Parisian Café Chairs & How to Create Country French Calm

My tendency is restraint when it comes to color and decorating, indoors or out. But just look at nature! Thank goodness she doesn’t hold back. So much budding and greening happens in spring, drawing us outdoors. (Well, except it’s snowing as I type these words!). While I no longer have a pea-graveled French inspired courtyard, I still own these European-crafted Parisian Café Chairs in Black which are perfect for creating a sweet Frenchy moment outside.

French bistro chair and stripe Turkish throw tucked in a corner of my garden to invite relaxation and reading (cookbooks are my idea of relaxation!). #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #bistrochair #turkishthrow #seagrassbasket #turkishtowel #outdooroasis #romanticgarden #outdoordecor #bistrochairs

Parisian Café Chairs & How to Create Country French Calm

I’m not sure if I’ll place them on the front porch or the deck of our new house so stay tuned!

Today we’ll revisit how three simple pieces can easily bloom into a simply Chic Outdoor Oasis, and they certainly don’t need to live in a courtyard or garden.

Small patios and balconies can get refreshed too!

Hello Lovely Parisian Café Chair - perfect for gardens, patio, and small outdoor spaces or balconies. Parisian romance and folding bistro chairs tuck away for storage. #hellolovelystudio #frenchmodern #frenchcountry #Frenchbistro #outdoordecor #patioset #smallpatios #parisianchairs #bistrochair

You can find these high quality, heavy, metal bistro chairs by FERMOB in an array of colors HERE and HERE.

Parisian Cafe Chairs: How to Create a Chic Outdoor Oasis on Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchchairs #bistrochairs #parisianbistro #patiochairs #geththelook
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I suppose “country French calm” is a subjective matter…for me a calm oasis often involves books and magazines!

Annie Dillard inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio.

1. Metal Bistro Chairs in the Garden

These black Fermob Outdoor Bistro Side Chairs are truly special–designed and hand-forged by Old World artisans in Europe.

Hello Lovely Parisian Café Chairs - perfect for gardens, patio, and small outdoor spaces or balconies. Parisian romance and folding bistro chairs tuck away for storage. #hellolovelystudio #frenchmodern #frenchcountry #Frenchbistro #outdoordecor #patioset #smallpatios #parisianchairs
Parisian Café Chairs in Black: Country French Outdoor Refresh

We’re talking heavy metal pieces designed for hotels, restaurants, and high end, discerning establishments.

Winnie the Pooh quote about the heart on Hello Lovely Studio. #winniethepoohquotes #lovequotes

Their steel frames and tops are treated for rust-resistance before a scratch resistant exterior furniture powder coating is applied.

French country seagrass baskets with Frenchie black stripes are perfect for stowing summer essentials inside and out. #seagrassbaskets #frenchbaskets #homedecor #baskets #cafechairs #frenchcountrydecor #modernfrench #hellolovelystudio

Their price tag reflects the European craftsmanship ensuring they will: sit comfortably, stand up to the weather, and endure the test of time.

I have a bit of a ‘chair hoarder disorder’ which appears not to be healing with time. Ha! I mean, I blogged just the other day about jarcuterie and styled a decidedly affordable bistro set.

Parisian Café Chairs and baskets to stow summer essentials inside and out. #cafechairs #bistrochairs #frenchcountry #outdoorfurniture #seagrassbaskets #frenchbaskets #homedecor #modernfrench #hellolovelystudio

I could spend hours online considering French bistro chair possibilities! Psst. See that mirror in the gravel (above) – a gardener broke it when he was leaf blowing so it now lives in French country heaven.

 Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes

2. French Stripe Seagrass Baskets

To keep the modern French vibe going in our courtyard, more black accents made sense.

After browsing for baskets, I fell for this 2-piece wicker/rattan basket set.

French country seagrass baskets with Frenchie black stripes are perfect for stowing summer essentials inside and out. #seagrassbaskets #frenchbaskets #homedecor #baskets #frenchcountrydecor #modernfrench #hellolovelystudio

I hoped they would look as good in person as they did online, and SHAZAM.

