A romantic home invites you to fall in love with the beauty of your surroundings. Hand-carved furnishings and elegant decor charm from every corner, and a calm color palette and plush seating appeal to the senses. To create your own romantic retreat, start by combining classic design with modern day comfort, and complete the look with a few opulent touches.
When selecting romantic furniture, who better than the French to turn to for amorous inspiration? French reproduction furniture, with origins in the era of the Louis kings, is known for its curvaceous forms, ornate carvings, and hand-painted details. To build a backdrop for romance, choose hand-carved consoles, tables, and cabinets painted in whites and neutral tones to establish a calm, serene environment. Commonly known as shabby chic or French shabby, furnishings are heavily distressed to achieve a timeworn feel.
French shabby console
Vintage princess entry table
Round swag table
French hutch & buffet
In a romantic home, seating is also key. Seating options should be varied, plentiful, and always cozy. Consider French canapes and loveseats in luxurious fabrics such as velvet, and add accent pillows to create an extra plush and welcoming look. Choose pillows with different shapes, fabrics and embellishments to create both dimension and intrigue.
French canape
French burlap love seat
Chairs should be equally as inviting. Armchairs and dining chairs with oversized cushions will inspire relaxation and romance.
Louis XVI Bergere arm chair
Princess dining chairs
White rococo ottoman
With a muted color palette and comfortable seating in place, it’s the finishing touches that will give a room a truly amorous ambience. Intricately carved mirrors serve as elegant yet understated wall decor.
Valbonne French mirror
Baroque acanthus mirror
Vintage French mirror
Crystal chandeliers provide a touch of glamour and subtle, sparkling lighting. Candlelight creates instant romance; place carved candleholders and vintage-inspired candelabras on top of a dining table or mantel. Inject passion colors in small doses by incorporating accent pieces with red and pink hues, such as a a chandelier with red droplets or a side table with a painted floral motif.
Red crystal drop chandelier
White French shabby chandelier
Crystal drop candelabra
Vintage French candle holders
Pretty in pink table
Lastly, a beautiful sculpture next to vase of freshly cut flowers will create a romantic look on top any chest or table.
La Dame sculpture
To help transform your home into a romantic escape, visit the online boutique Belle Escape to find more French shabby furniture and elegant home accents.
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