Parisians are particularly blessed when it comes to original features in their Haussman buildings; with their high ceilings, tall French windows, elaborately carved moldings, marble fireplaces, herringbone oak floors, and wrought-iron balconies. Not everyone has the luxury of living in a Haussmann building with classic features, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the look and feel of a Parisian decor in your very own bedroom. Let’s find out how to style such a space yourself.
The Parisian decor style is minimalist, modern, contemporary but warm. The overall palette is neutral, and white is an all-time favorite color of Parisians. The decor and furniture are polished, sleek but kept simple. The philosophy of a Parisian décor is mixing up things – the old with the new and the refined with the rough. It’s unexpected and full of bold statements. A Parisian space is blended, eclectic, and brings the best of the old and new together. Effortless and chic are just a few ways to describe the style of Parisians and the way they decorate their homes is no different.
Beds
The bed is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your bedroom. Keep it simple, and opt for a minimalist, modern mid-century bed frame. Parisians usually avoid beds that are too big due to the limited size of bedrooms in Parisian apartments. Avoid any upholstered, tufted, or antique bed styles with huge and imposing headboards.
Lighting
When it comes to lighting in a typical Parisian bedroom there is a great idea – a vintage sparkly chandelier that will scream French style. Chandeliers create a focal point in your bedroom and add delightful sculptural interest to your ceiling space. Just make sure to find the right size and shape for your bedroom, and don’t go over the top or on a Versailles scale.
Gold Mirrors
One of the tricks the Parisians have adopted to keep their bedroom bright (other than keeping their walls white), is to add large-scale mirrors to their walls. Indeed, mirrors reflect light and keep your room looking spacious and bright. That’s why it’s very common to find a large ornate mirror with a gilded gold finish in most of the Parisian bedrooms. A gold mirror is usually placed above the fireplace.
Artworks
If your bedroom features white walls, adding some bold artwork to your room will give finesse to your Parisian-style bedroom. Paris is known for its abundant flea markets with multiple styles and periods of art for sale. And Parisians love to mix bold artwork with modern furniture, vintage accessories, and ornate moldings. I love abstract minimalist drawings, beautiful photographs (sea, nature, Marocco), and prints in the colors terracotta, blush, turquoise, and sand.
Accessories
Scattered coffee table books, a scented candle, plump cushions thrown on your bed, and some dried flowers are all a great way to achieve that subtly embellished Parisian style in your bedroom. A Parisian apartment is usually full of worldly accessories, each with its own meaning and purpose. Through their travels, Parisians love to pick up decor pieces, antiques, and other décor accessories. And a Parisian home is always a place that holds all these precious travel stories in the form of all these accessories. Take a look at various ideas below and get inspired!