Setting the Atmosphere For the French Country Bathroom

French country bathrooms are about beauty, light, and most importantly, relaxation. The atmosphere in a French country home, and by extension, in the French country bath, is not dominated by practical concerns. While many of today's bathrooms feature wall to wall tile, with shiny chrome fixtures and a antiseptic appearance, the style of French traditions includes more natural surfaces such as those seen throughout the rest of the home.

Floor coverings are one of the first considerations in the bath. These may be wood, or natural stone, travertine, or terra-cotta tile. One must take into consideration that if a surface is likely to become weathered in a bath or kitchen area, it is not considered a disadvantage in this decorating genre. Certainly, care should be taken to avoid water damage to the structure of your home, and safety should be a concern as well, but when things become worn or faded, they add to, not detract from, their usefulness in French country decor.

Just as important is color. The dominant color in French Country baths crystal illuminated vanity mirror is white or some variation or shade of white. Soft fabrics, especially muslin and linens, are favored for their simple appeal. Colors are normally kept in the pastel range, allowing natural light to filter through the room easily. Some dark woods are occasionally used as accents or baseboards, or wood may be painted with a whitewash or milk paint effect.

Window treatments are usually kept to a minimum, since natural light is so highly sought after in the bath. Sheer panels may be used, or, if curtains are employed, they always include tiebacks or wall hooks so that they can be pulled aside to reveal the light streaming through the windows. Shower curtains are always made of cloth material, though a waterproof liner may be used if completely hidden from view.

Accents can be used throughout the bath to round out the look. Glass apothecary jars filled with bath salts or oils, dried or fresh vases of lavender, wrought iron accents, and vintage towel racks can all be used to create a bathroom that evokes comfort and can become a place of escape after a long day. Mirrors have a two fold advantage: first, the mirror itself, usually framed with painted or distressed wood is itself a traditional French country accent; second, mirrors are very useful in creating the illusion of more space, more light, and reflecting the beauty of the room you have created.

Lighting is another important consideration. Chandeliers or candelabras dressed with crystals or simple bronze or iron wall sconces can be used. The most important thing is to avoid the use of fluorescent light or bright and harsh electric bulbs. All man-made light sources should be filtered with shades or frosted glass to preserve the integrity of the natural light. Candles always have a place in French Country, perhaps nowhere more than in the bath, where it adds to the visual and sensual aspects of the room.

Today more than ever, a crystal illuminated vanity mirror beautiful bath is needed for a retreat from the everyday stresses of life and work. Having a well-appointed and well thought-out bathroom design is a sure way to create such a retreat. Keeping in mind the key elements of color, natural materials, and light will ensure that you have a place to relax and enjoy for many years to come.