason we see French country design in so many high-end hotels and restaurants all over the world! There are so many ways to bring French country decor into 2023 without it feeling too “shabby chic,” which has fallen out of favor in recent years. Here’s how you can make this style work for you.

Recommended Videos

Muted tones

French country uses gorgeous fabrics with provincial designs, and those can be achieved in furniture fabrics, curtains, and even on the walls. Muted tones like beige, gray, blue, and sage green can be added to wallpaper, pillows, and when selecting chair fabric. When thinking about the walls, choose softer tones in ivory, beige, or pale yellow to complement the muted tones in the rest of the space. Another option for wallpaper or pillows is toile — a staple in French country design.

Vintage distressed dresser
Candace Bliss/Shutterstock

Distressed, painted furnishings

Another trademark of the French country style comes with distressing. You can accomplish this with a large distressed couch bought at a vintage store or one made to look vintage (which is a more cost-effective option). Larger pieces of furniture offer a dramatic effect in a living room or kitchen. We love this ivory nailhead chesterfield design from Overstock. If you’re not entirely sold on a large piece to invest in, consider decor like lamps, trays, or a small table. Then, once you commit, you can add larger pieces to the room.

Wrought iron

Wrought iron is another trademark of French decor, and there are plenty of options to introduce them into a room. You can find kitchen chairs, bar stools, cabinets, coffee tables, and headboards. You can keep the color in its natural state or paint it with gold or darker colors. In traditional French country, the wrought iron would be curved or designed in an interesting way rather than straight lines more common in industrial design. An ideal use of wrought iron would be with kitchen chairs, where a layer of muted, soft fabric can be added for dramatic effect. You can complement this with soft wood cabinets, wood beams, and muted granite countertops in light ivory.

Home with wooden floors, with kitchen and living room together
Francesca Tosolini/Unsplash

Natural wood

Exposed wooden ceiling beams, wooden floors, sideboards, and other natural elements, both on the interior and exterior of the home, are also a nod to the era. One way to bring this into the main entertaining area of the home — the kitchen — is by using open shelving mixed in between cabinets. Mixed among the wood, you can place bowls, cups, and serving trays made in patterns like stripes, plaids, checks, and florals to further enhance the French country look.

French country design looks stunning in any room. We love it in kitchens and living rooms, but a primary bedroom would also benefit from this design, and is a room deserving of luxury fabrics, furniture, and decor. Sticking to these few rules will help bring out the style in any space, and the price points make it easy to design on a budget or go all out and splurge on a couple of luxury items.

Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
Make the most of your living room/dining room combo with these stellar tips
Watch your living room/dining room combo shine with these tips
Gray monochrome living and dining room

Many contemporary homes have open-concept living, meaning fewer walls and shared space between rooms. It's a great idea for those who entertain or want minimal disruption between spaces. It's also good when you have small children and want to keep an eye on them while you're cooking, folding laundry, or watching TV. If you have one large area for your living room and dining room, there are some things you can do to get the most out of each room.

Of course, there's a lot to consider when it comes to which colors to choose, how to arrange furniture in a living room/dining room combo, and what wall and other decor can be used to blend the spaces together. Here's how to find the right mix that works in one collective space.
Small living room/dining room combo ideas

Read more
9 fantastic stone fireplace decor ideas for a comfortable, nature-inspired home
Keep your home's best feature looking stylish
Stone fireplace in sitting area with dark, brown colors

One of the greatest challenges with stone fireplaces is finding decor that feels authentic while also standing out against the natural stone. You want a look that radiates comfort and coziness without coming off too cluttered or detracting from the beautiful masonry of your fireplace. So, we’ve come up with nine fantastic stone fireplace ideas to help you achieve a gorgeous look that suits your style and needs.

Your decor doesn’t have to feel tacky or out of place. Let us walk you through the best ways to decorate your stone fireplace mantel for a nature-inspired setting.
How to add a natural look to your stone fireplace

Read more
Tired of pumpkins? Fall mantel decor that will put you in a Thanksgiving mood
Here are some gorgeous fall decor ideas to try no matter your style
Fall mantle decor leaves and sign

Fall is much more than pumpkins and Halloween. If you have a mantel and are looking to upgrade your decor, autumn provides endless opportunities. Fall mantel decor should be warm and inviting, a reflection of the feelings the season evokes. A fireplace can be the focal point of the room, and with proper decor for the fall season, you can achieve just that.

If you’re stuck in a rut of pumpkins and Halloween decorations, worry not. We have some excellent fall mantel decor ideas for you no matter what style your fireplace.
Farmhouse fall mantel

Read more