The 5 secrets of styling your boudoir like a Parisian

The French are renowned for their impeccable sense of style, so if you’re looking to create a truly fabulous sleeping space, why not take inspiration from its cultural centre and the fashion capital of the world? Keep reading to discover the five secrets to styling your boudoir like a Parisian.  

1. Select statement French-style furnishings

No Paris-inspired bedroom is complete without some beautiful French-style furnishings, so it pays to start your makeover by selecting a few statement pieces. As the focal point of the room, the bed you choose will set the tone for the entire space. Luckily, there’s no shortage of stunning French style beds to choose from. Typical Parisian beds are intricately detailed and feature flowing lines, dainty, curved feet and ornate, grand headboards. Perhaps you’ll go for a beautifully carved solid oak design, or maybe you’d prefer a rattan model. For the ultimate in luxury, you could opt for a sumptuously upholstered bed.

To complement this centrepiece, you could accessorise your sleeping area with similarly French-themed furnishings, such as a delicately carved dressing table and an opulent armoire.

2. Choose an understated colour scheme

Forget garish hues. If you want your room to exude Parisian charm, you’ll need to stick to an understated colour scheme. Quintessentially French bedrooms tend to feature fresh, light shades, such as crisp white or soft cream. If you want to inject more vibrancy into the space, you can include bold accents. For example, you could introduce some vivid soft furnishings. As a general rule though, less is more when it comes to your colour scheme.

3. Strip back your flooring

Glossy wooden floors are de rigueur in apartments across the French capital, so for an authentic sleeping space, you might want to strip back your carpets and expose the wood beneath. If you’re not happy with the condition of the boards and you’re looking for a replacement surface, consider parquet. The distinctive geometric patterns of parquet are a common sight in homes across this style-conscious city. Meanwhile, to give your room a cosier feel, simply lay down a luxurious rug. Parisians love these simple floor coverings and they make a great addition to bedrooms.

4. Mix old and new

French interior design has a distinctly playful, creative edge, and this is reflected in the way that people combine the old and the new. Paris is famed for its flea markets and its residents are always on the lookout for novel antique knickknacks for their homes. They also have a penchant for the contemporary, and often place modern and traditional items side by side. To recreate this look in your room, why not include chic new elements such as contemporary light fittings along with a few carefully positioned antique curiosities?

5. Be bold with your art

To complete your gorgeous Parisian boudoir, consider displaying some bold artwork. The walls of many apartments in the French capital are adorned with statement paintings and prints. From large, striking abstract paintings to arty sketches and atmospheric black and white photo prints, virtually anything goes. So, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild when you’re searching for the finishing touches to your room.

If you follow design suggestions like these, you can’t go wrong when you’re designing your Paris-inspired sleeping space.