Seagrass Rrench baskets with stripes, Turkish towel runner, and outdoor oasis dining with French country romance and a table set for brunch. #hellolovelystudio #frenchbistro  #frenchbaskets #frenchcountrydecor #modernfrench #bistrochairs #outdoordining #seagrassbasket #turkishtowel

Oui…they are even better so I’m a happy French farmgirl.

Parisian Café Chairs in our French country courtyard with boxwood and pea gravel. #hellolovelystudio #cafechairs #frenchcountry #bistrochairs #outdoorfuniture #frenchcountrydecor #modernfrench #hellolovelystudio
Parisian Café Chairs in Black: Country French Calm Outdoor Refresh
Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes

For me, seagrass recalls balmy weather, beachy relaxation, and simple pleasures. Plus…they are JUST so dang practical!

White ironstone pitcher with white roses and spring blooms atop books on a bistro table. #hellolovelystudio #ironstonepitcher #frenchcountry #florals #romanticdecor
White 16 oz Bia Cordon Bleu pitcher
This pitcher is similar to my vintage ironstone one.

You will find woven baskets in the trunk of my SUV, bedside holding books, working hard in the laundry room, stowing towels in a bath…every space needs ’em.

The third sweet black-themed find to show you…

White ironstone pitcher with white roses and spring blooms atop books on a bistro table. #hellolovelystudio #ironstonepitcher #frenchcountry #florals #romanticdecor

3. Turkish Stripe Throw

One of the things I appreciate about Turkish towels for the bath, beach, and table is how versatile they are for outdoor decor.

Lush green garden and black Parisian Café Chairs in my romantic courtyard. #hellolovelystudio #outdoorfurniture #patiofurniture #bistrochairs #cafechairs #outdoordining
Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes

How can my Stripey Turkish Cotton Beach Towel be used?

French country courtyard with boxwood, gravel, blackParisian Café Chairs, baskets, and a French mirror. #hellolovelystudio #cafechairs #frenchcountry #bistrochairs #outdoorfurniture #patiofurniture #frenchbaskets #outdoordecor #outdoordining

As a beach towel,

picnic blanket,

shawl,

sarong,

throw,

tablecloth,

or table runner.

Um. What can it NOT morph into?

Parisian Café Chair and stripe Turkish throw tucked in a corner of my garden to invite relaxation and reading (cookbooks are my idea of relaxation!). #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #bistrochairs #turkishthrow #cafechairs #turkishtowel #outdoordining #patiochairs #frenchgarden #outdoorfurniture #bistrochairs

In fact, even if you are attached to thick luxurious terry cloth towels in the bath, you might like this stripey number draped over the tub or providing decor on a towel bar.

Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes

A word about the color of this towel.

Fancy Parisian style picnic essentials in a black stripe French seagrass basket with Turkish throw. #hellolovelystudio #parisianstyle #frenchcountry #champagne #turkishthrow #frenchpicnic #milieumoment

While I ordered the black, ‘dark grey’ or ‘faded black’ is a more accurate description. They are certainly not a jet black like the cafe chairs. (With the sunlight in the photo below, the color appears blue, which is not the case in person.)

French country courtyard with boxwood, gravel, black bistro set, baskets, and a French mirror. #hellolovelystudio #cafechairs #frenchcountry #bistrochairs #outdoordining #frenchbaskets #patiofurniture #outdooroasis

Yogurt Jars for Parfaits

My little yogurt jars were brought back with me from Paris, but you can find them HERE and everywhere these days…so many ways to use them:

Simple French clear glass yogurt jars repurposed as vases for white blooms - FrenchHue on Etsy. #yogurtjars #vintagestye #vases
Vintage jars – FrenchHue on Etsy
Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes

I am sooooooo thrilled with how these pieces have perked up a little spot where I typically place a bench.

They aren’t simply lovely to look at; they truly invite rest, calm, stillness, and comfort.

