Words by Dean Signori
When you think of a luxurious French bedroom, elegance, sophistication, charm and opulence spring to mind – and, with the finest handmade furniture and the most comfortable bed you’ll ever have the privilege of sleeping on, it’s the type of room we’d all like to emulate at home.
If you’re opting to design your own luxurious bedroom that’s fit for a queen then it’s important to make sure the furniture, décor and all the little finishing touches all work together to help you achieve your goal. Achieving the perfect combination of lavish and chic is no simple task – but with the right knowledge and a few simple tips, that French flair can transform your space into a bedroom you just won’t want to leave.
History of French Furniture
Historically, French furniture was associated with 18th-century Monarchs and only available to a select, privileged and very wealthy few – at that time, producing French style furniture, or any delinquently styled furniture was by no means an easy feat. Before the invention of mass production, furniture was painstakingly crafted by hand, with each piece unique, individual and tailored to its potential esteemed suitor.
As generations and revolutions passed by, furniture, particularly the more costly, luxurious French style, became accessible to the masses – quickly becoming the status symbol that it is today.
Aesthetics or Practicality?
In previous decades when choosing a bed or a dressing table, quality and longevity were both huge factors to be considered. Beds were not purchased with intention of replacing them just a couple of years or even months down the line – they were bought to last.
Whilst the same could also be said of the present, nowadays it is often the latest fashion trends or interior design schemes that are at the forefront of decision making when selecting new furniture. With the emergence of social media and the general consumerist mindset, it’s no surprise that furniture is now largely purchased based on what’s on trend on Instagram or flooding the lastest interior design blog. But although it can be tempting to opt for aesthetics over practicality with the intention of upgrading or re-decorating further down the line, buyers may well regret making such hasty decisions later.
Is French Furniture Timeless?
When it comes to buying luxurious and elegant French furniture, designs can be timeless even in current pieces. Their ability to still slot nicely in your modern bedroom today is a testimony to that, and having originated in the early 18th century and still going as strong as ever today it’s fair to say that French furniture remains timeless – and essential – in any luxury lifestyle.
Luxurious Furniture
So, how exactly can you add a touch of luxury to your bedroom and achieve this timeless French style? Most French furniture has distinctions that separate it from the rest. Ornate designs and carvings are often featured throughout every piece with smooth elegant curves, and can be readily purchased from specilist online retailers such as Homesdirect365 or varieos high street furniture stores. Unsure where to start? Here are the key pieces you need.
Bed
When looking at French beds, it’s important to consider the styles and colours available to ensure you make the best decision. Whilst all have a distinct elegant design and no doubt exude that ‘wow factor’, creating a French bedroom that is fit for a Queen requires special attention to detail, so deciding on a bed as the focal point can be a great place to start.
If you’re looking to achieve a bold design scheme, then gold, black or silver are all great ways to go. If, on the other hand, a calming neutral approach is what you’re after, then go for softer colours of beds such as whites, pinks and light greys.
Dressing Table
To keep a consistent yet beautiful theme for your bedroom, it’s important to go for similarities when choosing bedroom furniture to ensure that they compliment the bed. This could be in the form of similar colours, colour shades or even ornate scroll designs.
The plethora of French style dresser designs is endless, so once you have a theme in mind, let practicality be your guide. Do you go for a full 3-panel mirror or a single mirror? Do you need a lot of storage for jewellery and makeup items or is minimal the best approach for you? Think about how you’d use it, and the rest should fall into place.
Bedside and Chest of Drawers Storage
Keeping a consistent trend is a great way to add to the luxurious bedroom aesthetics. When opting for a chest of drawers and bedside table, it is best to go the route of finding a matching set – or, if this isn’t possible, then coordinate the colour and style as best you can.
The French style of chests or beside tables you go for will again depend on how you’re likely to use them. Bedsides with a single or double shelf can make storage for everyday items easier than getting lost in drawers, whilst with chests of drawers, you now have the emergence of the tallboy chest, great for small spaces. The tallboy, as the name suggests, is a lot loftier and narrower than a typical chest, maximising floor space and storage in one go.
Accessorise
The finishing touches to create a bedroom that is fit for a queen? The addition of a charming lighting fixture or elegant drapes and art is a sure way to give any bedroom a touch of class and luxurious style.
In terms of lighting, bigger is better when it comes to achieving that luxury feel, and opting for a grand glass chandelier will add opulence in virtually any setting. Choosing a large, extravagant mirror will also add some additional charm – why not try a large frameless Venetian mirror or elegantly scrolled French style mirror?
