French Inspired Living Room Finds: Score Unfussy Elegance Now!

Today I packed up our living room and brought a carload over to the new house. I’m nervous about tearing the place apart since once upon a time, a deal fell through and I had to UNPACK boxes and style our home again to sell it. And so it begins! The living room in the new house is much smaller so I’m not sure if our large scale furniture pieces will work…keeping my fingers crossed. Rustic Yet Elegant French Inspired Living Room Finds follows up inspiring furniture and decor glimpsed in stories like those HERE and HERE. Also find a new mood board with cozy neutral finds.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Rustic Yet Elegant French Inspired Living Room Finds

You’ll find pretty decor, paint colors, furniture, and shopping resources with friendly price tags.

Rustic French farmhouse European country living room with linen sofa, blue-gray trim, and warm light neutrals in a cottage by Desiree of Beljar Home and Decor de Provence. #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #livingrooms
Photo/Design: Decor de Provence…certainly lovely indeed. Elegant yet Rustic French Inspired Living Room Finds for Home as well as inspiring photos of Country French rooms.

Even though I have yet to move into the coveted French farmhouse of which I dream, I can still capture the spirit.

Even better? Its unfussy elegance doesn’t require a chateau-sized budget. Vintage pieces can often be picked up for next to nothing on FB Marketplace.

Calabria Table Lamp - a Belgian style lamp with sloping shade - Burke Decor.
Calabria Table Lamp, Burke Decor

And while authentic antiques are always preferable, hunting down the right ones can take time. So reproductions and inferior yet pleasing finds can stand in until you score the perfect piece.

If rustic elegance, tone on tone, neutral colors, and European sensibilities appeal to you…you’ll love this collection.

From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. This great room incorporates beams from the homeowner's South Texas ranch as well as 18th-century doors from Avignon. #interiordesign #frenchcountry #plasterwalls #greatroom
From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair…This great room incorporates beams from the homeowner’s South Texas ranch as well as 18th-century Avignon doors. Architectural Consultant & Designer: Sarah West – Building Designer: Robert Dame Designs – Builder: Parker House – Photographer: Wade Blissard.

You’ll also be able to see there are plenty of ways to interpret a French inspired look in the living room.

Pamela Pierce's Houston living room with arched windows, rustic shutters, and French limestone antique fireplace (Chateau Domingue). #rusticelegance #livingrooms #rusticFrenchinteriors
Design: Pamela Pierce; Photo: Miguel Flores Vianna for Milieu

Limestone, rustic textures, crystal chandeliers, distressed wood, and linen upholstery tend to be a common denominator.

Sophisticated modern French white living room in a Houston home on Berthea with design by M Naeve - @greenwoodkingproperties

My own personal preference at home is modern French or French inspired California cool…

My Belgian linen arm chair in living room with white oak hardwoods - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

So there are plenty of ways to run and riff with country French decorating.

Bonus: French Lesson

Just for fun…we’ll get fancy and throw in a French lesson for kicks…je vous en prie!

Breathtaking French country living room with stone fireplace and pale blue walls - Ohara Davies Gaetano Interiors. #frenchblue #frenchlivingroom
Photo: Richard Powers – Ohara Davies Gaetano Interiors

This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.

But first…

Tour this Property in Southwest France

Ever dreamed of moving to France? We previously toured a luxurious vacation rental in Carcassonne (‘the other South of France’) HERE, and for a sense of the cost and potential in Southwest France, see this:

Need a French Grey Paint Color Possibility?

Farrow & Ball’s Pavilion Gray is a very French sort of grey which closely resembles the custom grey paint hue the Giannettis used on trim at Patina Farm (see glimpses RIGHT HERE).

Slide View: 1: Pavilion Gray No.242 - 100ml Sample Pot
click image for FARROW & BALL Pavilion Gray

If you prefer a Sherwin-Williams paint, Pavilion Gray is quite similar to SW Repose Gray. (You could always snag a sample pot of the F&B from with the link above.)

Need more pretty paint colors? Visit my BEST PAINT COLORS board on Pinterest and pin away, please!