Black bistro chair and outdoor oasis dining with French country romance and a table set for brunch. #hellolovelystudio #cafechairs #frenchbistro #modernfrench #bistrochairs #outdoordining #patiofurniture #outdoorfurniture

And I’ll take a little more of that as spring unfolds and summer inches closer.

French Farmhouse Accents: Napkins

Grain Sack Dinner Napkin Red Stripes - very French farmhouse chic! #frenchfarmhouse #tablescape #grainsack #napkins #grainsackstripe
Red Stripe Grainsack Dinner Napkins, CottageDesigns on Etsy

I have eaten breakfast and lunch out here and even worked on the laptop.

Hello Lovely French country bistro with black dining set, seagrass baskets with stripes, and Turkish stripe throw in a courtyard with gravel. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #outdoordecor #bistroset #outdoordining #outdooroasis #seagrassbaskets #turkishtowel

BTW, the round black table is vintage Ikea shopped from my basement. Not gonna lie…saving my pennies for the coordinating table RIGHT HERE:

Is that bistro table perfection, or what? But in the mean time, as you can see, it’s okay to pair bistro chairs with any number of side tables for a unique custom look.

French country courtyard with boxwood, gravel, black bistro set, baskets, and a French mirror. #hellolovelystudio #cafechairs #frenchcountry #bistrochairs #outdoordining #frenchbaskets #patiofurniture #outdooroasis
Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes

How to Create an Outdoor Oasis Without Stress

Frequently, we simply need to get started and not overthink our designs for outside.

French country style courtyard with pea gravel and black metal modern French bistro dining area and boxwood. #hellolovelystudio #cafechairs #outdoordining #patiofurniture #modernfrench #courtyard #outdoorfurniture
French country blissful vignette with macarons, spring flowers, Milieu magazine, and linen on a tabletop. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #milieumoment #vignette #macarons
Party of 12 Appetizer Plates (Open Larger View)
12 appetizer plates…hello lovely bargain indeed!

When you start with intention (serene sanctuary spot for dining/reading?), then gather a few new purchases with favorites from around the house, you’re on your way to oasis.

French country style courtyard with pea gravel and stone wall with a black metal modern French bistro dining and boxwood. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #modernfrench #cafechairs #outdoordining #outdoorfurniture #patiofurniture

I placed pretty French things in my baskets to score eye candy for you, and I foresee styling them in all sorts of fresh ways through the seasons.

French seagrass baskets in the garden with copies of Milieu magazine and picnic essentials (champagne, macarons, and a Turkish beach blanket). #hellolovelystudio #milieumoment #seagrassbaskets #frenchbaskets #frenchpicnic #turkishtowel

Oh yes you do indeed need your MILIEU in print subscriptionVeranda too, mes amis!

Milieu magazine (Spring 2021) on my kitchen counter (Viatera Minuet white quartz) with urn and candle holders - Hello Lovely Studio. #viateraquartz #minuet #milieu #modernfrench
Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes

For someone who seems to live and breathe white on white decor, what say you about the night sky finds?

Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes

Score more black and white inspiration HERE.

Brene Brown quotes to enrich your personal growth journey on Hello Lovely Studio. #brenebrownquotes #brenebrown #personalgrowth #selfcare #inspirationalquotes
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I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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17 Comments

  1. Amy
    May 29, 2020 / 10:19 am

    Love your new little oasis!! You tickle me with your humor…”Um. What can it NOT morph into?” 😂Your posts always brighten my day no matter the content! ❤️Happy Friday…woohoo!!

    • Michele
      Author
      May 29, 2020 / 3:35 pm

      You’re so good to me – thank you, Amy. How are things in your beautiful home these days? Is there a sense of normalcy yet?

