farmhouse style vs French country style: A Complete Guide
farmhouse style and French country style are two of the most popular interior design styles, and they are often compared because of their surface-level similarities. However, they differ significantly in philosophy, materials, and execution. farmhouse style is known for warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm, while French country style embraces rustic French provincial charm with lavender, soft yellows, distressed wood, and delicate patterns. Understanding the differences between these two styles will help you choose the right direction for your home, or even combine elements from both to create a personalized space.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Farmhouse | French Country |
|---|---|---|
| Color Palette | White, Cream, Gray, Sage Green | Soft Yellow, Country Blue, Warm Cream |
| Key Materials | Reclaimed Wood, Shiplap, Wrought Iron, Linen | Distressed Wood, Toile, Linen, Wrought Iron |
| Design Era | Traditional American rural | Rural French provincial |
| Best Room Types | Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom | Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen |
| Budget Range | Budget-friendly - thrifted finds and natural materials | Medium - provincial antiques and linens |
| Maintenance | Medium - natural materials need care | Medium - provincial linens and woods |
| Space Size | Medium to large - open kitchens and living areas | Medium to large - provincial charm |
Color Palette
White, Cream, Gray, Sage Green
Soft Yellow, Country Blue, Warm Cream
Key Materials
Reclaimed Wood, Shiplap, Wrought Iron, Linen
Distressed Wood, Toile, Linen, Wrought Iron
Design Era
Traditional American rural
Rural French provincial
Best Room Types
Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom
Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen
Budget Range
Budget-friendly - thrifted finds and natural materials
Medium - provincial antiques and linens
Maintenance
Medium - natural materials need care
Medium - provincial linens and woods
Space Size
Medium to large - open kitchens and living areas
Medium to large - provincial charm
Key Differences
Farmhouse is casual and utilitarian with an American rural roots; French country is more refined and romantic with European influences
In terms of farmhouse is casual and utilitarian with an american rural roots; french country is more refined and romantic with european influences, farmhouse style is defined by warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm.
In terms of farmhouse is casual and utilitarian with an american rural roots; french country is more refined and romantic with european influences, French country style is defined by rustic French provincial charm with lavender, soft yellows, distressed wood, and delicate patterns.
Farmhouse uses shiplap, galvanized metal, and mason jars; French country features toile fabrics, carved wood, and ornate mirrors
In terms of farmhouse uses shiplap, galvanized metal, and mason jars; french country features toile fabrics, carved wood, and ornate mirrors, farmhouse style is defined by warm, welcoming spaces with shiplap walls, rustic wood, vintage accessories, and comfortable country charm.
In terms of farmhouse uses shiplap, galvanized metal, and mason jars; french country features toile fabrics, carved wood, and ornate mirrors, French country style is defined by rustic French provincial charm with lavender, soft yellows, distressed wood, and delicate patterns.
Farmhouse favors a neutral, white-and-wood palette; French country embraces soft yellows, lavenders, and sage greens
farmhouse style typically uses White, Cream, Gray, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
French country style typically uses Soft Yellow, Country Blue, Warm Cream, creating a thoughtfully curated atmosphere.
Farmhouse furniture is simple and sturdy; French country furniture has curved legs, distressed paint, and elegant proportions
farmhouse style furniture features sturdy wooden construction, distressed finishes, and heirloom character.
French country style furniture features distinctive shapes and quality craftsmanship that define the style.
What They Share
When to Choose Each Style
Choose Farmhouse If...
- Choose Farmhouse when you want a casual, down-to-earth country aesthetic that feels approachable and simple
- You want a warm, welcoming home with rustic character
- You love vintage finds and repurposed materials
- You value comfort and casual elegance above formality
Choose French Country If...
- Choose French Country when you want a softer, more elegant take on country living with romantic details and European charm
- You are drawn to rustic elegance and provincial charm design elements
- You are designing living room or bedroom spaces
Room-by-Room Comparison
Living Room
A slipcovered sofa, reclaimed wood coffee table, shiplap accent wall, and a cozy woven area rug.
A french country style living room features rustic elegance and provincial charm, with Distressed Wood, Toile, Linen, Wrought Iron creating the foundation. Colors like Soft Yellow, Country Blue, Warm Cream set the mood for this gathering space.
Bedroom
A reclaimed wood bed frame, quilted coverlet, mason jar lamp on a vintage nightstand, and shiplap walls.
A french country style bedroom embraces rustic elegance and provincial charm, using Distressed Wood, Toile, Linen, Wrought Iron to create a restful retreat. The palette of Soft Yellow, Country Blue, Warm Cream promotes relaxation.
Kitchen
White shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, an apron-front sink, and open shelving with mason jars.
A french country style kitchen highlights rustic elegance and provincial charm, incorporating Distressed Wood, Toile, Linen, Wrought Iron in cabinetry and surfaces. Soft Yellow, Country Blue, Warm Cream guide the material and finish selections.
Bathroom
A clawfoot tub, shiplap walls, a vintage vanity with a vessel sink, and wrought iron towel hooks.
A french country style bathroom showcases rustic elegance and provincial charm, with Distressed Wood, Toile, Linen, Wrought Iron creating a spa-like atmosphere. The palette draws from Soft Yellow, Country Blue, Warm Cream.
Dining Room
A large reclaimed wood table, ladder-back chairs, a wrought iron chandelier, and a burlap runner.
A french country style dining room emphasizes rustic elegance and provincial charm, using Distressed Wood, Toile, Linen, Wrought Iron for the table and surroundings. Soft Yellow, Country Blue, Warm Cream create the perfect backdrop for meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Try These Styles?
Use our AI-powered design tool to visualize your space in farmhouse or french country style. Upload a photo and see instant transformations.