Parisian inspired interiors are nothing short of beautiful, and whether it’s a trip to the capital or watching re-runs of Emily In Paris that has got you in the spirit of redecorating your bedroom, we’ve compiled some of the best ideas for creating an authentic French inspired bedroom.
Here are some of the key principles you’ll need to get sorted, along with some Parisian approved paint colours to kickstart your makeover.
Bring Paris Home: 21 Tips for Creating a French-Inspired Bedroom
1.Set The Theme With A Parisian Bed Frame
Your bed frame typically becomes a focal feature in a bedroom, so investing in a French inspired bed frame will immediately set the tone for the rest of the bedroom interior.
There are many styles of French bed frames, but traditional Rocco frames with quilted detailing and an ornate frame like the below, really is the perfect ticket to a Parisian inspired boudoir.
2. Ornate Chandelier
No one does exquisite lighting quite like the French, and a jewelled chandelier will instantly elevate any bedroom. If you can, try to source an antique or vintage chandelier, most replica chandeliers don’t carry the same charm and detail as originals.
If you can’t find a chandelier, traditional glass pendant lights are a beautiful alternative. They don’t detract from the rest of the room, yet with a brass pendant light fitting, they bring a subtle touch of luxury to the bedroom.
3. Soft Tones
Modern French design leans into soft, modern neutrals for a layered, luxurious feel. When choosing paints opt for off-whites with a warm based undertone.
Farrow and Ball Ammonite, Shadow White and School House White are elevated neutrals that set the perfect tone for a Parisian interior.
4. Exquisite Wall Panelling
Traditional wainscoting panelling was a key design feature in Parisian interiors from the past, and it still is today.
This style of panelling in the image below is synonymous with this design trend, adding depth and a luxurious feel to a room.
5. Luxurious Touches
Parisian inspired spaces boast luxurious touches. Invest in exquisite lighting, a bed frame and those details that you engage with on a daily basis, such as interior hardware.
The devil is in the detail, and opting for higher end items in certain places will lift the whole look.
6. Gold Gilded Mirror
Lavish, ornate mirrors are a non-negotiable in a Parisian interior. Paired with an appropriate bed frame and you are one step closer to the French inspired bedroom of your dreams.
Gold, gilded mirrors can be picked up in antiques markets or on places like Facebook marketplace. However, you can pick up pretty good replicas online these days at a fraction of the price.
7. Simple Styling
Parisians are not maximalists, and instead the focus is put on simple styling, with luxurious finishing touches.
Brass accents are a firm favourite in Parisian design, as in typically neutral colour palettes, the brass details add unexpected, natural warmth to the room.
8. Regency Green
Perhaps you want to take that Parisian inspired design back to its roots. White neutrals are part of modern French inspired design, but you can call on a traditional regency palette to bring some colour into your bedroom.
Take inspiration from the below regency inspired green which is perfect for traditional, or period style properties.
9. Wood Panelling
If you have original wood panelling in your property, don’t paint it! This traditional look is favoured in Parisian design and works beautifully with a minimal colour palette.
10. Regal Blue
Not feeling green? You can’t beat a regal blue to add some definition and drama to a bedroom scheme.
The key is to not overuse the colour as it will overpower the colour scheme. Use on the upper part of the wall, it draws the eye up, whilst balancing beautifully with the crisp white tones on the ceiling, and lower half of the panelling.
11. Bright White Colour Palette
For a more modern, stripped back look, just keep it simple with a bright white paint across the walls and ceiling.
Introduce colour through decor accessories, bedding and an area rug.
12. Soften The Space With Curves
Curves are one of the best ways to add gentle softness to a Parisian interior. It will heighten the look in the bedroom and give it a French inspired luxury hotel feel.
Items such as pouffes, bedside tables and even table lamps are a perfect way to introduce some softness.
13. Oversized Lighting
It might be one of the trending kitchen ideas for 2025, but oversized lighting is one that can be welcomed across the home.
Whether it’s an oversized table lamp or an oversized chandelier, it will make even the smallest bedrooms feel larger. Small scale lighting can make a room feel inferior, having the reverse effect of what you might be wanting to achieve.
14. Layer With Contrasting Patterns
You can stick to a few guiding principles when creating your Parisian inspired bedroom, but to add your own design flair, incorporate contrasting patterns for a unique feel.
Sticking to one key colour, such as navy blue below is a great way to make it feel intentional in the space, creating a beautiful flow throughout.
15. Shabby Chic Feel
If you’re a fan of vintage furniture, soft colour palettes and luxurious details, you may want to lean into the shabby chic side of things when creating your Parisian bedroom.
French furniture is an absolute must to set the parameters of your room, layer soft neutrals and gorgeous white bed linen for a taste of the chateaux.
16. Elevate With A Floaty Bed Canopy
Bring more of a regal feel into the bedroom by adding a floaty bed canopy. It creates an ethereal feel and a space that really is fit for a Princess.
17. Introduce Colour With Florals
For a modern twist, introduce a pop of tasteful colour with some florals. Take inspiration from the below and add a panel of wallpaper, or introduce it with bedding or a piece of furniture.
18. Traditional Wood Details
Natural materials show signs of wealth and luxuriousness, and exposed wooden details such as a wooden floor or wooden furniture grounds the scheme and provides the perfect platform for a muted colour scheme.
19. Rattan Bed Frame
Another style of bed frame that is well suited with Parisian interiors is a rattan bed frame. Traditionally in white, they bring an elevated shabby chic feel to a bedroom and are generally more inexpensive than Rocco style bed frames.
20. Layer Soft, Neutrals
It’s all about layering soft neutrals for a luxurious, hotel like feel in a bedroom.
Use different tones of whites and creams for a cosy, cocooning space.
21. Add Exposed Beams To The Ceiling
Bring the French chateaux to your home with faux wooden ceiling beams. If you’re doing a full renovation, this is the time to think about adding details like this.
They will completely change how your bedroom feels, with that definite nod towards a French inspired bedroom.
