If you’re wanting to create a classic, beautiful and maybe even a little edgy bathroom design, then a French provincial bathroom is the choice for you because it’s warm, cosy and oh-so chic. French provincial style came on the scene in the South of France in the 17th and 18th centuries. Think farmhouses surrounded by rolling hills, sinks full of fresh flowers and tables set to overflowing with cheese, baguettes and wine.
The best thing about it is that it’s an enduring style that’ll never go out of fashion. There’s just something so timeless about the furnishings, colour and decor that comes with French style. Now, you’re probably wondering “What is it?!” so let’s take a look at a few key elements that make up French provincial design before looking at these exquisite bathroom ideas.
French provincial colour and design
Every French provincial bathroom should set the foundations with a neutral colour palette. It is a farmhouse style, after all. So think soft whites, creams, greys and timber.
This is where you can get a little creative! Think curved lines, smooth edges, carved wood and stone and lots of little details.
Finishes
Plain timber, painted timber or shabby chic style are all popular choices for a French provincial bathroom. Even a lick of white paint will do. The key here is to avoid the design looking overly perfect and polished. So keep things looking natural by adding decor items like candles, prints, lamps and fresh flowers.
Flooring
Ah, the bathroom flooring… This is my favourite part of any space! And when it comes to your French provincial bathroom, you should choose stone or timber. Yes, it’s totally possible to lay timber slats on your bathroom floor (just as long as you make sure they’re waterproof!).
Furniture and fabric
Timber, timber, and more timber! A French provincial home simply isn’t French provincial in design if it doesn’t have some timber.
When it comes to towels, throws and everything in between, think linen. Yes, even in the bathroom! Linen is a gorgeous fabric that screams effortless luxury. And if you love the look but hate the annoying creases, choose a linen lookalike instead.
Shades
The biggest trick when it comes to mastering French provincial style is to go white but not too white. What do I mean by that? Well, you want to choose a white that’s an off-white with subtle warms tones rather than stark cool shades.
Here are 30+ French provincial bathroom ideas to get you started!
1. Ornate mirror
Mirrors are not only gorgeous (and oh-so-practical) but they’re a great way to add French provincial style into your existing design. And they also bounce light around the room, which makes for a bright, fresh space. Recreate this style for yourself by choosing a carved wooden mirror or one that’s cream or gold.
2. Dark and moody
Give your bathroom a masculine touch by incorporating dark touches. My favourite way to do this is by using detailed tiles and dark timber. But you can also take your bathroom to the darker side by choosing brass or black hardware, painting the walls with a dark grey or brown, or hanging moody prints.
3. Sunny yellow
Brighten up your space by going all out with sunshine yellow. This makes for a very chic looking bathroom that’s sophisticated and classic. Don’t forget the flowers – a vase full of yellow roses will dramatically lift the atmosphere!
4. Dark brown
Back to the masculine elements… go all out with brown, brown and browner. Choose a deep painted brown timber vanity, grey-brown tiles and brown shelving to match! Just be sure to incorporate some lighter shades (think white, beige or cream) to strike the right balance.
5. Light and bright
In the vein of classic French provincial style, paint it white! Now, I’m not talking about cool white, because blue whites are rarely used in a French bathroom. But I’m talking chalky whites, warm whites and even neutral greens. These colours make for a clean, traditional finish.
6. Scallop shell sink
Get creative with your French provincial designs by playing a design wild card by installing a scallop-shaped shell sink. A unique piece such as this adds so much extra detail to a bathroom, making it really special.
7. It’s all in the details
While the big pieces can transform a bathroom, the tiny details can add character. Take your cues from this vignette, which brings in traditional brass and blonde wood to a modern stone tub.
8. Gold touches
While gold can so easily look dated, it can also look really fabulous and new – if combined with the right elements. Think pops of pink, textured tiles and even little plants to make it lovely and natural.
9. Wooden cabinets
If you’re going for a traditional farmhouse look, which is very Southern France style, then go all out with timber. Think honey-coloured tones finished with brass knobs and hardware.
10. Double basin
Make a statement with an ornate piece of furniture like a fancy basin–or two. Even if you choose a traditional silhouette, you can made it look fresh and new with the simple addition of a vase full of greenery!
11. Large vanity
If you’ve got the space, why not install an extra-large vanity… And I mean extra-large. A vanity like this gives you space to not only wash your hands but to also sit down and do your makeup. And it has plenty of mirrors, so everyone in the family can use it too!
12. Pretty curtains
Want to give your bathroom a makeover for a fraction of the cost? Hang some new curtains! This is a great option if you have a beautiful large window. And it’s even better if you can tie in the colour to an existing colour in the room.
