Decorating with Quaint French Country Furniture Finds

If embracing eclecticism sets your heart aflutter, then decorating with quaint French country furniture is likely ‘right up your alley’. This style blends easily with a broad range of assembled and collected pieces and is all the rage right now in modern decor. You can achieve the French country look without spending a whole lot – through furniture finds at thrift stores and garage sales or by using pieces that have been passed down from your family.

Styling

When considering French country furniture, you will find that the term covers a wide range of pieces and styles, from four-poster beds adorned with an heirloom quilt or comforter, or your great-grandmother’s hand-me-down rocking chair. Pieces you find that have been hidden away in storage, like an ottoman and removable top, or a desk with built-in shelving are also trendy items that can be considered cottage French furniture – and that also make a good use of space within your home. Another great choice is antique chairs with a ladder back that lend country cottage charm to any room.

Fabric and Finishes

Painted furniture items are likewise a popular choice, and this means that you can repurpose older pieces of furniture that you already own. A new coat of fresh paint can bring old pieces of furniture back to life. If you are aiming for a shabby chic, a bit of wear-and-tear can enhance the piece, and a few scratches and dents will not detract from its overall look. Popular fabric choices include floral, plaids, and checkered prints. Think about adding new cushions to your current furniture or creating slipcovers for the sofa or chairs in the room to bring French country charm into the space without spending a lot of money. Do not be fearful of mixing and matching patterns with fabric as this will add to the charm of the room. Pillows, lap blankets, and quilts can bring a cozy feel when they are draped upon the back of a sofa or chair, and they also add style, practicality, and comfort. Painted white furniture is also an ideal selection, but you will find that other light shades like cream or antique white are just as effective. Splashes of bright red or blue can bring visual interest into the room while coordinating with the style.

What to Look For

Although the overall feel of the room is eclectic, pieces that will add charm to the room can also be brought in to reinforce the country cottage theme. Think about old trunks that are used for coffee tables and that can provide storage as well. A mismatched set of ladder-back chairs around your dining room table can be painted in the same color while giving a unique flair to the room. A milk stool is a fabulous find that can be used as a plant stand or small foot stool, particularly if you add a cushioned top. Freshen up wicker chairs with a coat of new paint and add them to the space for a charming and quaint look. Old wrought iron sculptures, metal artwork and metal wall planters with a distressed antique look are other great choices.