      • Amy
        May 30, 2020 / 6:19 pm

        You are sweet to ask! My husband just installed our last custom bamboo shade! Yay! We used blindster.com and could not be more pleased! They are sooo nice and we got a discount using code from Rush Limbaugh’s radio show. Now the squirrels can’t peep in anymore the hubs says…ha! We have neighbors, but woods between us so it’s private either way, but feels good to have shades up. Had to get all new memory foam mattresses (Casper & Novaform) and bed frames since all our old beds except for our master were twin and bunk. Got one up today; will finish others tmrw. Rugs are on their way. I went with Ruggable.com for bedrooms. Had to get LR rug from McGee & Co since ruggable’s largest is 8×10. It was their cheapest rug on sale but I really liked it…a light grey with darker grey ticking stripes. I’m excited to get the rugs this week and hoping they work without seeing them in person! All the reviews on Ruggable were very encouraging so I’m feeling pretty good about it. We shall see! So yes, feeling more & more settled. Mostly, thankful we were able to move in before shutdown since all our boys had to come home from school/college. Has been nice to have more room as we were in a trailer while building. If you make it down South again, near Huntsville, AL, would love to have you for a cup of coffee on our back covered porch…it’s my fav spot of all! 😊

        • Michele
          Author
          May 30, 2020 / 8:08 pm

          That coffee time sounds so good, Amy. I would love it. We haven’t decided where we will settle for retirement and it’s fun exploring new to us places we could potentially call home. Thank you for sharing those resources – I will tuck them away. Never heard of Ruggable – that’s a darling name for a site! I am definitely pondering how much square footage we’ll need in our next move. I thought we would truly be emptynesters in this fixer upper, but NOPE. Our attorney son moved in last week while he house hunts (he put a bid on a home, and our fingers are crossed). The other son is in Colorado, but who knows? Have a wonderful weekend, friend.

  2. Amy
    June 1, 2020 / 8:00 am

    Will be fun to see where y’all end up! Whenever and wherever, I knownit will be lovely!

    • Michele
      Author
      June 1, 2020 / 10:28 am

      We would love to follow your lead and build without being a hurry – always keeping eyes peeled for an airstream to make over for temporary digs! 🙂

  3. Amy
    June 1, 2020 / 11:15 pm

    👍🏼😊🤗

  4. June 7, 2020 / 8:18 am

    Michele,
    Staying indoors is a smart move, especially since you have not been feeling up to pair lately. It is best to take care of yourself. Your bistro chairs are beautiful and can go anywhere. You have made a beautiful and cozy outdoor space.
    Hope you feel better.
    Hugs,
    Bev

    • Michele
      Author
      June 8, 2020 / 10:26 am

      Thank you, Bev. Chronic illness is a rollercoaster and turning to nature always helps. Hugs right back to you, lovely.

  5. June 9, 2020 / 12:49 pm

    This is so absolutely stunning! I love this bistro set and how you styled it in your pretty space!!! Thanks for sharing for Charming Homes and Gardens!

    • Michele
      Author
      June 9, 2020 / 4:21 pm

      Thanks so much, Kristin – I love finding inspiration at Charming Homes & Gardens!

  6. Lisa D.
    April 20, 2022 / 11:44 am

    There is something wonderful about French Bistro chairs. I’ve always loved the blue woven French cafe chairs that Anthropologie has, and would have bought two, but my house has so many other priorities, and I don’t know where I would put them! Thank you for the fun post, Michelle.

    • Michele
      Author
      April 20, 2022 / 4:16 pm

      Thanks so much for checking out the post. I hear you about putting the brakes on buying more chairs. I have a serious chair hoarding problem – I find them irresistible!

  7. Barbara
    April 22, 2022 / 3:03 pm

    What about the cute mirror?

    • Michele
      Author
      April 23, 2022 / 7:53 pm

      I found it at an outlet store decades ago and have painted it a million times! I would say check the antique mall. 🙂

  8. April 27, 2022 / 5:52 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous. You know I love your taste and this is such a welcoming scene. Hugs!

    • Michele
      Author
      April 27, 2022 / 9:58 pm

      Thanks so much, Katherine. Peace to you, lovely one.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing