| Chinese antiques and Chinese furniture are sought | | | | color scheme for the Chinese antiques you're planning |
| after all over the world. Unfortunately what passes in | | | | on purchasing, you will find it a lot easier to choose |
| most stores as "Chinese" furniture, may have been | | | | from the endless variety of beautiful, authentic pieces |
| 'Made in China', but are only mass market replicas that | | | | of history available to you. |
| don't even come close to the charm, artistry, depth of | | | | Another approach could start with a special piece of |
| colors and designs of the real thing. | | | | Asian antique furniture you might have fallen in love |
| If you want to give your home a genuine touch of | | | | with. In this case the Asian antique becomes the |
| China and its many different cultural facets you should | | | | center piece right from the start and its surroundings |
| opt for real Asian antique furniture, or if your budget | | | | will be chosen to go along with it. In a way this is an |
| doesn't allow for these, choose an exquisite antique | | | | easier approach, but one that only works well when |
| furniture reproduction that closely resembles the real | | | | you redecorate a room entirely. |
| thing. One well placed unique artifact will give an entire | | | | What makes Chinese antiques so unique are the |
| room a special touch of Chinese decor. | | | | different styles, depending on their province of origin, |
| So what kind of Chinese antiques should you pick for | | | | and the, for Westerners, uncommon workmanship, the |
| your home? Unless you're starting to decorate a room | | | | special hardware, the practical way these pieces have |
| from scratch, take a look at the room where you're | | | | been put together; all of these giving Chinese antiques |
| planning on placing your 'new' Asian antique, and | | | | an ingenuity, longevity and unique beauty, that is only |
| observe the dimensions, available space and existing | | | | enhanced by the years that have gone by. |
| furnishings. Your 'new' piece should fit in with the | | | | To decorate your home elegantly with an exclusive air |
| existing decor in color scheme, size and style. | | | | of the Far East, you just can't go wrong with Chinese |
| Also decide what the piece is going to be used for. Will | | | | antiques; a point also proven by many decorators and |
| it contain dishes, the TV set, books, clothes, etc., or will | | | | interior designers that weave Asian antique furniture |
| it be purely decorative? Decide, whether for example | | | | into a great share of their work. |
| your 'new' Asian cabinet will be the focal point of the | | | | So take Asian antiques into account when thinking of |
| room, or if you wish it to blend in with its surroundings. If | | | | purchasing a new piece for your home, since you be |
| you want your antique Chinese furniture to be the | | | | able to take advantage of one of the greatest |
| center of attention, you will probably want a piece that | | | | varieties of ethnic furniture available anywhere. You will |
| contrasts in color somewhat with its surroundings, while | | | | definitely find something you'll love, since there are as |
| still fitting in with the all over color scheme. | | | | many different styles as there are provinces and |
| If you decide ahead of time the use, size and basic | | | | cultural backgrounds in China. |