French country decor and farmhouse design go hand in hand. They use natural materials, rustic elements, and vintage pieces. Not to mention they both use neutral color pallets and highlight function over form; in my opinion, the main difference other than their origin is that the French country emphasizes elegance, whereas farmhouses veer more for simplicity. This space seamlessly walks the line between the styles. The painted spindle chairs and table are simple but timeless, the white flowers are elegant and beautiful, and the soft color palette makes the space feel safe and calm.
23 Ways To Embrace Elegance in a French Country Dining Room
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Published: September 29, 2023
Updated: November 22, 2023
When creating an inviting and timeless space, few styles rival the rustic charm and elegance of a French country dining room. Inspired by the picturesque landscapes and cozy cottages of rural France, a French country style effortlessly blends the warmth of rustic elements with the refined touches of traditional French aesthetics. From the soft hues of the color palettes to the intricate details in the vintage furniture, it has become one of my favorite styles.
In this article, we will guide you through decorating your dining room in a French country design, transforming your space into one where every element works harmoniously to evoke a sense of provincial elegance. We will go over crucial aspects of this style and how to achieve a welcoming look. Whether starting from scratch or redoing your space, we are here to help you curate a space of timeless beauty.
Join us as we delve into French country dining rooms, where rustic simplicity meets understated elegance, creating a space that becomes the heart and soul of your home.
02 of French Country Dining Room With Layered Place Settings
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This stunning overhead shot gives a beautiful view of a natural wooden dining table topped with bright, layered place settings. The chairs surrounding the table have gorgeous ornamental filagree backs of matching wood.
03 of Cottage Dining Room With Bay Window
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This little slice of paradise is a simple yet stunning French country dining room with a beautiful bay window styled with a small gold and glass table topped with a few wooden boards and potted flowers. The main dining table in this space is a rustic wood piece surrounded by oval-backed chairs and topped with a linen tablecloth and a gorgeous arrangement in a vintage vase.
04 of Modern French Country Dining Room Design
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Light pours into this airy space from the large, bright windows, illuminating the pale wooden dining table and the linen-covered chairs. A simple vase displaying a fiddle leaf fig cutting rests as the centerpiece on the table under the two matching light fixtures.
05 of A Pop of Orange in Neutral Dining Room
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French country decor is known for its warm and inviting color palettes inspired by nature. When decorating, opt for muted earth tones such as soft browns, warm creams, and earthy greens; these colors create a cozy rustic atmosphere. However, you can always add a fun pop of color to personalize the space; the best way is with fresh flowers or botanicals, as they did here. Bright orange botanicals rest in a simple ceramic vase on this warm wooden dining table.
06 of Rustic Table With a Linen Runner
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I love the layering of natural elements in this space with a jute rug on the warm wooden floors, a rustic table and chairs with woven seats, and finally, the linen table runner and Asian pears resting in the stone tray. All these natural materials and elements work together to create a grounded, earthy, warm space, perfect for joining with family and creating beautiful memories.
07 of Simple and Classic Dining Room Furniture
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Remember that the largest furniture pieces can have the most significant impact when styling your dining room. Choosing a gorgeous yet timeless piece such as this wooden dining table with a unique shape and framed inlay can elevate your space. They paired the stunning table with equally exquisite chairs, elaborate carved fillagree backs, and pinstripe cushions for a fun flair.
08 of Wooden Chandler and China Cabinet
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I love China cabinets; they are so functional but beautiful with their upper glass doors, making for a perfect spot to display your favorite dishware. This dark wooden cabinet with blue-tinged glass displays matching white dishes and is topped with old wooden jugs. The wooden dining table and matching chairs are topped with a gorgeous floral bouquet under a vintage wooden chandelier.
09 of Simple and Sophisticated Dining Room Refresh
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Everything about this dining room is classic, timeless, and sophisticated, from the traditional white China cabinet to the white wainscoting and walls to the wooden table and matching classic wooden chairs with white upholstery. Remember, as the interior designer and TV personality Jeremiah Brent said, “Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of white paint.”
10 of Eucalyptus Centerpieces
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- cassievilson
I love eucalyptus as a decor element. The round leaves are beautiful, creating a lovely minty, camphoraceous scent that makes your home warm and clean. This French farmhouse dining room features a wooden dining table with white legs that matches the white chairs with wooden seats surrounding it. It is topped with a simple table runner, eucalyptus, and candle centerpiece that matches the antique chandelier above, draped in more eucalyptus leaves.