Gratitude quote: when you love what you have, you have everything you need - Hello Lovely Studio. #gratitudequotes #thanksgivingquotes

No. 1: Sofa…Le canapé

Does it all start with this piece for the living room? Also SEE THIS POST FOR SOFA IDEAS.

It tends to be the investment piece for sure. Isn’t this grain stripe upholstery wonderful?

French Nordic style in a Cotswolds living room at Hope Cottage. Photo by Pernille Pahle. #englishcountry #frenchnordic #livingrooms
Photo: Living room at Hope Cottage/Courtesy of Pernille Pahle

No. 2: Lamp…La Lampe

Romantic lighting is so key to striking the right mood for a French inspired living room.

Belgian linen upholstered chairs, white oak hardwood flooring, and a French fireplace in our European inspired country living room - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #livingroom #europeancountry #belgianlinen
Hello Lovely Studio

I found my table lamp many years ago at the mall. It is very tall for such a wonky little handmade industrial table, yet it’s the sort of playful combination I love.

French country table lamps
tap image for buying info

Here are some ideas for inexpensive pale toned table lamps.

Don’t be afraid to tweak the finish of a lamp that is almost the right color.

This one is similar to the lamps in my bedroom:

Rustic stone walls in a French farmhouse in the South of France offered for vacation stays by Haven In.
Photo: Haven In.

No. 3: Accent Chair…la chaise d’appoint

I feel like my followers must be tired of seeing my Belgian linen slipcovered dining chairs…

But I love them just as much now as when we bought them in the early 2000s!

When you find timeless pieces you like, it can often lead to “buy once, cry once.” Hahahahaha.

No. 4: Pillow Cover…La taie D’oreiller

These covers are an inexpensive way to try the look without investing too much.

Such a simple design that won’t fall from favor.

No. 5: Chandelier…Le Lustre

What is it about chandeliers that instantly bring Old World romance to a space?

Breezy and unfussy with Belgian linen curtains from Pottery Barn, this French farmhouse living room with white (Farrow and Ball's Strong White) and French Gray accents is as timeless as it is refreshing - Vivi et Margot.
Paint color on walls: FARROW & BALL Strong WhiteVivi et Margot

They are welcome in living rooms, but I have used them in pantries, closets, hallways, bathrooms, and everywhere in between.

I’m also not afraid to paint a second hand one I pick up at the thrift store or FB Marketplace.

Living room painted Benjamin Moore China White - Decorpad. #benjaminmoorechinawhite #paintcolors #interiordesign #livingroom
Paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE China WhiteDecorpad

Paint? Reminds me of the fact I have noticed this particular color pop up when you’re after the look of plaster walls.

Benjamin Moore China White PM-20 white paint color. #benjaminmoorechinawhite
BENJAMIN MOORE China White

I trust the choices of designer Sherry Hart (Design Indulgence), and she has used this color in high end projects with stunning results.

Benjamin Moore China White paint color in a French inspired living room with fireplace and pale color palette - Sherry Hart; Ladisic Fine Homes; Circa Lighting. #bmchinawhite
Sherry Hart; Ladisic Fine Homes

So often it’s those aged whites that impart sophistication and a timelessness you can’t achieve with a bright cool white without undertones.

China White paint color on cabinetry in a bedroom - Reed Homestead Style (Brandon Vick Photography). #bmchinawhite
BM China White@reedhomesteadstyle (Brandon Vick Photography)

Would you, could you, build a French country style home with white brick painted China White?

Benjamin Moore China White paint color on a French country white brick house exterior - Bummer Lamb Design (Christy Kosnic Photography). #chinawhitepaint
China White paint color on brick exterior – Christy Kosnic Photography – Bummer Lamb Design

Swoon!

No. 6: Wicker Trunk…Le Coffre En Osier

I have a thing for these wicker trunk baskets. While it took years to find them, I have three in different sizes just perfect for stacking. They look great and can store any number of things.

Mine are full of collected fabrics and art supplies.

No. 7: Settee…Le Canapé

For years, I lived with French country settees in my living room and because we raised two rowdy kids, we did a good job of wearing out the upholstery.

What’s wonderful about French country style is its reverence for the threadbare, the tumbledown, and the faded.

