Decorating with vintage French decor
Did you already step into a French countryside’s home? Then, you may have found yourself captivated by an array of mismatched treasures.
Welcoming, unpretentious and very livable, French country style loves to add antiques that have history and meaning.
Actually, we really think vintage adds charm to any home.
And while we love unique finds, there are a few common denominators in the decor of our French countryside.
So if you ever feel lost when it comes to choose and find authentic French vintage decor & accessories, you’ll better read this post till the end!
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1. Furniture
French country furniture has simple but refined lines, worn wood and paint chipped to perfection.
I’ve handpicked a selection of exquisite pieces that embody the true essence of this style. Discover ‘The Best French Country Furniture‘.
The French focus on the utilitarian, so the pieces should be functional and comfortable.
But beauty can coexist happily in sturdy, timeless pieces.
Think of the antique china cabinet with its display case at the top, closet at the bottom, and a beautiful patina on the wood. Simple, functional, but also a stunning centerpiece.
2. Lighting
Using vintage French lighting in your home creates a link to a time when everything was created with care about each detail.
But don’t make your house a palace of a thousand and one tassels. A single chandelier (or two) is enough for the whole house (prefer the living room or the bathroom). Then, put a few wall sconces in your bedroom or in the hallway.
You can also add more simplicity with a table or floor lamp in wood with a linen lampshade for example!
I have provided a direct paid link wherever possible, at no added cost to you, so that you can easily shop and decorate.
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3. Textiles
French vintage linens add the right touch of rustic and country that I love so much.
Antique pieces are beautiful and precious but they were made to be sturdy, so please don’t be afraid to use them!
4. Kitchenware
Kitchen is often the favorite room in the house among the French. We love to sit and enjoy lovingly prepared meals with our family and friends.
And we like simple and practical kitchenware which shows charm like ironstone dishes, copper cookware or pottery.
You can’t even imagine how many different types of French country kitchen antiques you can collect!
And as they’ve been used in the past, these old treasures often show a little chip here and there, or a crack. That’s what make them unique and will give personnality to your home (I can resist when an ironstone piece that shows a well-worn patina!).
Ironstone
I absolutely love ironstone! I think that’s my favorite dinnerware.
The flaws tell its story and increase its beauty, especially this so charming discoloration!
You can look for soup tureens, sauce boats, pitchers, bowls or less common pieces!
Transferware
Transferware also mixes beautifully with French country interiors.
I tend to favor floral and geometrical patterns more than elaborate scenes.
Copper
It’s surprising how easily a kitchen can transform with just a few copper elements.
There are so many lovely old pieces, that can either be flat displayed or wall hanged.
This adds to the decoration possibilities. And that’s why copper has become one of my favorite kitchenware!
Pottery
I believe that no object evokes Provence better than their glazed pottery, with a yellow, green or blue enamel part.
These pots are just beautiful and obviously fit in perfectly with the French country style.
But we can also find more classic terracotta pots just as charming and perhaps easier to integrate into the decoration because of their neutral colors.
Silverware
I’m less drawn to silverware, but it’s part of the array we like to have here in France.
5. Accessories & Accent Decor
While new accessories can sometimes offer a flair, vintage ones do it without even trying.
Even adding just one or two statement vintage pieces, like a stack of old books surrounded by a pretty lace or a few porcelain door knobs, can instantly give a French country feel to any home.
Old Wood Decor
Think about wooden architectural salvage, bowls, crates, bread boards, sculptures…
You can look for chippy paint and patina.
Metal accessories
There are so many metal accessories you can get for a French country look: lanterns, candle holders, sculptures, balance scales, planters, wire baskets, trays… The list is endless!
Don’t worry if they show some flaws or rust, that’s part of their story.
Rattan / Wicker accessories
The basket, an undying object! It has been around for hundreds of years.
For a French country look, favor old rattan sneakers or straw market bags. They’ll add a rustic touch to your home, while remaining elegant.
Iron accessories
I LOVE antique iron pieces.
The French like iron in the form of planters, antique balance scales, architectural salvage, sculptures…
6. Wall Art
Whether it’s a mirror or an oil portrait frame, almost everything in a French country home has an aged look that adds history and charm to the space.
The French like to hang antique mirrors, oil paitings, or old portraits on their walls. To be honest, we don’t necessarily like to put pictures of our face on the walls (I don’t!). We prefer to show art, collections or one of a kind pieces.
The most creative also like to highlight single frames within which they can let their imaginations run wild!
That’s not hard to decorate your home with French wall art.
A few pieces are enough. You just need the right frames in the right place.
7. Repurpose and reuse
The French like to reuse objects, even damaged or incomplete, to do something else. It’s a nice way to stand out. Here’s some ideas:
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Salvage the cloche from a cheese dish to showcase small items or flowers.
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Add herbs, plants or flowers in your vintage canisters
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Put old distressed doors behind your bed to create an headboard.
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Use an old bottle holder found in a wine cellar to display bottles but also tea cups, ball of string, bouquets, or whatever you want.
Possibilities are endless!
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Bonjour! I’m Mathilde, a French girl living in the countryside near the sea. If you’re curious to learn more about me, read my full story.
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3 thoughts on “Decorating with vintage French decor”
I like everything you posed. But I want to ask for more original pics from your country magazines or your own home or you friends. Please. Sincerely. Boguslawa
I’m a French country fanatic. Have a challenge. I live in a log home. Do u have any pics showing French country designs within a log home .
I’m in love with the French Culture! I love all your articles!
Thank you, so much, you always make my day! ❤️
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