Paris Decor

by Giorgina Devereaux

Paris is the capital of France and is situated on the river Seine, in northern France. 

Today, Paris is one of the world’s leading business and cultural centers and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, and the arts contribute to its status as one of the world’s major global cities. 
 

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with 45 million tourists visiting the Paris region every year. 

There are an abundance of iconic landmarks, along with world famous institutions and popular parks to visit. 

Towering, graceful, and majestic describe many of the monuments in Paris, which include the architectural marvels, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

Paris Decor Emblems

• Fleur de Lis

• Bees

• Crown

Fleur de Lis

Upon seeing the fleur de lis symbol, some immediately link it to France. 

Early records reveal that the fleur de lis was the flower of Hera (the Greek moon goddess) and was the symbol of purity which was readily adopted by the church to associate the Virgin Mary’s sanctity with events of special significance. 

When Pope Leo III in AD 800 crowned Charlemagne as Emperor, he was reported to have presented him with a blue banner covered with golden fleur de lis. 

The French kings long used the fleur de lis as an emblem of their sovereignty.  The seal of Philip I of AD 1060 illustrates him sitting on his throne holding a short staff that terminates in a fleur de lis.  The same staff appears in the great seal of Louis VII whose signet ring was charged with a single fleur de lis.  The seals of Philip II and Louis VIII show them seated, holding in one hand a flower and in the other a sceptre which is mounted on a heraldic fleur de lis within a lozenge. 

Bees
 

The use of bees for symbols was started by the ancient Egyptians and utilized as royal designations until the rule of the Roman emperors.  With the passage of time, bee designs became famous and came to symbolize the empire itself until its collapse. 

The bee was chosen as a way of linking the new dynasty to the very origins of France.  In 1653, golden bees (in fact, cicadas) were discovered in Tournai inside the tomb of Childeric I, founder in 457 of the Merovingian dynasty and father of Clovis.  Bees were considered the oldest emblem of the sovereigns of France.

Napoleon Bonaparte also selected the bee as his personal emblem and used it on his flags, furniture, and tableware.  

As a finishing touch, somewhere on every French warehouse custom-made bed, you will discover a little brass bee.  
 

Crown

The crown evolved as a heraldic motif and is widely used in Paris decor. 

It is a symbol of refined elegance and the crown decor varies from simple designs to having more elaborate jeweled features.

Paris Decor Accessories

Paris Decor Accessories include the following:

• Art

• Bees

• Bookends

• Candle Holders (featuring the Eiffel Tower)

• Clocks

• Crown

• Fan Pull (Fleur de Lis)

• Fleur de Lis Corner Brackets

• Fleur de Lis Finials

• Magnet Board

• Needlepoint & Jacquard Woven Pillows

• Sconces

• Sculptures

• Signs

• Stained Glass Window

• Switch Plates

• Tapestries

• Wall Medallion

• Wall Plaques

• Wallpaper (featuring Fleur de Lis)

• Wine Barrel

Art:  There are many different types of art pieces to choose from that will fit in perfectly with the Paris décor theme. 

You may select from canvas, giclee prints, or cartouche prints. 
 

You may wish to consider displaying art that features the following:
 

• Arc de Triomphe

• Champs Elysee

• Eiffel Tower

• French Cafe

• French Vineyard

• Jardin du Luxembourg

• Louvre

• Moulin Rouge

• Notre Dame

• Place de la Concorde

Bookends:  Bookends are another way to spruce up a lonely bookshelf while adding a tremendous amount of beauty. 

You may find bookends that feature the Notre Dame of Paris or the Eiffel Tower. 

They are sculpted to perfection and look quite authentic.   

Candle Holders:  There is something romantic about candles set on holders that have architectural details. 

For an enchanted evening that breathes Paris, consider adding lovely tapers to Eiffel Tower candle holders.
 

Clocks:  Clocks are not only functional, but are offered in decorative themes, such as Paris. 

You may find clocks that feature the Eiffel Tower, French wine and grapes, and a French café theme. 

It will make an amazing accent for your Paris themed decor.
 

Crown:  Crowns are available in white or in gold colors.  You can find crowns that are plain with a distressed look while others elegantly display multi-colored faux jewels. 

It looks very majestic displayed on top of a table or mantel.
 

Fan Pull:  A fantastic way to decorate your ceiling fan is by adding a fan pull. 

You may find fan pulls that feature a fleur de lis in an antique brass finish. 

Small details such as these make a lovely finishing accent.

Fleur de Lis Corner Brackets:  Corner brackets that feature a fleur de lis are perfect for bare corners of a door or window frame. 

This is available with a scrolled design, along with a classic fleur de lis and acanthus leaf design.  It easily attaches inside the molding for an elegant look. 
 

The black iron with bronze undertones is a spectacular color combination giving it an antique feel.