Hello Lovely's studio with a thrift store French Nordic settee with plump custom pillows. #hellolovelystudio #frnechsettee #frnechnordic #nordicfrench #interiordesign
Hello Lovely Studio

Does it show signs of wear and distress? All the better since it reflects life being lived at home!

No. 8: Cremone Bolt…La Crémone

I’m still learning about hardware such as these bolts…

Do you have any at home?

Game room designed by Pierce in MILIEU Showhouse 2020 - featuring exceptional designers including Darryl Carter, Kathryn Ireland, Pamela Pierce, Shannon Bowers, and more. #milieushowhouse #interiordesign #designershowhouse #luxuryhome #edwinlutyens #houstonhome #gameroom
Pamela Pierce designed game room in the MILIEU Showhouse 2020

Keep your eyes peeled for cremone bolts on doors, windows or cabinets at the flea market.

A beautiful French farmhouse living room in a South of France apartment offered by Haven In.
Photo: Haven In

No. 9: Console Table…La console

They are so underrated for entries, living rooms, great rooms and beyond.

Typically, they aren’t very deep which means they often work well in small spaces and apartments.

No. 10: Stripe Chair…La Chaise à Rayures

Ever see a photo of a chair like this and wonder ‘but is it really attractive in person?’

Well, here’s a perfect example of a piece that exceeds itself in person! I saw this chair in a beautiful Arizona home I visited, and it looks far more expensive than the price tag.

I love a French ticking too!

And I’m still enamored with Belgian linen for its durable, nubby, honest style.

My French country and Belgian inspired living room with Belgian sideboard. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

No. 11: Fireplace Mantel…Le Manteau de la Cheminée

If budget is no object, you will definitely want to turn to a source such as Chateau Domingue for the most beautiful surrounds found in Europe.

I was lucky enough to buy the surround for our last fixer upper from a neighbor who was a contractor. We wheeled it down the street! 🙂

Belgian linen club chair with industrial accent table in my European country living room with French fireplace. #hellolovelystudio #belgianlinen #livingroomdecor #europeancountry #belgianstyle #serenedecor #interiordesign
Hello Lovely Studio

What a find since it fit perfectly over the existing black granite surround! The old surround was a very classic Colonial wood mantel. Once the French one moved in, it transformed the room’s identity.

No. 12: Seagrass Basket…Le Panier d’Herbiers

A fireplace is a broad stroke for adding French style, but there are plenty of smaller ones.

The French are such great models of decorating with only useful things that can be pulled into service for various uses. Things that aren’t disposable or trendy.

Bemz slipcover for Ektorp Ikea Sofa - Hello Lovely Studio. #bemz #slipcovers #sofaslipcovers #belgianlinen #ektorpsofa #ikeaektorp
My large basket came from Pottery Barn – Hello Lovely Studio
Funny pet tweet on Hello Lovely Studio. #pethumor

No. 13: Chalk Paint…La Peinture à La Craie

Chalky finishes are so perfect for accessories or furniture in a living room.

Cabinet Door with Renaissance Chalk Paint in Argentine grey
Example of Chalk Finish on Cabinet Door

Shop your basement with an eye for something just waiting for its new color.

No. 14: Farm Style Coffee Table…La Table de Ferme

I rarely see coffee tables I like, and at the moment, I’m using a skinny reclaimed wood farm bench in front of the sofa. Here’s a reclaimed pine, simple table that could work in a small space:

As far as styling the table, don’t forget you don’t have to be an influencer to use your camera for your styling. Snap a photo when you think you’ve got it right. When you view the vignette on your phone, you may get an idea for how to improve it, sense whether the scale is off, or what to add for greater impact.

No. 15: Olive Tree Topiary…La Topiaire de L’olivier

I’m not sure what the French would think about all of our everlasting arrangements!

But so many of them look more real than real ones!

Inspirational quote by Hello Lovely Studio: If you must strive, strive for progress not perfection.
Hello Lovely Studio. This grey color is FARROW & BALL Pavilion Gray.

I’m not going to judge!

No. 16: Wood Candle Holder…Le Bougeoir en Bois

These turned wood candlesticks looked so great in our former fixer.

