Yes, You Can Get Parisian Style on an IKEA Budget — Here’s How

I’m kind of embarrassed to admit this, but I had a serious Parisian phase in high school — to the point where some of my friends who knew me back then still send memes about it. I was an absolute caricature of French stereotypes, watching Jean-Luc Godard films in my free time and attempting to dress like Jeanne Damas every morning before algebra. I cringe a bit when I think about it, but I give myself some grace because I still think Parisian style is undeniably chic, and that goes for home decor, too.

There are ways to incorporate Parisian-inspired elements into your home without going totally overboard, like I did. And, you can do it all on a budget! Apartment Therapy has a great explainer on where to get affordable French-inspired decor. For Parisian vibes, you’ll want to follow many of the same rules: Look out for timeless pieces; use vintage-inspired (or actual vintage) decor; get a light fixture that hangs from the ceiling; put out fresh flowers in unique vases; and so on.

But whereas general French decor can often follow a provincial aesthetic and prioritize soft colors and natural materials, Parisian decor allows you to be a little flashier, if you want, with things like brass details, rich colors, and striking prints here and there. The final result should look carefully curated, so be sure to only buy what you really love. To help you get started, I rounded up a few reasonably priced retailers that’ll help you achieve that Parisian vibe without spending an entire paycheck.

Obviously, Paris has a rich art culture, and this human form sculpture almost looks right out of the Louvre. It’s a little over a foot tall and will make a statement on your side table without proving too ostentatious. And at under $50, it’s a great value.

Michaels has plenty of other decorative pieces that’ll add vintage charm to your space, especially if you’re looking for trays or catchalls. Just look at this rustic $19 tray, which would be perfect for a perfume collection or as a coffee table centerpiece. I also like this quaint marble serving tray and marble dish. Pieces like these make it easy to mix different textures and materials.

Although I don’t recommend Michaels for Parisian-looking vases, the retailer has a lot of convincing faux flower stems that’ll dress up any vessel à la française if you aren’t able to get fresh blooms.

You likely know The Home Depot best for its gardening supplies and outdoor furniture, but this retailer is also a treasure trove of affordable home decor, including vintage-inspired rugs like this one, which practically looks like it was made to go on a parquet floor. At under $150 for a standard 5×7-foot size, it looks so much more expensive than it is.

I also recommend shopping at The Home Depot for smaller pieces of furniture, like side tables. This one has an antique-inspired brass design that’ll blend in nicely with your other Parisian decor. Other accent furnishings worth checking out include this upholstered bench with ornate legs that would be perfect for an entryway, or this faux marble coffee table if you’re going for a more modern vibe.

Marshalls and its sister brand T.J. Maxx are my personal favorite stores for Parisian-looking items. One look at this $10 taper candleholder, and I’m sure you understand what I mean. Grab a few and place them in every room for a cohesive, cozy aesthetic.

Marshalls is also chock-full of fitting picture frames and decorative books, while T.J. Maxx is the destination for vases that look straight out of a hole-in-the-wall antique shop. It also has tons of sophisticated lighting options, specifically portable table lamps that’ll give your office a laid-back appearance.

Every good Paris apartment has a chandelier, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve the look in your home. This one costs $250, and it was reviewed by contributor Sarah, who was specifically looking for a Parisian-inspired lighting fixture. “My living room looks much more elevated and elegant, and many people who’ve seen my chandelier have assumed that it’s a high-end vintage piece,” she noted in her review.

Sarah paired the chandelier with this traditional ceiling medallion, also from Amazon. If you have any oil paintings you want to showcase, Amazon also sells a low-priced, battery-operated picture light that’ll make any dull corner feel like a moody art exhibit. In short, if you’re after lighting fixtures that look like they could’ve come from the Belle Epoque era or an established art gallery, the mega-retailer is your best bet.

The right gilded mirror will not only open up a room and make it look bigger and brighter, but it’ll also add charm to your bedroom or entryway without making the space look dated. Our staffers love Walmart for its beyond-cheap mirrors; it’s where I found this gold arched number, which has over 1,000 five-star ratings.

While you’re browsing the site, be sure to check out Walmart’s selection of curtains, which will create an airy look around your windows. Regardless of whether you prefer linen or something less natural-looking, there are plenty of options under $25. 

Finally, I think Walmart is one of the best places to score fancy-looking candles for as little as $5. You can find so many that come in pretty vessels and smell luxurious, to boot. After all, France is the birthplace of luxury perfumes, so your home should smell as great as it looks!