How to Decorate Your Home Like a Parisian Apartment

By Adeline Duff
February 21, 2017
James Farley/Getty Images
As someone who has lived in Paris, there are a few things that immediately come to mind when thinking about the typical Parisian apartment.

Most particularly, casement windows—the type with hinged sides and no middle stile, so that they can be projected outwards. Screens aren’t really popular in France, as most people prefer to open their windows fully to draw in fresh air (it’s also quite common to see youths hanging out of these windows overlooking the crowded streets below them, smoking cigarettes). So if you’re interested in making your home look like it belongs in the City of Light, install some of those first.

Another notable feature of most Parisian or French homes is an espresso machine, since coffee is typically served after every meal. Countertops are usually adorned with a butter crock (why Americans refrigerate their butter, I’ll never quite understand) to keep le beurre at room temperature, so it’s readily available to spread over baguettes. This brings us to the essential crumb-covered cutting board and bread knife, which is usually kept out all day.

Besides culinary tchotchkes, there are a few other classic Parisian home elements, like King Louis-style furniture (styles range according to the many Kings called Louis—most notably, Louis XIV, XV, and XVI), chandeliers, long curtains, and gilded mirrors. Parisians also have excellent taste in art, so walls are commonly adorned with both classic and contemporary works.

But while some Parisians prefer extravagance (think lots of velvet and baroque-style furniture), others keep their homes quite minimal. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite picks to make your home feel more Parisienne—but don’t forget, part of what makes French people's style so appealing is their willingness to experiment with colors, textures, and pieces from different time periods—so don’t be afraid to have a little bit of fun!
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Menara Bed

Courtesy of Anthropologie

To buy: anthropologie.com, from $1,998

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Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker, Black

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $106

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Maison Louis Marie Antidris-Cassis Hand and Body Wash

Courtesy of The Line

To buy: theline.com, $35

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French Louis XV-Style Gilded Mirror

Courtesy of One Kings Lane

To buy: onekingslane.com, $1235

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Paris: The Monocle Travel Guide Series

Courtesy of Monocle

To buy: amazon.com, $11

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Opinel 112 "Les Essentiels" Natural Varnished Beechwood Handle Kitchen Knives

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $41

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Clos des Oliviers Safran Rectangular French Tablecloth

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, from $99

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Four-seater Merci Sofa Structure

Courtesy of Merci

To buy: merci-merci.com, $2,721

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"Extension 2" by Bernard Frize

Courtesy of Bernard Frize

To buy: perrotin.com, $320

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Bliss Studio French Carved Cocktail Table

Courtesy of Layla Grace

To buy: lalagrayce.com, $1425

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Maria Theresa Collection 7-Light Gold and Clear Crystal Chandelier

Courtesy of Home Depot

To buy: homedepot.com, $423

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Eliane Collection Flax Dining Chair

Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

To buy: pier1.com, $250

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Bartol Fixed Reclaimed Pine Dining Table

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

To buy: potterybarn.com, $699

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Velvet Bixby Chair

Courtesy of Anthropologie

To buy: anthropologie.com, $948

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Diptyque 34 Bazar Collection 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Room Spray

Courtesy of Diptyque

To buy: barneys.com, $60

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Laguiole en Aubrac Olivewood Bread Knife & Board

Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

To buy: williams-sonoma.com, $250

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Papier d'Armenie

Courtesy of Papier d'Arménie

To buy: theline.com, $40

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Le Petit Marseillais Olive Liquid Hand Soap

Courtesy of Le Petit Marseillais

To buy: amazon.com, $15

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Holloway French Brasserie Linen Oval Side Chair

Courtesy of Jet

To buy: jet.com, $365

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Gold Finish Candleabra and Perforated Candles

Courtesy of Merci (candles) and Amazon (candelabra)

To buy: amazon.com (candleabra), $163; merci-merci.com (candles), $14

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Royal Velvet Hilton Rod-Pocket Curtain Panel

Courtesy of JCPenney

To buy: jcpenney.com, $40

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Randolph Morris Cast Iron Double Ended Clawfoot Tub

Courtesy of Vintage Tub & Bath

To buy: vintagetub.com, from $930

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Cire Trudon Josephine Matches

Courtesy of Cire Trudon

To buy: barneys.com, $15

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Hooker Furniture Chatelet Dresser

Courtesy of Hooker Furniture

To buy: houzz.com, $1,959

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Le Creuset Stoneware Butter Crock

Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

To buy: williams-sonoma.com, $42

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Metallic Rimmed Champagne Coupes (Set of 6)

Courtesy of Food52

To buy: food52.com, $44

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BIA Cordon Bleu Assorted Cheese Plates (Set of 4)

Courtesy of B.I.A. Cordon Bleu

To buy: amazon.com, $25

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Laguiole Jean Dubost 3-Piece Atelier Cheese Set

Courtesy of Bloomingdales

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $50

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Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Fabric Softener

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $45

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