I used them everywhere and even brought them outside:

Romantic, simple, French courtyard with pink accents for a tea party - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

No. 17: Confit Pot…Le Pot Confit

The real thing costs a pretty penny so I’m always keeping an eye open for pieces that look old but maybe aren’t from Europe.

Is that green color speaking to you?

No. 18: Chandelier…Le lustre

At the moment, I don’t have any ceiling lighting in my wee living room…

but these would definitely add a layer of ambiance.

No. 19: Dough Bowl…Le Bol de Pâte

These look great on coffee tables, side tables, or console tables.

Deep Wooden Dough Bowl w/ Handles-Batea by Mexican Imports
21″ Deep Rustic Wooden Dough Bowl – French inspired living room finds as well as inspiration rooms.

They can hold any number of seasonal things, collectibles, or even photos.

Funny quote about wasting time - Hello Lovely Studio.

No. 20: Rustic Candle Holder…Le Chandelier Rustique

Rustic distressed French country tall candlestick. #frenchcountrydecor #candlesticks #altarcandle
Rustic French country candlestick

No. 21: Jute Rug…Le Tapis de Jute

No. 22: Door Stop…La Porte Arrêt

Hafez quote about sun and earth and relationships - on Hello Lovely Studio. #hafezquote #hafiz #sufipoets #earthquotes #sunquotes

No. 23: Milagro Heart…Le coeur de milagro

I love mine – it’s a sweet piece to use for Christmas decor, to give as a gift (tuck a sweet message or photo inside), or for decor all year round.

No. 24: Club Chair…Le Fauteuil Club

No. 25: Curio Cabinet…Le Cabinet de Curiosité

Pulaski Hailey Cremone Door Curio Cabinet, Brown
Hailey Cremone Door Curio Cabinet

No. 26: Gold Leaf Mirror…Le Miroir Feuille D’or

Inspirational quote about peace on Hello Lovely Studio: May every sunrise hold more promise and every sunset hold more peace.
Hello Lovely Studio.

No. 27: Terra Cotta Jug…La Cruche en Terre Cuite

No. 28: Striped Bench…Le banc rayé

Jane Austen quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #janeausten

No. 29: Distressed Vase…Le Vase en Détresse

No. 30: Vintage Style Chandelier…Le Lustre de Style Vintage

No. 31: Crackled Vase…Le Vase Craquelé

Daily Transformation Inspiration

My gratitude and thoughts this day turn to our four-legged furry friends who offer us so much unconditional love and point us to the divine. I love visiting Arizona where so many family members live, all of whom have rescued dogs.

Have a sweet kitty or pup in whose eyes you find divine presence?

Me and Luna. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

TAP TO PIN THIS POST FOR FUTURE REFERENCE & SHOPPING HELP!

French living room finds: ideas for rustic elegance on Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchfarmhouse #frenchcountry #livingrooms #getthelook #shopthelook
Pin me!

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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6 Comments

  1. Donna
    January 30, 2021 / 8:19 am

    Awesome Inspiration, as always!

    • Michele
      Author
      January 30, 2021 / 8:56 pm

      Thanks so much for stopping here! Bon weekend!

  2. Janet
    January 26, 2022 / 7:51 am

    Love your posts. I have been looking in vain for the sloping lamp shades I see in Belgian style interiors. Similar to those seen in Axil Vervoordt design. Can anyone help?

  3. Karen
    January 26, 2022 / 10:33 am

    I hope you’re still enjoying your birthday week even with all of all the packing! I just want to thank you for your years of inspiring posts I appreciate your stories of health and challenges that you so gracefully share and all the inspiring home design that you spend much time researching. You bring a spot of calm, peace and gratitude to my mornings. Happy birthday!

    • Michele
      Author
      January 26, 2022 / 11:06 am

      Oh, I am so blessed to have you here, soaking in the peace. Thank you for your support through the years and for following along the journey as a loyal friend. The health woes just keep coming, and I think warrior mode is great when it is working. But there are other artful approaches and postures for moving through pain – if I can offer glimpses of hope, well, what joy! 🙂

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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