Want to bring that rustic charm and elegance of the French countryside into your home? Let’s look at the best French country paint colors to give your home that classic look.
French country style mixes rustic simplicity with old-world elegance. It’s a classic look that never goes out of style.
Creating a French country home involves using paint colors that are soft and muted — taking inspiration from the natural beauty of rural France.
Imagine a cozy kitchen with warm tones or a romantic living room with soft, inviting colors. The right paint can make all the difference.
So here’s my guide to the best French country paint colors. Get ready to create that timeless, welcoming look in your own home.
What is the French Country Home Style?
French country home style blends rustic charm with elegant simplicity, inspired by the beautiful landscapes and cozy cottages of rural France.
Think warm, inviting spaces that make you want to relax and unwind.
The decor mixes distressed wood, vintage furniture, and natural materials to create a look that’s both lived-in and sophisticated.
I remember the first time I walked into a French country-styled home. The warmth and charm made me feel instantly at ease.
Main Color Palettes
The color palette in the French country style is soft and muted, just like the natural beauty of the French countryside.
Here are the key components of the French country color scheme:
- Soft Neutrals: Creamy whites, warm beiges, and soft grays create a calm, welcoming backdrop. Think of the aged plaster and stone of old French homes.
- Earthy Tones: Inspired by the landscape, earthy tones like terracotta, sand, ochre, and muted greens add depth and warmth. Picture the clay, fields, and vineyards of rural France.
- Pastel Hues: For a gentle splash of color, go for pastel hues. Soft lavenders, pale blues, and light greens remind me of France’s lavender fields and clear skies.
- Accent Colors: While the overall look is understated, a pop of color can make a big difference. Subdued burgundy, mossy green, or mustard yellow are perfect accents.
French country home style is about creating a space that’s both rustic and elegant. Every element works together to make your home cozy and inviting.
I love how natural materials, distressed finishes, and a gentle color palette come together to bring the charm of the French countryside into my home. You’ll love it too!
Choosing the Right Paint Colors
When picking French country paint colors, think about the vibe you want. Do you prefer a light, bright, neutral look or a bit more color?
Both work well with this style, so it’s all about your personal taste.
Just make sure to swatch colors on your wall to see how they look both day and night. This step is important before you commit to a color.
I always use removable peel & stick paint samples to test colors easily. Click here to get yours!
The Best French Country Paint Colors
Here are my favorite wall colors to use for a French country aesthetic, by color family:
Warm Neutrals
Warm neutral tones are essential in French country decor, giving a soft backdrop that works beautifully with natural wood and antique pieces.
Sherwin Williams Antique White
Antique White is a creamy, inviting color that adds gentle warmth to any room. It echoes the aged plaster walls found in French cottages.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Antique White.
Benjamin Moore French Canvas
For a touch of understated elegance, French Canvas is a beautiful beige that looks like unbleached linen. Perfect for that subtle, sophisticated look.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of French Canvas.
Behr Linen White
Linen White is a soft, warm white that creates a light, airy feel. It’s ideal for making any space feel open and inviting.
Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois
Soft Chamois is an off-white with a creamy richness. It’s perfect for creating a soothing and comfortable atmosphere.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Soft Chamois.
Earthy Tones
Earthy tones take inspiration from the rural French landscape, capturing the colors of clay, stone, and fertile earth.
Behr Wheat Bread
Wheat Bread is a warm, earthy beige that reminds you of the wheat fields in the French countryside.
Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
Accessible Beige is a soft taupe that blends perfectly with natural elements. It’s ideal for a balanced, grounded look.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Accessible Beige.
Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage
Saybrook Sage offers a muted green that reflects the lush fields of France. It brings a tranquil, natural feel to any room.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Saybrook Sage.
Sherwin Williams Maison Blanche
Maison Blanche is a soft, stone-inspired color that adds rustic elegance to any space.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Maison Blanche.
Benjamin Moore Smoky Ash
For a touch of sophistication, Smoky Ash is a deep, earthy gray that conjures the shade of weathered wood.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Smoky Ash.
Soft Blues and Greens
Soft blues and greens in the French country palette are inspired by the skies and fields of France. These colors add a serene, pastoral beauty to your home.
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
Palladian Blue is a gentle blue with a hint of green, mirroring the picturesque French skies.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Palladian Blue.
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
Sea Salt is an airy, light green-blue that brings the tranquility of the French seaside into your home.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Sea Salt.
Behr Provence Blue
Provence Blue captures the vibrant yet understated beauty of the lavender fields in Provence. It’s a muted blue that’s perfect for any room.
Benjamin Moore Louisburg Green
Louisburg Green offers a historic, refined look. This subdued green adds a sophisticated pastoral touch to your space.
Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
Rainwashed is a soft green with blue undertones, evoking the feel of a misty morning in the French countryside.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Rainwashed.
Before you go…
With these paint color recommendations, you can capture the essence of French country style and bring a touch of rustic elegance to your home.
Whether you choose warm neutrals, earthy tones, or soft blues and greens, the right colors will help you create an inviting, timeless space.
Still not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Morgan is passionate about home decor and paint colors. She has been sharing DIY home decor tips since 2012 at CharlestonCrafted.com. From there, she learned to love paint colors, and the Paint Color Project was born in 2022!