How To Decorate Your Home Like A Parisian Apartment

Dried flowers are a staple in Parisian apartments. Whether arranged in a cool, vintage vase or simple water glass, they are an easy way to elevate your space and add some style. It's not surprising that dried flowers are the one thing you'll find in every Parisian's home, per Domino. Plus, they have no expiration date and require much less time and effort than plants, especially for those of us who don't have a green thumb. 

There are many ways to bring this trend into your home. Look for wildflowers like dried lavender, larkspur, and eucalyptus, and place them in cute vases around the house. Or, create your own beautiful dried arrangement by drying out a fresh bouquet of flowers. According to Reader's Digest, you can dry flowers with silica gel, pressing, or speeding up the dehydrating process with a microwave. The most common way to dry flowers is by letting them hang upside down in a dark space like the basement. Pampas grass, which is the fluffy, feather-like decoration that you've probably seen around Instagram, is a great way to add warmth and visual interest to a space. Style it by placing a few strands in an oversized glass vase or arrange it with other dried blooms against a dark wall to create striking contrast (per The Spruce).

According to Leonce Chenal, a  French blogger, the best way to make your home feel Parisian is by investing in a few scented candles and scattering them throughout every room. The French love the coziness and fresh aromas these decorative items provide, especially during colder months. 

One of the most well-known and respected Parisian candlemakers is Diptyque. In the world of candles, this brand is the cream of the crop. All of their candles are made manually, and each wick is straightened by hand to ensure it burns evenly. Some popular scents include Baies, which smells like fresh blackcurrant berries, and the romantic Feu de Bois, or Wood Fire blend (via Best Products). These luxurious scents will transport you to the City of Light with a strike of the match. Alternatively, you could go for the Cyrnos scent from Cire Trudon, the oldest candlemaker in France. According to Condé Nast Traveler, this candle perfectly captures the scent of a Parisian apartment.

French-style windows don't just look chic — they also come with significant health benefits. According to Healthline, being exposed to more natural light causes better sleep, increased Vitamin D, and even reduced seasonal depression. Since French windows are designed to let in plenty of natural light, these romantic windows will make you feel better. Not to mention that more window space means better views.

Another important thing to note about French windows is that they are tall. Since they stretch from the floor to the ceiling, you can also walk through them, per Westbury Windows & Joinery. This can make your living space feel larger, no extra square footage required. However, there are some downsides to consider before adding French-style windows to your home. As Apartment Therapy notes, these windows do not have screens which can take some getting used to.

Part of what makes Parisian apartments so alluring is contrast. These homes are a perfect marriage of old and new, while furniture and decor balance an incredible variety of different styles, materials, and time periods, per Apartment Therapy. Elegant antiques and 19th-century architectural details often mingle with mid-century modern sofas, while thrift store finds look right at home next to stunning contemporary art (via Architectural Digest). No matter where you look, there is something interesting to capture your attention.

To nail this aesthetic, avoid purchasing your decorations and furniture items from one place (via The Spruce). Look online for unique antique pieces, or scour flea markets for decorations that express your individual style. Nothing should feel too feminine or masculine, too traditional or contemporary. If you live in a classic, 19th-century home, consider adding a modern twist to interiors with graphic wallpaper, unexpected art, or soft textures like velvet. If you want to ensure that rooms still look connected, select a few central colors to repeat throughout the living space (via Better Homes & Gardens). 

There is always a book somewhere in the typical Parisian home, whether stacked on a shelf, coffee table, or dusty corner. If you've wanted to let your impressive book collection shine, now is the time! France has a strong literary culture tracing back to the Middle Ages, per the University of Connecticut, so it's not surprising that this love for literature is reflected in Parisian home decor. Books are often not just placed on shelves but also displayed over fireplaces and other surfaces like beloved decorative objects. You can see this in action in actor Mathilde Warnier's apartment, via Vogue Paris.

According to My Domaine, the key to decorating with books like the French is avoiding over-staging and using books that you find meaningful. Arranging horizontal stacks of books next to vertical ones creates visual interest while displaying books without their jackets makes them look more appealing and organized.

One of the first things you'll probably notice when entering a Paris-style apartment is a statement armchair or sofa. French homes are more understated in furnishings, often preferring to let the artwork and architectural details take center stage. However, a bold, contemporary armchair perfectly contrasts its classic surroundings. According to Leonce Chenal, modern pieces like velvet or Danish mid-century armchairs are popular options. In French designer Sarah Poniatowski's apartment, a dramatically curved green, velvet sofa beautifully complements two white vintage armchairs (via Architectural Digest). 

To find the perfect eye-catching armchair or sofa for your home, it's best to think about the amount of space your have to work with. The French prefer to let their furniture breathe, so if the room is small go for an armchair to fit the bare spots. Or, opt for a larger sofa if you have more room to work with. Some great online furniture retailers to check out include Fred International and Wayfair. When investing in furniture for your home, comfort and aesthetics are both important factors to consider.

Fancy adding a bit of glitz and glamour to your home? Say bonjour to a chandelier. While there is plenty of beautiful mid-century and contemporary options available, the only way to embrace the true magic of Paris is by going for a classic chandelier fit for Versailles, per Faraway Places. Think glittering crystals, decorative canopies, and regal details. In the City of Light, your chandelier can never be too big or bright. 

But chandeliers are more than a pretty face. These sparkling light fixtures have the power to instantly transform a space, be it a living room, bathroom, or kitchen. If you're considering investing in one, choose a size that feels natural for the room. For example, if you're placing it over a dining room table, make sure it's not too low and brushes people's heads (via Lowe's). Smaller foyers and rooms look great with mini chandeliers, while spacious living rooms benefit from larger showstoppers. And while chandeliers are certainly opulent, you can find one to fit all budgets, per Apartment Therapy.