How to Decorate a French Chateau

Crystal chandeliers provide the elegant touch that a French chateau requires.

The traditional French chateau possesses a romantic and luxuriously decorated quality. French chateau-style homes, while formal looking, also have a cozy feel to them. Intricate details go into the interior design of a French chateau. Elements of the French countryside and high-fashion interiors are fused together, making for a balanced and breathtaking appearance. An individual can incorporate their own personal style and taste with the traditional French chateau theme to create a space that is their own.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Painter's tape
• Chandelier
• Window Treatments

Instructions

1. Paint the walls of the chateau in ivory tones, buttermilk yellow and powdery blue tones. These are elegant shades that are representative of a classic French chateau. French chateaus may contain detailed plaster or woodwork on the walls, so it is important to paint with precision. Use painter's tape to outline around crown molding to ensure paint will not touch the molding during the painting process. Go back and paint the crown molding a white shade.

2. Hang dramatic window treatments. Hang the fabric so it is a foot or a foot and a half longer than the window. The excess fabric will drape on the floor. This works especially well with wall-length windows. Opt for fabric such as velvet, silk or satin.

3. Hang a crystal chandelier. A chandelier can tie together a room and give a glamorous, elegant look. Smaller rooms should have smaller chandeliers, while larger chandeliers complement large spaces. Chandeliers may be found at antique stores, rummage sales and flea markets for a lesser price.

4. Place furniture that is reminiscent of a French chateau. Pieces such as chaise lounges, satin-topped benches at the food of a bed, antique-style chests and french-country style furniture of all kinds is fitting. Gold-framed mirrors will also complement spaces.

5. Add lighting and accents. Gold floor lamps that contain chandeliers within them possess a French quality. Place these around a sofa. Gold-framed wall art with French Renaissance paintings will fit right at home within the chateau. Added touches such as antique chest boards, candlesticks placed in antique candle holders, and pin-tucked velvet cushions resting on sofas or chaise lounges will pull the room together.

References

• New House of Art: French Luxury Classic Chateau Interior Design Ideas Pictures Gallery
• Get Home Design: Luxury Dreaming House : Magnificent French Chateau House in Chicago, Illinois, United States