11 of Bench Seats Around Natural Wood Table
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No matter your style preference, I’ll always recommend trying bench seating when designing a dining room. This is especially true if you have a large family or often have guests. Bench seating makes it possible to squeeze in extra people and tiny kids without the hassle of bulky chairs. This is a beautiful example of a natural wood table with bench seats that is as elegant as it is functional.
12 of Seasonal Style Inspiration
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A key component in French farmhouse dining room decor is the table settings. Try using natural materials for your table setting, and layering is essential! Consider using linen or cotton tablecloths or runners like above, possibly with a floral or checkered pattern. Incorporate rustic tableware such as stone or ceramic, glassware, and silverware. Then finish it all with a stunning centerpiece, such as fresh flowers in a pitcher, jug, or in this case, a simple white vase.
13 of Black Accent Wall and White Shiplap
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Though the light and airy color palettes are known in French country decor, adding a dark color can still fit well. For example, the stunning black wall in this space adds much visual contrast and makes the soft tops and textures appear that much lighter and more delicate. The wall chosen already has a large window taking up most of it, so the dark color doesn’t darken the room as the walls the light reflects on are still a bright white shiplap. Paint aside, I want to highlight the adorable picnic basket centerpiece on the dining table filled with fresh flowers. I am most definitely stealing that idea.
14 of Gingham Table Runner With Black Details
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A beautiful black and white gingham table runner spans this pale wooden dining table, topped with seasonal decor items, including a cake stand centerpiece filled with tiny gourds, leaves, and botanicals. The table setting matches the aesthetic with white plates layered on jute rounds and topped with napkins wound with autumnal napkin rings.
15 of Airy French Country Dining Room
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A large dining table with white legs and a wooden top rests under a rustic chandelier surrounded by simple white chairs with patterned cushions. The table is decorated with candles, a bouquet of flowers, and a simple white table runner. The wall of this space is decorated with a large wooden sign and two candle sconces, candle sconces are a perfect idea for someone wanting to avoid dealing with any wiring or electrical, but it gives off the same warm glow in the evening. When decorating the walls of your French country dining room, opt for things such as decorative plates, vintage mirrors, or items with lots of wrought iron filagree, such as these sconces, for that authentic French country feel.
16 of Traditional Dining Room Décor
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A simple rustic wooden table is topped with a vintage tablecloth, two antique candle holders, and a tall tin bucket filled with dried botanicals which seamlessly integrate into the neutral brown color palette of the space.
17 of French Farmhouse Kitchen With Fresh Flowers
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A large traditional white kitchen faces a stunning dining room set with oval-backed chairs featuring a lovely back pattern. The table has two classic candle stands and a bright white and peach peony arrangement that matches the larger bouquet on the kitchen island. Fresh flowers are a must in any French country home.
18 of Gorgeous Farmhouse Built-ins
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I am entirely jealous of this stunning space because I am an absolute sucker for built-ins. These white built-ins are styled with beauty and function, displaying all the matching ironstone dishware, pitchers, and large vintage containers above. A simple antique chandelier hangs above the wooden table topped with glass vessels.
19 of Fresh Farmhouse Room
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A long thin wooden table takes center stage in this dining room, accessorized with a white table runner and a green centerpiece. The table is surrounded by white chairs on one side and a bench seat along the other. This space is illuminated by the large window to the left and a simple yet stunning chandelier. Try incorporating natural and ambient light into your French country space, a chandelier with a vintage or wrought-iron look as a focal point can transform your dining room. Also, try adding wall sconces or candles for the warm evening glow.
20 of Refreshed Dining Room
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Rounded spindle armchairs surround this classic wooden dining table with three clean glass vases filled with green botanicals. Each end of the table has a slip-covered dining chair that is home to a chunky knitted throw.
21 of Romantic Vintage Dining Room
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A romantic table with curved white legs and a polished wooden top rest in the center of this room on a patterned ivory rug. Matching chairs surrounded the table with cushioned seats and open backs. A large floral arrangement and tall candles make up the traditional centerpiece on the long table runner.
22 of Beautiful White Dish Display
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A large cabinet rests tucked against the wall and features many black iron open shelves displaying gorgeous white dishes from pitchers to plates. They are highlighted with lush green plants, making the stark white pop. The simple dining table is topped with a glass vessel displaying blossoming white braces.
23 of White Rattan Chairs in Neutral Dining Room
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White rattan chairs rest tucked under the shining dark wooden dining table topped with a white pitcher filled with flowers and two small white gourds. A faux white mantel rests along the far wall, topped with white ironstone dishes, an ornate vintage mirror, and pale dried botanicals.
