Paris Decor Ideas for Your Personal Chateau

Paris Room Decor Ideas

What Makes Parisian Decor?

• Light neutrals. Light neutrals to keep the space flowy is a must in Paris decorating. Avoid big “dark” pieces, which are more “trend” than they are “timeless.”
• Carved wood. Take another look at the images above; almost all have incorporations of carved wood. Today, carved wood is Paris’ modern tribute to the rich details of traditional European design.
• Feminine & Romantic. Parisian style is elegant and gives off the feeling of delicacy; it’s a whirlwind of femininity and Romanticism, with neutral colors and simple textures to keep the vibe light.
• Sophistication (modern). Look for modern touches in a Paris-styled home — because you will find them. Whether it’s an incorporation of a trendy art piece or pillow, Parisian style does nothing if not “blend” the past with the present.
• Minimalism. Along the same vein, Paris decor errs on the style of minimalism. Whereas its ancestral aesthetic (Traditional design) is ornate, Paris emanates simplicity.
• A touch of pattern. Florals and fleur-de-lis in rugs, pillows, blankets and artwork capture Paris style. Just remember to hold back a bit; Paris style is understated.
• Maps and symbols. Of course, the blunter variations of Paris-decorated rooms will include artwork of the Eiffel Tower, maps of the streets of the city itself and French word art — and there’s nothing wrong with that! Sometimes, you simply can’t hold back your love for this most romantic of cities (we can totally relate).
• Upholstery. You’ll want to incorporate upholstery in the backs of accent chairs, the seats of dining chairs and in the form of a tufted ottoman and rounded stool.
• A little bit of fashion. You can’t call your style Parisian if it doesn’t include elements of fashion. Hang a wall hook on a hallway or living room wall to show off a chic floppy hat or statement bag. (Not feeling so bold? You can also consider fashion wall art — in place of actual fashion “wall art.”)
• A little bit of history. Paris decor at its richest incorporates the history of the city through bits and pieces of decor. An Arc de Triomphe bookend or a miniature bust of the Venus de Milo, for starters.
• Sleek surfaces. Avoiding the use of distressed finishes or a “weathered, aged” look, Parisian aesthetic thrives on glossy accents and modernistic touches.
• Natural light. If you’ve got drapes, pull them back. If you have a window, open it. A Paris-style home is one that embraces lightness, brightness and freshness. It feels “new” — no matter how old it actually is.
• A touch of color. With a palette of light neutrals, it’s easy to incorporate pops of color when you feel like it. For a singularly Paris feel, opt for light pink or purple.
• A touch of glam. Elegance, class and a note of glam go hand in hand; in Parisian decor, the latter is embodied through accent metallics (a statement mirror) and other luxury decor (a crystal lampshade being one).

Et pour la chambre . . . 

In the bedroom, incorporate florals. Whether you choose to do this through an actual bouquet in a vase or a still life painting, you truly can’t go wrong with a petal or two. 

You’ll also want to consider a canopy bed. This is because canopy beds invite the potential for a sheer, drapey, feminine canopy - a Parisian aesthetic if there ever was one. 

Finally, consider mirrors, and especially a vanity. A French mademoiselle puts care into her nightly routine and frankly is the embodiment of Parisian style.

Iconography of Paris

Here are just a few of the icons associated with the City of Love and its style; incorporate them into your artwork, memorabilia decor, coffee table books and/or something as simple as artful conversations with your guests!

• Historical landmarks. Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower: The city’s world-famous massive triumphal arch and tower (respectively).
• Fashion icons. Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Christian Louboutin are among the most associated with the “Parisian look.”
• Cinema icons. The French New Wave of the ‘60s ushered in the likes of neorealist filmmakers such as Jean-Luc Godard and Ana Karina.
• River. A river boat tour along the Seine, anyone?
• Food. French macarons, croissants and some fine wine.