French Floors and Rugs

Anyone who actually visits a few French homes is quite likely to notice how often they have parquet floors. Even the humblest apartments in France can have spectacular wooden flooring. That’s what you’ll see after admiring the decorative 100-year-old lift or twisting wooden staircase. Where does this style come from?

Parquet History

Parquet flooring dates back to the 16th century when French artisans began creating intricate floor designs by piecing together small wooden blocks, irregular in colour and size. The style became popular in manor houses and palaces as well as public buildings and schools.

You might hear the term ‘parquet de Versailles’ because Louis XIV (the ‘Sun King’) installed spectacular parquet flooring in his chateau at Versailles. This was in a bespoke pattern of squares within large squares, arranged diagonally. Wealthy aristocrats followed suit and had their own designs created. But you can emulate that French feel for less cost!

French Rugs

A downside of parquet flooring is that it can quickly become worn or defaced. Pets accelerate this process by scrambling about on the wooden surface with their claws. One remedy is to place rugs in strategic places. Rugs are frequently installed in French homes. Wall-to-wall carpeting is used less extensively than in other countries.

You’ll often see rugs in a French dining room, lounge or hallway. And kitchen rugs make cooking or eating areas less slippery underfoot. Persian rugs are in keeping with French style, too. France began importing them in the 16th century. It emulated eastern-Mediterranean patterns right from the beginning of its own rug-making industry.

Among the most famous French rugs are those produced at Aubusson in central France and the Savonnerie rugs that are still made in Paris today after 400 years of history. Antique Savonnerie rugs can fetch many thousands of pounds or dollars at auction. So, parquet your floor, then buy a fancy rug for authentic French style!

Written by Rebecka