Decorating with Chinoiserie: Tips, Tricks, and Timeless Style
Decorating with chinoiserie is a gorgeous way to bring elegance, charm, and a touch of the exotic into your home. This style has been around for centuries and is still popular today, blending elegant Asian art with Western flair.
Let’s dive into how you can bring this timeless, exotic look into your own home without breaking the bank!
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I loved it before I knew what it was…
Before I knew it had a name.
Porcelain vases with exotic birds, meandering vines, and geometric patterns.
Chinoiserie.
It is a pattern style that has stood the test of time and is enjoying a resurgence in popularity as “chinoiserie chic!”
I thought I just had a few pieces.
And then I looked around and realized I actually have quite a few home decor pieces.
But my chinoiserie-inspired decor is not all in the form of vases.
It is scattered throughout my home and styled as modern classics that will continue to stand the test of time.
Let’s dig into how you can add some “chinoiserie chic” to your home!
How to Pronounce Chinoiserie
First things first…Let’s get the pronunciation right!
Chinoiserie (pronounced shee-nwah-zeh-ree) is a French word that refers to a Western interpretation of Chinese or East Asian art and decor. It gained popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in Europe, and remains a design favorite for interior designers worldwide.
Come on now…say it out loud…sheen-nwah-zeh-ree. It took me a few times to get it myself!
A Brief History of Chinoiserie
Chinoiserie isn’t just a trend—it’s a beautiful fusion of cultures.
This style emerged in Europe during the 17th century, when the fascination with the Far East and Asian art began to grow. It hit its peak during the 18th century when European artists, decorators, and designers drew inspiration from Chinese art, porcelain, and architectural design.
While chinoiserie was initially associated with grand palaces and formal settings, it’s become a more relaxed, approachable style in recent years.
That’s good news for all of us!
Today, it’s all about modern interpretations—think chic, playful accents mixed with those classic elements that make chinoiserie so beautiful and unique.
How to Incorporate Chinoiserie into Your Home
So, how do you decorate with chinoiserie without making your home feel like a museum? Let’s break it down!
Chinoiserie Accents in Your Home
The living room is the perfect place to add a touch of chinoiserie. You don’t have to go all-in with large pieces; instead, you can mix chinoiserie elements with your existing furniture and decor.
Try incorporating chinoiserie lamps, end tables, or mirrors that feature classic Chinese motifs like foo dogs, pagodas, or exotic animals. These can be small, decorative objects that pack a punch without overwhelming your space.
If you’re not sure where to start, a simple solution is to introduce chinoiserie wall art or wallpaper panels.
A feature wall with chinoiserie design will immediately elevate the room with vibrant blue & white tones or fantastical oriental scenes. This color combination is a classic and works well in almost any room, but it’s especially stunning in a great room or breakfast nook.
I recently wallpapered our dining room with a beautiful Japanese garden pattern. Statuesque cranes stand amidst cherry blossoms and blooms in all of my favorite colors.
Yes, it is a busy pattern. But it elegantly sets the stage for all sorts of creative table settings!
If a full room of wallpaper is too big a commitment, try using a small wallpaper sample or remnant.
I trimmed a pink and orange (don’t you just love the color combinations?) wallpaper sample and lined a square tray for a quick chinoiserie upcycle.
And when shopping for fabric at a favorite home decor store, I noticed some wallpaper scraps in the trash can.
I can’t believe I was so bold, but I asked if I could have a piece of their trash! Then I took it home and framed it!
These single-sheet art pieces (You can order them HERE.) feature images of chinoiserie jars and vases. Frame them individually or hang them on a gallery wall.
I had fun giving one of them a 3D effect by adding pom-pom flowers to printed chinoiserie vase. You can see the project details HERE.
This is a great example of taking an elevated art form and adding a personal, whimsical touch!
Chinoiserie & Decorative Objects
Home decor is where you can really have fun with chinoiserie style.
Think white ginger jars with blue motifs as decorative accents on end tables or shelves, or maybe a stunning chinoiserie lamp on your desk or console table.
This style isn’t just about the patterns; it’s about the statement these pieces make in your space.
If you want to go for the full chinoiserie experience, you could even incorporate pieces inspired by Thomas Chippendale, an 18th-century English furniture designer known for his incorporation of chinoiserie motifs into Western furniture.
Don’t shy away from mixing different patterns, either.
Chinoiserie designs often feature floral elements, birds, and asian art scenes. You can pair these with simpler patterns or textures for contrast, but make sure the overall color palette still feels cohesive. This helps avoid a busy or cluttered look.
