Our Favorite French Country Fireplace Decorating Tricks
French country decor is the epitome of relaxed cottage charm. With its rustic materials, vintage accents, and cozy color palette, the style brings irresistible warmth to any space - and fireplaces are no exception. Read on as we reveal our tried-and-true tricks for infusing a fireplace and mantel with timeless French country panache.
Materials for French Country Fireplace Surrounds
The texture and patina of natural building materials lay the foundation for creating French country character. Weathered wood, aged brick, and stone all lend an organic, collected-over-time look that sets the overall aesthetic.
Natural Wood
Exposed wood beams, reclaimed planks, and hand-hewn accents allow the beautiful organic grain and knots of the wood to shine through. We love to use reclaimed barn wood for mantels and surrounds - the distressing helps achieve that vintage vineyard charm. Whitewashed or lightly drifted wood also complements the aesthetic well. For easy drama, try installing a bold, lightly whitewashed beam mantel to create the look of an old French farmhouse.
Brick and Stone
Brick and stone add lovely texture and help anchor a space when used in a fireplace surround. Exposing original brick walls or installing new brick facades instantly establishes heritage and character. For a bit of European charm, consider a facade of irregular fieldstone or faux stone finished in muted, earthy tones. Combining brick and wood together also layers eye-catching visual interest through contrasting textures.
Whitewash Treatment
One of the easiest ways to give an existing brick fireplace a relaxed French facelift is with a soft whitewash treatment. This can be achieved with chalk paint for a subtle, almost faded looking finish. Whitewashed brick lightens up the space with a cozy cottage vibe. Pair with reclaimed wood accents to get that vintage style pulled together.
French Country Fireplace Mantels
Keep Mantels Simple
French country mantels shine when the natural beauty of the materials is highlighted. Opting for mantels free of elaborate moldings or detailing allows the texture of the reclaimed wood, stone or brick to take center stage. A lightly whitewashed wood mantel keeps the focus on the warmth and patina of the natural grain. The overall look should feel organic and collected over time rather than fussy or overly decorative.
Incorporate Architectural Salvage
For easy antique character, we love incorporating architectural salvage materials into our French country mantels. Mounting a set of old French shutters on the wall above the fireplace makes a simple yet striking statement. Vintage wood pieces like corbels or beams work beautifully to create a rustic mantel, while reclaimed wood planks easily get that worn, natural vibe. Using genuine antique materials is an authentic way to achieve that well-loved charm.
Handmade Farmhouse Touches
Handcrafting your own mantel accents brings personalized country flair. Rough-hewn wood boxes make charming shelf displays and candle holders. Repurposed fruit crates stacked or mounted sideways add casual vintage storage. For a unique focal point, try crafting a showstopping giant boxed shelf from old barn wood to anchor the mantel. The rustic, improvised look boosts cozy farmhouse appeal.
Accessorizing With Vintage Finds
We believe the accessories make the space when it comes to French country fireplace decor. Thoughtfully chosen accent pieces like candles, framed art, and natural elements infuse vintage character into the overall look and feel. Utilize a mix of purchased antiques, collected items, and handmade touches to achieve that timeworn style.
Candles and Candlesticks
Candles are a must for establishing the welcoming glow that defines French country charm. Iron, copper and wood candlesticks evoke an antique sophistication, while glass hurricanes allow pillar candles to safely flicker. Varying the shapes, sizes and heights adds beautiful visual interest when grouped together. Try incorporating taper candles, votives, and lanterns along your mantel.
Framed Art and Mirrors
Leaning or hanging art above the fireplace pulls together the look. Choose pieces that complement your color scheme, like floral still life paintings in soft pastels. Botanical prints, landscapes, and portraits in worn frames feel appropriately timeworn. An oval or round mirror can make a statement while bouncing light around the space. For a casual effect, try leaning canvases against the wall rather than formally hanging them.
Natural Elements
Incorporating organic materials harmonizes beautifully with the overall rustic aesthetic. Dried floral bundles or a vase bursting with fresh-cut stems enhance the sense of nature indoors. Stacked firewood calls to mind cozy evenings fireside in a countryside chateau. For contemporary charm, try pairing sleek potted olive trees or herbs with more traditional accents.
French Country Color Palette
A serene, muted color palette underpins the soothing atmosphere of French country decor. Soft, faded, and weathered hues feel gently aged over time. Buttery cream walls, pale blue ceilings, and brick facades in sepia tones evoke European village charm. Allow natural wood grains, textures and the crackling fire to shine as focal points
Soothing, Muted Tones
When selecting a color scheme, we stick to restful, earthy hues that feel unintrusive and timeless. Cream, light blue, slate grey, sage green, and olive make up our go-to palette for creating a relaxing environment. Avoid bright, saturated colors that feel jarring. Instead, think muted, weathered, and sun-washed - the vibe of an old stone farmhouse.
Handcrafted Touches
Incorporate fabric touches like linen pillows or cotton throws in creamy neutrals or soft florals. Choose materials and patterns that mirror the timeworn style of your other elements. Upholstery with subtly faded or distressed finishes blends beautifully. Keep florals and plaids small-scale and muted.
Metallics and Wood Tones
Warm metallics help reflect flickering firelight in an inviting way. The patinaed finishes of aged brass, copper and bronze feel appropriately vintage. Natural carved wood finishes in lighter oak, elm and grey-brown work well too - opt for a hand-rubbed or whitewashed treatment to prevent anything feeling too rustic.
Finishing Touches
Pulling together all the elements into a cohesive look is so important for a well-designed space. Carefully chosen lighting casts a warm glow over the space, while an area rug defines the sitting area near the hearth. Fireplace screens can provide safety and elegance when not in use. And of course, no French country hearth is complete without rustic stacked firewood and charming iron tools.
Bringing French country charm to your fireplace is all about combining natural materials, vintage accessories, and cozy colors for an aged, collected feel. With a few of these simple decorating tricks - reclaimed wood, antique accents, whitewashed brick, and muted hues - you can easily infuse any space with the warmth, nostalgia, and character that defines the style. So embrace your inner Parisian farmer with a chic, timeless fireplace facelift.