Oriental furniture has been around for a very long time, with early pieces being dated to 770BC.
The traditional furniture we often see in museums and galleries is stunning, with intricate design and patterns, but these are very much antique pieces, designed for the lives of people many years ago. If you've often admired this furniture and would like to create a similar look in your home, but with a contemporary feel, how could you go about this?
We've put together some ideas on how you can use oriental interior design in your home.
Use one or two bold pieces for a statement look
One of the most beautiful things about Chinese furniture is that its patterns and designs are incredibly detailed, intricate and a real conversation starter. This can sometimes make people wary of buying a piece that they don't know how to style. You could turn this on its head by taking a piece like this blue and gold leaf sideboard and paring with an otherwise neutral colour scheme of creams and greys. This will really make the piece pop out in your room.
Alternatively this black lacquered cabinet would look great against a plain white background, and you could soften the monochrome effect by introducing a third colour, such as a muted pink or gold by using a throw or cushions, or if you're feeling bold a velvet sofa, to really pull together the look.
Scatter talking pieces as a theme
If you're the sort of person who likes to create a theme throughout your home, you could use oriental furniture. Using one or two pieces per room will pull together the theme, and you can then either go for a full-on oriental interior with silks, Chinese vases and paintings or go for a really neutral and minimalist look to exhibit your oriental pieces.
Try this ornate blue bookshelf in your study or living room, and if you like to match furniture, pair with this trunk for extra storage or to use as an occasional table.
In the bedroom, this oyster grey cabinet makes a fabulous bedside table or try a couple of these black lacquered trunks which you can use for blanket storage too.
In your living spaces, you can choose to pepper small items such as this oyster grey coffee table if you want a more neutral look, or create a drinks cabinet that will be the envy of your friends with this beautifully detailed black lacquer cabinet.