Soft Furnishings & Textiles
Another easy way to add chinoiserie style is through throw pillows.
Go for cushions featuring bird motifs, floral prints, or Chinese-inspired designs. Throw them on your couch or a cozy chair to tie everything together and make your space feel effortlessly chic.
If you’re looking for another affordable way to bring chinoiserie into your home, consider rugs & decor. A chinoiserie rug can tie together the whole room, especially if you opt for a blue & white design.
These rugs often feature Chinese motifs, such as flowers, birds, or geometric patterns, and make a striking yet approachable statement.
In addition to rugs, you can incorporate chinoiserie into your kitchen & bathroom through simple touches: chinoiserie-inspired dishware, soap dispensers, or wall art to create a playful, cultural vibe.
And keep your eye out for chinoiserie patterns in placemats, and cloth or paper napkins!
It’s a great way to add personality without going overboard.
Chinoiserie in Outdoor Decor
Here’s a fun one—chinoiserie doesn’t have to stay inside!
Outdoor decor has taken on chinoiserie elements as well. Consider using chinoiserie-inspired outdoor dining sets, outdoor benches, or outdoor hanging lights to bring some of that exotic, colorful flair to your garden or patio.
You can find outdoor lighting fixtures featuring chinoiserie patterns or pagoda motifs to give your space a little extra charm.
You can also find many chinoiserie-inspired pots and planters.
Even chinoiserie dog dishes for your sophisticated pooch!
Chinoiserie in the Bedroom
When it comes to the bedroom, chinoiserie can be a gorgeous way to create a peaceful, refined space.
Consider adding chinoiserie wallpaper to one wall or using chinoiserie lamps as accent lighting.
Don’t forget about end tables and furniture lamps mirrors featuring delicate designs and intricate details. A pop of chinoiserie is a great way to make your bedroom feel special without overwhelming the space.
Something simple like ceramic chinoiserie orbs in a dough bowl brings a touch of elegance to a table.
How to Avoid a Stuffy Look When Decorating with Chinoiserie
Decorating with chinoiserie should feel like adding a little sparkle to your space, not like you’re roping off the living room with a “Do Not Touch” sign!
To keep the look breezy instead of buttoned-up, blend chinoiserie decor with relaxed, modern pieces and playful color palettes.
Pair a classic blue & white ginger jar with a funky throw pillow or hang chinoiserie wallpaper panels in a great room filled with cozy, casual seating. A simple solution is to think balance: a little chinoiserie magic here, a little laid-back style there.
The result? A space that feels curated, not curated to death.
Is Chinoiserie Appropriation?
Here are some cultural appropriation guidelines to consider.
While chinoiserie is a stunning and beloved design style, it’s important to approach it with sensitivity and respect for its origins.
In recent years, conversations around cultural appropriation have highlighted the importance of honoring the cultures from which these design elements come.
Chinoiserie draws from Chinese art and East Asia—cultures with rich, ancient histories. When incorporating chinoiserie, it’s vital to be mindful of how you use these designs.
Avoid using them in ways that may misrepresent or reduce their cultural significance.
Always consider the context in which you’re using Chinese-inspired designs or Chinese motifs and try to avoid using them in ways that could be considered disrespectful or trivializing.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Decorating with Chinoiserie
Here’s the thing—decorating with chinoiserie doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
You can easily find affordable chinoiserie accessories like throw pillows, decorative objects, and furniture lamps and mirrors.
A chinoiserie lamp or a chinoiserie rug can be both budget-friendly and stylish.
In fact, I found this beautiful lamp at a garage sale for just a few dollars!
If you’re feeling crafty, you could even DIY some of your own chinoiserie designs on furniture or walls.
Trust me, you don’t need to splurge to get the look—there are plenty of ways to achieve chinoiserie style without the high price tag.
Don’t forget the holidays! It is truly a joy to add some Christmas cheer to a favorite chinoiserie piece!
Chinoiserie Chic in Your Home
Chinoiserie is a gorgeous, versatile design style that can fit into nearly any home.
Whether you’re going for a bold statement with chinoiserie wallpaper or adding just a touch of chinoiserie decor with white ginger jars or a chinoiserie lamp, this style is a great way to elevate your home’s decor.
Remember—when done thoughtfully, it can be both chic and respectful, celebrating the beauty of asian art without living in a museum!
What do you think? Are you ready to give chinoiserie a try in your space? Let me know which ideas you’re most excited about!
Cheers!
A Little About Me
Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers –
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