Fleur de Lis Finials:  Finials adorned with fleur de lis makes a sophisticated accent, especially in pairs flanking an interior door or the fireplace hearth. 

The antiqued finish adds elegance to the finials.

Magnet Board:  A magnet board is fabulous for hanging reminder notes, invitations, and other important pieces of paper. 

Magnet boards feature the following fabulous images:

• Bees

• Butterflies

• Dragonflies

• Eiffel Tower

• Fleurs

• Flower Market

• Garden

• Grapes

• Roosters

• Wine and Cheese

The magnet boards measure 10” x 14” and it comes with a ribbon for hanging, along with magnets.
 

Needlepoint & Decorative Pillows:  Needlepoint pillows are available that feature rooster and fleurs, along with fringes. 

The needlepoint has a delicate appearance to it and looks elegant displayed on a sofa, loveseat, or sitting chair. 
 

Other decorative pillows feature French designs, such as a Paris postcard, stamps of the Pantheon, Arc of Triumph, Notre Dame, and “RF” rubber stamp (“RF” stands for “République Française”).

These pillows will make fabulous accent pieces for your Paris decor.

Sconces:  There is something alluring about sconces.  Sconces cast a warm accent light in a dimly lit foyer or hallway, which adds a lovely glow. 
You may find sconces that feature a fleur de lis. 

This lighting is reminiscent of those found in a European villa because the fleur de lis motif is accentuated with a rustic brown iron finish and it has a candle base. 

Sculptures:  A metal wall sculpture featuring Paris and the Eiffel Tower will make a sophisticated statement. 

It is hand-crafted of formed, cast, and welded metals in a deep ebony finish.  The curvy scrollwork resembles a traditional Parisian design and will look lovely anywhere. 

Another sculpture that is offered is designed in a delightful Harlequin pattern and hand-painted in antique tones.  The letter “A” in Paris is in the form of the Eiffel Tower, which definitely adds to the French flair.  This is sure to grace any table and charm guests. 

Signs:  Hang a decorative sign that features a French quote for that Paris appeal.

Signs feature the following quotes:

• Bistro

• Bon Appetit

• C’est la Vie! (That’s Life!)

• Fleurs (Flowers)

• Hotel de Paris

• Jardin de Fleurs (French Garden)

• Joie de Vivre (Joy of Life)

• La Bonne Vie (The Good Life)

• La Maisonnette (The Cottage)

• Moulin Rouge Paris

• Ooh La La!

• Paris Market

• Vivez Bien, Riez Souvent, Aimez Beaucoup (Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much)

You may also find a sign that can be hung on a bathroom door, such as “Salle de Bain.” 

Other signs available are French advertising art replica tin signs.  One in particular is “Tournee du Chat Noir” by Theophile Steinlen.  These have a nostalgic feel to them and look striking. 

Stained Glass Window:  A stained glass window echoes beauty, style, and will shimmer with the warm hues of the sunset. 

The stylized fleur de lis cross design adorned with lily petals at the arm ends is encased in an egg and dart border that gives it a traditional look.  

The glass is hand cut, copper foiled, and individually soldered. 

The scroll bracket and chain are for hanging. 

Switch Plates:  Switch plates deliver style to your home.  Some feature a fleur de lis design in solid brass while others feature the Eiffel Tower and a Paris postcard.  This is certain to add panache to any room. 

Tapestries:  A tapestry looks beautiful displayed because it boasts texture and depth of color. 

The details are exquisitely punctuated and the tapestry is richly hand-woven of, for instance, cotton with a chenille overlay on a quality jacquard loom.  Some tapestries feature still life of wine and fruit while others depict Paris street scenes. 

These picturesque tapestries are sure to complement other Paris décor. 

Wall Medallion:  A wall medallion featuring an urn with flowers is true to the French style.  It has overlays of rich colors with faux gilding in the time honored art of trompe l’oeil. 

Wall Plaques:  Plaques make fantastic wall accents.  You may hang several as a dramatic gallery. 

Wall plaques feature the following designs:

• Acanthus Leaf Scroll

• Acorn

• Clock

• Coin

• Cross

• Crown

• Fleur de Lis

• Frame

• Noble Flourish

It will definitely turn a bare wall into a stunning sight. 

Wallpaper: Wallpaper featuring a fleur de lis motif brings to life this sovereign emblem. 

The quality is evident in the detail and colors. 

The wallpaper is available in a khaki, wine, or light brown color with the fleur de lis in a gold or black color.
 

Wine Barrel:  A charming and nostalgic way to incorporate beloved vintages of the past is to display a wine barrel wall sculpture. 

This barrel is complete with staves, hoops, and a spigot.  It is made of resin and hand-painted to replicate the look of oak, iron, and brass. 

As you can see, there is a wonderful assortment of Paris decor that awaits you.  Relive the magic and splendor of Paris time and time again by welcoming this decor into your home.  The sophistication and beauty is sure to last a lifetime.