Contemporary and Traditional Chinese Furniture - What to Expect

Contemporary Chinese furniture is simple and gracefulWhite Lacquered Furniture
in design with sleek, clean lines and elegant proportions.White lacquered furniture can be made from a variety
Chinese furniture has risen in popularity in the westof woods, such as reclaimed pine, which is hand
because its subtle sophistication and timeless designsfinished with a gleaming white lacquer finish. White
fit perfectly in either traditional or contemporary stylelacquered furniture has a fresh, clean, contemporary
homes.look, and includes beds, side tables, coffee tables,
With contemporary Chinese furniture, even smalltrunks, console tables, mirrors and large sideboards all
pieces are not only beautiful to look at but are highlyelegantly hand brushed in a linen finish. This style of
functional. In many homes with space at a premium,furniture has increased in popularity in recent times and
contemporary Chinese furniture can serve a dualcan come with attractive and elegant features such
purpose, such as a wooden trunk which can double upas antiquated yet contemporary brass flip up handles
as a side table with storage.and sanded edges which subtly reveal the warm
Traditional Chinese furniture designs and antiquewaxed wood underneath.
Chinese furniture can be highly ornate with exquisiteWhite lacquer furniture in particular has a lovely calm
craftsmanship. Some have elaborate woodcarvings orand tranquil feel which is perfect for the bedroom.
are painted with colourful scenes of rural life, ancientThink of your bedroom with a double bed, chest of
battles, dragon myths or mountain top monasteries.drawers, night stands and a wardrobe, all with a
A room decorated in a Chinese style should be keptpeaceful white finish, with details such as rectangular
simple and uncluttered to bring peace, harmony andbrass handles and stressed edging. White bedroom
balance to the space. Colours typically used in Chinesefurniture can be accessorised by colourful artwork or
furniture include bold red, black and flashes of gold.bed throws. Crisp white living room furniture too can
Traditional influences such as robust shiny lacqueredbe enhanced by rugs, paintings or vases containing
surfaces, stressed edging and brass hinges andlarge flower displays to add a burst of colour.
handles can also been found in contemporary styleThis style of furniture works wonderfully in large airy
furniture.spaces with bold or natural wall coverings and
Chinese style designs are simple, attractive anddecorative lighting. It also works well in smaller rooms
timeless. Whether you choose to decorate your hometoo. Here elegant white furniture can create a sense
in a contemporary Chinese or traditional style, Chineseof increased space and light, in comparison to dark
furniture makes a bold statement. With each piece afurniture which can tend to make a room feel smaller.
work of art in its own right, Chinese furniture is aWhether you choose to contrast your lighter decor
wonderful way to show off your creativity and givewith the bold, clean lines of traditional Chinese-style
added wow factor to your home.black lacquered furniture, or prefer to off-set bold
Black Lacquered Furnitureartwork or decoration with the more subtle linen white
Black lacquered furniture designs have a classic, yettones, Chinese furniture will really enhance your home.
contemporary look, which suits all types of homesBy choosing lacquered furniture you can create a
from traditional to more modern. Oriental blackwonderful environment where you can relax and
lacquered furniture is created by painstakingly sealingenjoy the beauty of your interior design efforts for
the wood in several thin layers of high gloss varnishyears to come.
resulting in a robust and gleaming finish, which canTraditional Chinese Furniture
withstand the rigours of everyday household use.Traditional Chinese furniture demonstrates superb
With black lacquered furniture, the chosen wood suchcraftsmanship developed over centuries. Lacquer is
as pine or solid ash is lacquered seven times toprominent in traditional Chinese furniture with wood
produce the unmistakable black lacquered furniture oftreated to a dark brown or shiny black finish and with
the Orient. Many designs today feature antiquated yethand carved or painted scenery, gold leaf overlay or
contemporary brass handles and wooden edging detailmother of pearl inlays. Colours used are varied but
so you can choose just how contemporary orinclude red which represents good luck and happiness
traditional you want your black lacquered furniture toand yellow or gold which represents health and long
be. From coffee tables, to console and dressing tables,life.
dining tables, TV display units and sideboards, blackThe peak of Chinese traditional furniture manufacture
lacquered furniture is available in all sizes and styles towas the period between the Ming and Qing dynasties.
suit every room in the home.Ming furniture represented simple structure, wonderful
Origins of Black Lacquer Furniturecraftsmanship and minimal decoration which revealed
Oriental black lacquered furniture was commonly foundthe natural beauty of the wood. Qing furniture was
in the temples and palaces and homes of the wealthylarger in size and elaborate engravings were popular.
upper classes. Four basic styles of lacquered furnitureHandcrafted traditional Chinese furniture makes a
design were used throughout the Ming and Qingfascinating centre-piece for your home. From wedding
Dynasties which lasted from 1368 - 1911. These stylescabinets to decorative chests, ornamental stools, two
included carving the lacquer, using black lacquer to fill indoor storage cabinets, side tables and oriental screens,
a design engraved into the wood and rubbing it flat,Chinese furniture makes a wonderful addition to any
outlining the black lacquer and inlaying mother-of-pearlsetting and is a work of art in its own right.
into the lacquer.