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The crisp fall weather is quickly approaching, and soon it’ll be the perfect time to refresh your home decor and channel your inner French girl! With a few key pieces, you can effortlessly infuse your space with the chic and sophisticated style that the French are known for. I have been to France many times and have toured a lot of homes, hotels, and museums, and French decor style can be boiled down to key design elements – with a few tweaks for fall, of course! From statement mirrors to cozy textiles, here are 7 fall decor must-haves to help you create a space that is both elegant and inviting.
How the French Decorate for Fall
The French approach to fall decor isn’t about decking the halls with anything too flashy or cheesy. Instead of jack-o-lanterns and wood signs that say, “It’s fall, y’all”, it’s all about choosing items that resonate with the soul of fall instead.
Think muted color palettes inspired by the changing leaves, textures that mimic the coziness of the season, and an abundance of cozy candlelight to chase away the coming chill.
Just like in fashion, it’s about creating a space that feels both timeless and personal, where modern meets vintage, rustic meets glam.
The French also have this uncanny ability to make all their spaces feel curated yet effortlessly thrown together. To embrace French fall decor is to choose timeless, cozy pieces with care that speak to the heart of your home.
Fall Decor Must-Haves
1. Vintage-style Glassware
Sipping on hot cider is practically a rite of passage as the leaves start to change, and what better way to elevate this cozy tradition than with vintage-style glassware?
Parisian bistros are filled to the brim with beautiful, vintage-style glassware, offering a collected, cozy, and functional look.
Because vintage glassware isn’t just for looks! It adds an element of romance to this simple ritual and act of enjoying your favorite fall drink.
Hunt for pieces secondhand with intricate designs or those that boast a bit of history. Maybe you’ll find glassware that echoes the Art Nouveau curves popular in late 19th century Paris or glasses that feature the delicate floral patterns reminiscent of a countryside cottage.
Or if you can never find anything good thrifting, then you can also purchase new glasses that are made to look old, like this French brand La Rochere that you can find on Amazon.
Either way, each sip becomes a little more special as your sitting on your living room couch transforms into a cozy nook of a Parisian café, all thanks to the charm of your vintage-style glassware.
Related: How to Get a Parisian-Themed Kitchen That Is Très Chic
2. Cozy Textiles
Rich textures like velvet and faux fur add a layer of luxury to any room, transforming your space into a place of warmth and style. So, as the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, take a page from the French girl’s playbook and elevate your snuggle game with cozy textiles that effortlessly combine luxury and leisure.
Drape your living room couch with soft, velvety throw blankets that beg for company and conversation, or nestle into soft throw pillows that are the perfect mix of support and softness.
It’s not just about staying warm (though if you need to stay warm, wrapping yourself up in coziness is the way to do it). It’s about indulging all your senses and using cozy textures that go a long way in making your home a sanctuary of style and comfort.
3. Brass or Gold Accents
Brass and gold accents are your secret weapons for elevating your fall decor!
Whether it’s a cluster of brass candle holders, a gold-trimmed tray that serves as the perfect stage for your vintage glassware, or antique brass picture frames capturing your favorite fall landscapes, these metallics have the power to elevate the mundane to the stylish with just a few strategically placed pieces.
Even better, though brass and gold ~shine~ in the fall season, you can decorate with them all year round, ensuring your hard-earned money spent on decor doesn’t go to waste!
Related: How to Create a Parisian-Inspired Home
4. Elegant Candles
Light up your autumn evenings with candles that bring not just light, but a cozy and effortlessly elegant vibe to your living space.
Opt for fragrances that whisk you away to Paris in the fall. Or splurge on a scent that reminds you of the sweet warmth of ripe figs à la Diptyque’s fig-scented candle.
This French candle brand is on the pricier side but is loved by French girls and it’s perfect for adding that authentic (and cozy) touch.
Think of candles as the ultimate mood setters; they’re perfect for casting everything in a flattering, gentle glow. Though you can stick them anywhere, consider placing them in quirky holders or on top of a chic tray, turning them into style statements.
They’re the perfect accompaniment for those moments when you want to pretend you’re lounging in a quaint Parisian café, even if it’s just your living room. With the right candle, even a mundane Tuesday evening can feel like a scene out of a romantic French film. Let’s be honest, everything looks better by candlelight!
5. Vintage Finds
After visiting many flea markets in Paris, one thing is clear: The French love their antiques. And why shouldn’t they? Diving into the world of vintage finds feels like embarking on a treasure hunt, sprinkling your space with antique charm where every piece tells a story.
Whether it’s a candle holder, an oil painting, a stack of books, or a vintage rug, these are more than decor items, they are snippets of history, ready to add depth and character to your fall-themed home.
Related: My Latest Antique Finds (and How I Styled Them)
6. Fresh Flowers or Dried Botanicals
No French space is complete without flowers, and fall decor is never truly complete without dried botanicals. These natural beauties are the unsung heroes of seasonal styling, bringing a slice of the great outdoors right into your living room.
Fresh flowers, with their pop of color and inviting scents, can transform a dull corner into a lively nook, making your space feel like an open window to a French garden.
On the other hand, dried botanicals offer an enduring charm that speaks to the autumn season. Whether it’s a bouquet of dried lavender or a bundle of wheat stalks, arrange them in a vintage vase or a simple glass jar, and voilà, you’ve got yourself a centerpiece that’s both captivating and conversation-worthy.
7. A Statement Mirror in an Antique Frame
It’s almost a guarantee: Above a French fireplace, you’ll find a statement mirror. A gold antique mirror adds glamour, character, and style.
Think of a grand, ornate mirror that not only amplifies light and space but also serves as a centerpiece for your fall decor.
Though large mirrors can run a high price tag, I’ve seen many in secondhand stores – and I’ve snagged a few online too. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, you still can benefit from a mirror. Hang it over a couch, in the middle of a gallery wall, or at the end of a hallway – anywhere you want to reflect some light and add some style.
Fall Decor the French Way
With just a few fall decor key pieces, you can transform your space into a fall sanctuary that even a Parisienne would envy.
At the end of the day, the essence of French girl chic is not just in the items you choose, but in the effortless way you blend them into your living space. It’s about creating a vibe that’s as inviting as it is stylish.
So, as you sip on your mulled cider from those vintage-style glasses or snuggle under a plush throw, know that you’ve mastered the art of fall decor with a certain je ne sais quoi!
Now that your fall decor is French girl chic, how about your wardrobe? The Best French Capsule Wardrobe for a Classic Fall and Winter (With 40 Outfit Ideas)
