The most famous, most ideal French country-style dining room is in Giverny, France: Claude Monet's big dining area with bright yellow walls, red-and-white checked floors, a simple tablecloth, and plates hung on all of the walls. It might be the ultimate, but its elements are pretty true to the pastoral-chic aesthetic that we've come to know as French country: effortless elegance mixed with rusticity.
A few hallmarks of the look, inspired by, well, French country and Provençal style in the south of France include natural materials (like exposed wood or stone); distressed, imperfect paint; checked patterns; toile; and copper. Read on for a few more French country dining room ideas that you can incorporate into your own home.
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1. Fancy Chandeliers
Avoid overdecorating so you can go full-on glam with the chandeliers above your French country dining room table. It'll balance the unfussy elegance that's a trademark of this particular style. Let Courtney from French Country Cottage show you how it's done.
2. French Vintage Dining Chairs
What adds the perfect chic-but-not-perfect look that's so central to French country style? Antiques. We just can't get enough of these Louis style chairs with a caned back belonging to Jamie from So Much Better With Age.
Get the look: Renaissance Home French Vintage Dining Chair
3. Antique Mirror
We can't think of anything more fitting for a French country dining room than a huge antique mirror hanging on the wall. Peruse flea markets or antique shops to find the perfect piece to round out your design. Or, follow the lead of blogger Pamela Dyer and splurge on a new option (like this one by Kathy Kuo) for your home.
Get the look: Kathy Kuo Alondra Modern Classic Gold Frame 6-Panel Antique Wall Mount Mirror, $715.00
4. Floral Prints
The French country dining room is all about comfort. Opt for chairs with upholstered seats and backs, and keep the fabric neutral so you can add a bold pattern to the walls. Shea from Studio McGee opted for this vibrant blue floral wallpaper that definitely makes an impression.
5. Terra Cotta Floors
A hallmark of French country dining rooms — and kitchens? Terra cotta flooring. As seen on Yellowtrace, the tile in this multifunctional space designed by Erico Navazo lends a rustic warmth that's very south-of-France.
6. Simple Farm Chairs
And, for smaller meals and true casual French style, take a page out of Kristen from THELIFESTYLEDCO's design book and consider adding a small breakfast table and a few simple farm chairs to the kitchen, too. The limewash finish and seat cushions add loads of charm and a relaxed rustic vibe that makes you want to stay awhile.
Get the look: Advantage Lime Wash X-Back Chair, $90.89