13. Lace details
Ooh la la! Lace is so very French and ultra-feminine. And while it’s a popular choice for clothing, it can also be used to fancy up your bathroom. Incorporate lace with your curtain choices or even by draping it around the bath.
14. Rustic mirror
Sometimes it’s the most simple additions that can make the biggest difference to our spaces. It might be something as simple as a dark timber edged mirror! This can add elegance and contrast to white walls and light cabinetry.
15. Floral wallpaper
Who says French provincial has to be all white and grey? You can make it whatever you like. And this pretty, stylised wallpaper is the perfect example of a fancy space. Combined with the natural décor, it makes this bathroom a funky, fun space!
If you love the idea of wallpaper, here are plenty of other bathroom wallpaper ideas for your home.
16. Rusted corrugated ceiling
It can be easy to dismiss older elements as simply outdated or in need of replacing. But they can sometimes be wonderfully incorporated into your existing design. For instance if you have a corrugated ceiling it can look perfect with stone walls and timber flooring.
17. Pretty display
Got a simple floating shelf in your bathroom? It doesn’t just have to be used to store the essentials like soap or toothpaste. Instead, you can make the most of it by displaying a beautiful print. And when it comes to French provincial, anything with flowers goes. Don’t have a floral art print? Go for the real thing.
18. Light tones
If colour is your thing but you don’t want to go with anything too bold – then you simply must consider mint green. It adds a fresh, natural vibe to any space. And it looks beautiful teamed with white or shades of natural blue.
19. Soft and sweet
Or, if you want to go with something warmer, you can choose tones of yellow, peach and blush. These colours go beautifully together and can be incorporated with towels, decor, and flowers.
20. Clawfoot tub
Picture this: You’ve just finished work for the day and now you’re running the tub, using a bath bomb and sipping a glass of red while you read a good book. If this sounds like your idea of relaxation, then you simply must include a traditional soaking tub in your design!
21. Slick black
Does Modern meet French provincial? I think it can! You don’t have to do everything by the book. You can take inspiration from everywhere. So free free to go ahead an install a French-style tub and make it black!
22. Mix of textures
Just like you don’t have to stick to one era, you don’t have to stick to one type of texture either. In fact, you can combine elements like carved wood, tiles and stone for a gorgeous French provincial finish.
23. Chandelier
One way to take your bathroom from so-so to so very luxe is to install fancy lighting. And the fanciest lighting of all is a chandelier! For French provincial style, look for the most ornate chandelier you can find to stands out beautifully in your bathroom. Ideally, tie it in perfectly with your mirror and tapware.
24. Brass details
Brass is having a renaissance, and I’m here for it! Honestly, it’s never really gone out of fashion. And no matter how you use it, it will always make your bathroom look just a little bit worn in, which makes it feel even more cosy!
25. Timber vanity
Timber vanities are effortlessly chic and fit into the French provincial style so well. You can buy them brand new or you can even repurpose an old desk into a vanity – there are so many options! Plus, you can have some fun by seamlessly incorporating your vanity into your bathroom with mosaic tiles on the countertop and walls.
26. Patterned tiles
Have fun with fancy floor and wall tiles. I love how this bathroom has a very simple colour palette – black and white plus gold – but also has plenty of detail and intrigue!
27. Timber beams
Exposed timber beams? It’s a yes from me. There’s just something about having natural elements in a bathroom – whether it’s timber, brick or stone. I think it’s just that these pieces make a bathroom look and feel so much more like home.
28. Floating shelves
These are the best additions to a bathroom… ever. It can be so frustrating when you run out of storage space in your bathroom, but with floating shelves, you’ve never got that problem!
29. Oak vanity
Looking for a sophisticated feature piece? Then you should really consider a vanity that you love. It’ll be something that you have for a long time, so it’s worth thinking quality! And oak timber is a great choice that not only looks beautiful (especially with blues, greens and greys) but will make your bathroom feel special for years to come.
30. Farmhouse sink
A farmhouse sink is ideal for the French provincial bathroom. I love it! It’s unstructured and practical and altogether French. Plus, a farmhouse tends to work perfectly with a timber vanity and round timber mirror.
31. Statement bath
OK, this is proof that bathrooms don’t just have to be plain white. In fact, stainless steel or copper tubs are so in right now… and they look very country like! Combine a bath like this with stunning flooring and a massive plant and you’ve got a lovely oasis!
And there you have it, 30+ French provincial bathroom ideas. Which one was your favourite? Maybe you were inspired by the exposed timber beams or the repurposed timber vanity or the mixture of textures or large soaking tubs. I’d love to hear from you! Comment and tell me which idea was your favourite and how you’re going to implement it in your bathroom renovation.
