French Country Decor: What to Know About This Rustic Decor Style

Inspired by the aesthetic and lifestyle associated with the French countryside, French country decor strikes a balance between rustic and elegant. This timeless decor style originated in the 17th century and endures in popularity to this day. We spoke with design experts to find out everything you need to know about French country decor and how to embrace it in your home.

What Is French Country Style?

French country style is defined as a mix of rustic and refined decor inspired by homes in the French countryside. It’s characterized by antique furnishings, ornate details, weathered finishes, warm neutrals, rustic patterns, and soft colors. The result is timelessly elegant, yet comfortably lived-in.

This country-inspired decorating style is often confused with similar styles such as French provincial, farmhouse, and shabby chic.

“What sets it apart from similar styles is the balance," says Keely Smith, lead interior design specialist at JD Elite Interiors. "It's not too rustic and rough like farmhouse can be, or too shabby and distressed like shabby chic. There's a refined polish to it that makes it feel nice but not overly fancy,”

French Country vs. French Provincial

While French country decor is all about rustic and refined elements, French provincial is recognized as having a slightly more formal, elegant look. Some of its elements, such as its rich colors, bold patterns, and gold accents, can be incorporated into the French country style. 

French Country vs. Farmhouse

French country decor draws inspiration from the French countryside, where the farmhouse style originates from the aesthetics of traditional American farms. The differences in these regional styles can be readily observed. Where French country embraces a touch of Parisian elegance, farmhouse prioritizes comfortable, airy spaces that are filled with natural elements and materials. 

French Country vs. Shabby Chic

Shabby chic is generally considered to be a sub-aesthetic in French country, although the two are frequently confused with one another. Shabby chic was popularized as a distinct style by interior designer Rachel Ashwell when she founded home furnishings company “Shabby Chic” in the 1980s.

The main difference between shabby chic and French country is that shabby chic is characterized by a rustic, relaxed feel, whereas French country focuses on elegant and refined touches. 

History of French Country Style

French country style originated in the early 1700s when King Louis XV ruled over France. The royal figure allegedly ferried members of his court to the countryside regularly to engage in leisure pursuits and brought the regal-meets-rustic design aesthetic into the zeitgeist. 

A little over two centuries later, hints of the style appeared in the U.S. Soldiers returning from the French countryside post World War I brought with them a desire for French country architecture mirrored that of French manor homes. The French country proliferated in the 1920s and surged in popularity again in the 1970s. 

Once the 1990s hit, designer Charles Faudree made the French country style take off in interiors across America. It has grown a little more casual than the designer’s original vision, but still keeps its elegant spirit.

Key Characteristics

When it comes to embracing French country decor in your home, there are a few things that are essential to get the look. 

Antique Furnishings

Antique wooden furniture is a staple of this decorating style, particularly accent chairs, dining sets, coffee tables, dressers and side tables, armoires, and more. These pieces can be left natural or painted with a slightly distressed finish for a rustic touch (milk or chalk paint is a great choice for this look). Shades of white and light colors are popular choices for paint, while dark wood stains are most popular if the wood is left unpainted.

Warm, Soft Colors

Colors of this style can be found on the warm side of the color wheel with hues that have medium to low intensity.

“Think light shades like creams, blush tones, faded blues, and soft greens,” says Smith.

Stay away from overly bright or saturated hues.

Delicate Prints

You’ll find that prints such as gingham, small florals, plaid, checks, and stripes are plentiful in the French country decor style. However, nothing defines this style quite like toile does.

Toile de Jouy, best known as toile, is a traditional pattern printed on cotton or linen fabrics used for upholstery, drapery, tablecloths, and wallpaper. It is characterized by a repeated pattern of a detailed, pastoral scene in a singular soft color printed on a white or beige background. 

Ornate Details

Ornate details help to add the refined elegance that is so typical of French country decor, and can usually be found in the space’s decor and lighting. You’ll often see delicate antique chandeliers, ornate glass or crystal vases and decorative containers, detailed gold picture frames, elegant oil paintings, and more adorning a French country room.

Natural Materials

Lastly, natural materials are a must in French country decor. Wood, metal, clay, linen, and bouquets of fresh flowers are just a few ways you can bring natural materials into your French country space. 

Examples of French Country Style

French Country Bedroom

Lived-in meets luxury in this French-country bedroom. The upholstered headboard is a simpler take on the Louis XIV silhouette, which is softened further by the layered textiles and the austere wooden nightstand. The wicker lamp and rich tapestry throw pillow finish the look. 

French Country Bathroom

Between the luxe marble tile and backsplash and the patterned wallpaper, French opulence is at the forefront of this bathroom design. The softer, country-like elements come in through the brushed brass fixtures and the faux topiary positioned to the left of the sink in a rustic jug.

French Country Living Room

A well-worn Louis XIV chair anchors this living room, while the fireplace drives home the opulent undercurrent. Rustic wood and natural textures such as wicker and clay soften the space. And the modern candelabra sconces are a breath of fresh air.

French Country Laundry Room

Black and white tile adds some French elegance to this laundry room. A peg wall is functional and attractive, and the botanical art and ample wicker baskets feel effortlessly French.

French Country Child's Bedroom

The cane details and whimsical toile wallpaper feel cozy, relaxed, and very French country in this child’s bedroom. The bust sculpture, pastel rug, and luxe pink desk stool bring that touch of sophistication that separates the style from farmhouse.

French Country Kitchen

This French country kitchen brings in elegance with the crystal chandelier and the bold blooms, while the open shelving, rustic beams, and mixed-wood furniture pieces keep it very grounded in a country aesthetic.

Design Tips

When it comes to pulling off the French country look, designers have a few expert tips.

"Throw out the notion of sets of anything that was intended to match or go together,” says Lori Shaw, founder and principal designer of Lori Shaw Interiors. Instead, embrace a more lived-in, collected look and studiously pair rustic and refined elements throughout your space. 

For example, mix beautifully worn pieces with elegant toile fabrics, and glints of precious metals with worn and faded tapestries.

“It’s about yin and yang, mixing and matching rough with polished," Shaw says. "It seems like opposing directions, but when done right, every piece looks like it belongs in the room."

Shaw recommends staying away from bold and cool colors, modern shapes, simple lines, and overly cold finishes such as metal tables. These pieces are the antithesis of French country design and are sure to stick out like a sore thumb in your space.