Ah, Paris. The land of flaky croissants, effortless style, and interiors that make you want to toss out every piece of mass-produced furniture you own. The Paris Apartment aesthetic is definitely a mood. It’s champagne at brunch, a gallery wall of vintage oil paintings, and the subtle creak of herringbone floors under soft velvet slippers.
But here’s the best part: you don’t need a view of the Seine to channel French-girl apartment energy. With the right design choices, you can turn your space into a chic pied-à-terre (small apartment) that would make even Camille from Emily in Paris swoon.
This guide is for anyone who’s ever saved a Pinterest image of gilded mirrors or romanticized a clawfoot tub. Whether you’re renting a tiny studio or revamping your forever home, here are five très chic tips to bring that Parisian apartment aesthetic into your daily life.
1. Start with Statement Mirrors and Wall Mouldings
Parisian interiors are all about architectural details that look like they’ve been around for centuries, and mirrors that look like they’ve seen a royal or two. To start your French transformation, go for oversized gilded mirrors.
Lean them casually against a wall or mount them above a console. They bounce light around the room while adding that old-world glam you can’t get from a flat-pack shelf.
Parisian aesthetic is also big on wall moldings. No, you don’t have to do a full renovation for this. Fake it with DIY wall mouldings or peel-and-stick paneling, no one would know. Mouldings add dimension and instantly elevate even the most basic wall. Choose classic white or soft eggshell paint.
Photo by Polina via Pexels2. Layer Your Lighting Like a True Design Editor
Let’s be real: no one ever looked chic under a harsh ceiling light. One of the best-kept secrets of Parisian interiors? Lighting. It’s never too bright, never too cold, and always layered to perfection. Want your space to look like it belongs in Architectural Digest? Start with a warm base and build from there.
Swap out basic ceiling fixtures with pieces that have frosted shades like this brass chandelier from Swift Beacon. Parisian interiors favor diffused lighting that flatters both the room and its occupants. Next, layer in floor lamps and table lamps for ambient lighting. For instance, a vintage-style pharmacy floor lamp by your reading nook.
Don’t underestimate the power of dimmers, either. They allow you to adjust the mood from “morning espresso and emails” to “late-night rosé and existential reflection.” Add candles and sconces if you want to go full Parisian romance.
3. Mix Vintage with Modern
The Paris Apartment look is an artful mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. Think Louis XVI armchair next to a modern velvet sofa, or a marble pedestal table surrounded by mismatched dining chairs. Combine textures and time periods like you’re curating your own tiny museum.
Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and estate sales are your best friends. Look for pieces with character: worn-in wood, intricate carvings, and patinas that tell a story. Then balance them with contemporary silhouettes so your home doesn’t feel like a dusty antique shop.
Don’t be afraid of imperfections. A slightly chipped vase or weathered brass handle only adds to the charm. Parisians embrace beauty with flaws. Dare we say, these imperfections are what make them a valuable addition to your interior.
4. Curate Art Like You Were Born in Montmartre
Here’s the thing: Parisians don’t decorate their walls. They curate them. It’s all about telling a story through art—whether that means flea market finds, abstract prints, or your grandmother’s oil painting from the ’60s.
Start by choosing a central piece—something bold, nostalgic, or personal. Then build around it with a mix of sizes and styles. Frames don’t have to match. In fact, it’s better if they don’t. The more eclectic, the better.
Don’t limit yourself to the living room. Elevate your bathroom with a small sketch, or line your hallway with moody black-and-white photos. Remember: every blank wall is a missed opportunity to show the world just how cultured you are (or at least how cultured your guests would think you are).
Photo by Eugenia Remark via Pexels5. Incorporate Soft Touches and Daily Luxuries
Parisian chic isn’t just about what you see—it’s about how your home makes you feel. One of the easiest ways to channel that is through textiles and little indulgences. Think flowing linen curtains, plush rugs underfoot, and throws that invite you to curl up with a glass of red and a sultry French novel.
Choose natural fabrics in muted tones like ivory, dusty blue, or soft olive. Linen is your best friend—wrinkled, breathable, and endlessly romantic. Layer in velvet cushions or a cashmere throw to add a dose of cozy luxury. Your couch should feel like a hug from a very well-dressed friend.
Finish the look with lifestyle moments: a tray of perfumes on your dresser, fresh flowers from the farmer’s market, or a stack of hardcovers next to a flickering candle. Parisian living is all about elevating the everyday.
So pour yourself a café au lait, slip into your silk robe, and bask in your version of French-girl fabulous.
Voilà! Your Paris Apartment Vibes, Achieved
So there you have it—five no-nonsense, practical ways to bring the Paris Apartment aesthetic into your home. No passport required. You’ve got the blueprint now: dramatic mirrors, curated art, moody lighting, vintage charm, and soft elegance.
And the best part? This is a style that only gets better with age, just like the wine you should be sipping while you redecorate.
The key to Parisian chic is to make it look like you didn’t try too hard, even if you spent hours sourcing that perfect vintage lamp. It’s that cool-girl confidence, that je ne sais quoi (alluring) energy, that turns a room into a statement. Remember, a French-inspired home isn’t about perfection—it’s about personality.
So, whether you’re channeling Brigitte Bardot or just want your space to look like it belongs in a moody French indie film, trust your gut and layer it up. Your home, just like your style, should feel effortlessly elegant, with just a hint of rebellion.