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Dream of transforming your space into a charming Parisian home? Timelessly elegant and effortlessly chic, Parisian style interior design embodies the French spirit of "laissez faire" – a relaxed and sophisticated approach to life. It seamlessly blends classic elements with contemporary accents to create a space that is not only inviting and stylish but also thoughtfully curated.
Fortunately, achieving this Parisian aesthetic in your own home doesn't require a Haussmannian apartment or a hefty budget. In this blog post, I’m sharing some key tips and tricks to help you curate your space à la française and infuse your home with Parisian chic interior style without breaking the bank.
Even better, I've curated 8 quintessentially Parisian room ideas that you can easily recreate for less. I've taken care of the shopping for you, finding budget-friendly items inspired by these stunning Parisian apartments.
Keep reading for shopping tips, creative DIY projects, affordable styling ideas, and more, so you can realize the coveted Parisian look on a budget.
Shop Parisian Decor
Budget-Friendly Tips for Parisian Interior Design Style
Start with a Neutral Palette
Parisian interiors often feature a neutral color palette dominated by shades of white, cream, and beige. Opting for neutral wall colors and large furnishings can create a timeless backdrop that allows you to easily switch up accessories and accents without breaking the bank.
However, this doesn't have to translate to a bland, monochromatic space. The French are masters of mixing and matching, and their homes often reveal a surprising vibrancy.
You can incorporate this by adding pops of color through smaller accents and incorporating bolder vintage finds. This allows you to create a cohesive and visually interesting space built upon a more versatile, neutral base.
Mix Old with New
Parisian interior style is renowned for its ability to effortlessly blend old-world charm with contemporary touches. This creates a layered, eclectic look that is both unique and inviting. For example, pair a sleek, mid-century modern sofa with a vintage Persian rug or display antique books alongside minimalist sculptures for an unexpected twist.
Parisian homes exude a certain undeniable charm, and a significant part of this comes from how they embrace vintage furniture. To achieve this look on a budget, shop local thrift stores, online marketplaces like Etsy, and second-hand websites for unique vintage pieces that add personality without costing a lot.
When it comes to modern elements, focus on classic designs that will stand the test of time. Avoid trendy pieces that quickly feel dated, and instead opt for timeless styles that you'll cherish for years to come.
Read More: 10 Parisian Amazon Finds to Get a French Girl Apartment
Add Faux Architectural Details
Scroll through Pinterest or Instagram for Parisian apartment inspiration, you're likely to see classic architectural features like crown molding and wainscoting. They add undeniable charm to a space, but they can be difficult to find outside of Paris or just be expensive and time-consuming to install. The good news is that you can achieve a similar effect using budget-friendly faux alternatives.
Etsy is my favorite place to find ready-made peel-and-stick details that don’t look cheap. The best part? They're easily removable when it's time for a change.
Elevate your walls with these convenient wainscot panels that offer a realistic look without the hassle of traditional wainscoting. Give your plain wall an instant upgrade with this fireplace mantel reminiscent of those found in old Parisian apartments.
Create an Inviting Atmosphere
Parisian homes are known for their warm and inviting atmosphere. To recreate this ambiance in your own space, focus on incorporating soft lighting, plush textiles, and comfortable seating areas. Add plenty of cozy throws and oversized cushions to create inviting nooks where you can relax with a good book or entertain guests over a glass of wine.
The best part is that adding these elements to your space can be remarkably affordable. You can easily create a welcoming and cozy home for next to nothing.
These linen-blend curtains are an excellent choice for an instant window upgrade, and they won’t cost you more than $80. I purchased these curtains for my own French apartment, and I’ve received tons of compliments on them. They allow the perfect amount of light in while also offering some privacy.
Another low-cost addition is throw pillows. You can find gorgeous velvet throws on Amazon in almost any color for a French chic touch to your sofa. I also love this floral design as well as this striped option for a feminine touch to your bedroom.
Read More: The Parisian Apartment Edit
Shop Secondhand and Vintage
One of the best ways to achieve Parisian style on a budget is to shop secondhand and vintage. Explore flea markets, thrift stores, and online marketplaces to uncover unique treasures that will add character and charm to your home. Look for gently used furniture, vintage textiles, and decorative accents with character and history.
Estate sales are also an amazing place to score well-loved pieces for less. You're more likely to discover unique and authentic pieces such as vintage furniture with intricate details, antique textiles with historical charm, or decorative items with a distinctly French flair.
Shopping online? Here are some keywords to help you find the pre-loved Parisian-inspired pieces for your home:
Furniture
Louis XVI chair
Bistro chair
Trinket table
Console table
Mid-century modern dresser
Gilt mirror
Iron bed frame
Decor
Vintage French poster
Botanical prints
Toile de Jouy fabric
Breton stripes
Vintage rug (Persian, kilim)
Brass lamp
Ceramic lamp
Chandelier
Make Your Space Meaningful
Part of the charm of authentic Parisian homes is that they incorporate personal items. Whether it's a poster from a local art exhibition, a small souvenir from a trip abroad, or a thoughtfully curated book collection, the contents of a Parisian home are deeply personal and a true reflection of its inhabitants.
When curating your own Parisian-inspired space, look through your own collection of sentimental items that you can display in your home. Take out your family portraits, mementos from your travels, and all other kinds of memorabilia and put them on display. Think of your home as a personal museum of memories.
You can practically transform anything into a work of art simply by hanging it on the wall—and it comes at little to no cost. Whether it's a collection of matchbooks, a random doodle, or a family heirloom, each item adds its own touch of charm.
Some sentimental pieces in my own French apartment include embroidered dish towels passed down from my grandmother, a sketch from an art class that I took, and a small vase from Italy gifted to me by my boyfriend.
Read More: How to Decorate Your Apartment Like a Parisian
Focus on Small Touches
Don't underestimate the power of small details. They can truly elevate your Parisian-inspired space from ordinary to extraordinary. Instead of a floor-to-ceiling makeover, consider focusing on subtle touches that add character without costing a fortune.
Take hardware, for example. Swapping out plain knobs and pulls on your doors, dressers, or even cabinets can have a surprising impact. You can find gorgeous brass options at IKEA and Etsy that perfectly suit a French-style interior.
Incorporating greenery and fresh flowers is another element of Parisian interior design that is incredibly easy to do. Add a modest bouquet to your living room to add some vibrancy to your space.
Read More: The Best Ikea Finds for Parisian Style Decor
8 Parisian Room Ideas on a Budget
Here are 8 stunning Parisian room ideas that you can recreate using affordable finds from your favorite stores. From an iconic Parisian kitchen to a charming Parisian bedroom, I’m sharing shopping suggestions from Target, Etsy, Amazon, and more to help you achieve the look without breaking the bank.
Parisian Living Room
Getting Parisian interior design style doesn't require a bougie budget or full-blown renovations. It’s all about mixing old with new, embracing what you own and finding small ways to infuse your space with warmth and character.
I hope that these tips and room ideas will help you create a home that feels uniquely Parisian without spending a fortune.
How do you incorporate Parisian interior design elements into your own home on a budget? Let me know in the comments below.
