How to Decorate a Bedroom in French Country Style

A girl's bedroom decorated in French country style.

If you want a warm atmosphere and cheery colors for your bedroom, try decorating in French country style. This style is defined by natural materials, like wood, stone, tin, cotton and linen; earthy, natural colors; and mixes of prints, like checks, stripes and florals.

Things You'll Need

• Wall paint
• Stencils
• Patterned fabrics (gingham bed linens, draperies and pillow cases)
• Pine bed
• Pine side table
• Bedside lamp
• Gingham ribbons
• Bed netting
• French country accessories (wall art, flower vase and straw hat)

Instructions

1. Paint the bedroom walls with creamy white, yellow or blue inspired by the colors of the scenery in Southern France. Add stencils on the walls with birdhouses and flowers. Paint these birdhouses in reds, blues, sunny yellows and greens.

2. Add window coverings. Use blue denim draperies, and yellow-and-blue striped valances and tiebacks. Use branches and twigs accented with small wooden birdhouse on each end as your rods. This is a creative way to make the room more romantic and rustic-looking.

3. Use a pine bed either plain or accented with iron grills. Use a matching bedside table.

4. Add bedding using the colors and patterns commonly used in French country style. French country style uses plaids, ginghams and stripes as well as small flower patterns on bedding and pillow cases. Start off with a basic creamy bed linen, then add a blue and yellow gingham bed cover. Use layering and accent with lots of pillows. Add a netting over the headboard for a feminine look. Tie blue and white gingham ribbons on top.

5. Add accessories. Use a painting or wall art with the same color hues found in the room. Add a yellow ceramic pitcher filled with fresh flowers. Use blue colored lampshade or cover the lampshade with blue and white gingham fabric. Add a straw hat with silk flowers and hang on the door. Add scented candles to make the room smell good.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use painted furniture like an armoire, then add stencils with design matching those used on the walls.

References

• French country style in America; Betty Lou Phillips and Dan Piassick; 1998