Chinoiserie is a design style that has captivated interiors for centuries, blending Eastern artistry with European refinement. Defined by delicate hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper, intricate furniture, and timeless blue-and-white chinoiserie porcelain, chinoiserie décor brings sophistication, elegance, and a touch of whimsy to any space.
From soft pastels to deep, dramatic hues, chinoiserie can be adapted to fit a range of interiors—whether you prefer romantic and airy or bold and moody. To inspire your own home transformation, let’s explore stunning spaces that beautifully showcase the versatility of chinoiserie design.
1. A Sophisticated Blush Chinoiserie Dining Room
This stunning dining space is the epitome of chinoiserie elegance. The Longevity Hill wallpaper by DAVIDQIANART, featuring delicate botanical and bird motifs on a blush pink background, serves as the perfect backdrop for this refined setting.
The Louis XVI-style dining chairs, with their round cane backs and soft upholstery, enhance the dining room’s French-inspired charm, seamlessly blending with the chinoiserie aesthetic. A Murano glass chandelier, adorned with multicolored accents, introduces a whimsical yet sophisticated touch, while blue-and-white porcelain ginger jars on the console table add a traditional Chinese element.
How to Achieve This Look:
• Use hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper to create a statement backdrop.
• Combine classic French furniture with chinoiserie décor for a refined, layered aesthetic.
• Incorporate blue-and-white chinoiserie ceramics to ground the design in traditional chinoiserie style.
• Opt for a statement chandelier to enhance the luxurious feel.
2. A Cozy Chinoiserie Sitting Area with Blush Tones
Carrying the same elegant blush chinoiserie wallpaper, this sitting area exudes warmth and sophistication. The sage green tufted sofa provides a beautiful contrast to the soft pink hues, creating a serene yet stylish ambiance.
A gilded mirror and delicate sconces add to the ornate detailing that makes chinoiserie interiors so special. The floral-upholstered armchair subtly echoes traditional Chinese silk patterns, while the white marble fireplace introduces an element of European grandeur. Fresh roses in a glass vase complete the look, adding a touch of natural beauty.
How to Achieve This Look:
• Incorporate muted pastel tones for a soft, sophisticated aesthetic.
• Mix traditional and modern elements, such as tufted seating and classic wall sconces.
• Use gilded mirrors and gold-accented décor to enhance the room’s opulence.
• Style with fresh flowers for an added touch of elegance.
3. A Dramatic Chinoiserie Dining Room in Deep Teal
For a bold take on chinoiserie, this dining room embraces deep, moody hues. The Mei Hua wallpaper by DAVIDQIANART, featuring white cherry blossom branches against a rich teal backdrop, instantly adds depth and contrast.
The coffered ceiling and trim are painted in the same deep teal, creating a monochromatic, immersive effect that enhances the room’s dramatic elegance. The mid-century modern dining table and chairs, upholstered in soft blue-gray fabric, introduce a contemporary contrast to the classic chinoiserie wallpaper. The pleated fabric chandelier adds a soft, architectural element that balances the richness of the walls.
How to Achieve This Look:
• Choose deep, rich tones for a dramatic chinoiserie-inspired space.
• Use floral or cherry blossom wallpaper to bring movement and elegance to the walls.
• Keep furniture sleek and modern to contrast the ornate details of chinoiserie design.
• Opt for monochromatic wall and trim colours to create a cohesive, immersive feel.
Bringing Chinoiserie Into Your Own Home
These stunning spaces highlight the versatility of chinoiserie, showing how it can be tailored to different colour palettes, furniture styles, and levels of opulence. Whether you prefer a soft, romantic aesthetic with blush tones or a dramatic, moody look with deep hues, chinoiserie offers endless ways to create a refined and elegant home. Now, let’s explore key elements that define chinoiserie style and how you can incorporate them into your own space—starting with the timeless appeal of blue-and-white porcelain.
Incorporate Blue and White Porcelain
Blue and white porcelain is synonymous with Chinoiserie style. Displaying vases, jars, or plates in these colours can instantly add an Asian flair to any room. Arrange a collection on a mantelpiece, use a large vase as a statement piece, or set a table with blue and white porcelain dinnerware for a touch of elegance.
1. Blue and White Chinoiserie Orchid Planter
This exquisite hexagonal planter features a classic blue-and-white chinoiserie landscape design, creating a perfect foundation for an elegant floral display. The porcelain vessel, adorned with traditional patterns, pairs beautifully with white orchids, evoking a serene and refined aesthetic.
How to Style It:
• Use this planter as a statement centrepiece on a console or dining table.
• Pair it with other chinoiserie vases for a cohesive look.
• Add orchids, ferns, or bonsai for an elevated botanical touch.
2. Blue and White Dragon Motif Chinoiserie Vase
This striking 13-inch Shang-style vase showcases an intricate dragon and lotus motif, a hallmark of traditional Chinese design. The detailed patterns and curved silhouette make it a versatile piece that suits both classic and modern interiors.
How to Style It:
• Display it as a standalone accent on a mantel or sideboard.
• Pair it with tall, lush greenery like palm leaves or bamboo stems.
• Combine it with smaller chinoiserie pieces for a curated look.
3. Chinoiserie Ginger Jar with Floral and Bird Design
A timeless ginger jar, decorated with delicate floral and bird motifs, offers both beauty and functionality. The rounded shape and detailed blue-and-white pattern make it a standout decorative piece.
How to Style It:
• Use it as a vase for fresh or dried flowers to bring a natural element indoors.
• Group multiple ginger jars of varying sizes for a stylish arrangement.
• Place it on an entryway console or coffee table for a touch of heritage charm.
By integrating these stunning chinoiserie pieces into your décor, you can create a space that exudes elegance, cultural richness, and timeless sophistication.
Use Chinoiserie Wallpaper or Fabrics
Wallpapers and fabrics featuring pagodas, birds, florals, and landscapes are quintessential Chinoiserie. An accent wall covered in Chinoiserie wallpaper can transform a room into a vibrant, picturesque scene. For a subtler touch, use fabrics with Asian-inspired prints for curtains, cushions, or upholstery.
The Gold Chinoiserie wallpaper featured in the dining room above, is a stunning homage to the art and symbolism of the East, creating an atmosphere of exotic sophistication. The wallpaper acts as a canvas, depicting a narrative of beauty and tradition with its array of flora and fauna that is characteristic of Chinoiserie patterns.
The background of the wallpaper is a rich gold, which instantly adds warmth and a sense of opulence to the room. The metallic sheen of the gold is a nod to luxury and works beautifully in a dining room setting, where meals are often occasions and should feel special. Against this lustrous backdrop, the blue and white motifs stand out, bringing a classic colour combination into play that is often seen in traditional Chinese porcelain.
Each element within the wallpaper’s design has been carefully chosen for its symbolism, which is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Cranes, which represent longevity and good luck, are the focal points, surrounded by cherry blossoms signaling the arrival of spring and renewal, and pagodas that evoke the serene landscapes of the East. This choice of imagery not only beautifies the space but also infuses it with meaning, turning the dining room into a place of story and conversation.
The use of this wallpaper in a dining room setting is particularly effective for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a striking backdrop that can serve to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the dining experience. It can act as a conversation starter, as guests dine amidst scenes that evoke another world. Secondly, the reflective quality of the gold can play off the lighting within the room, creating a warm, ambient glow that is both inviting and flattering. This can be particularly effective in the evening with soft, diffused lighting.
In terms of design, the wallpaper pairs well with the contemporary furnishings in the room. The sleek glass round dining table and modern leather chairs offer a contrast to the intricate patterns of the wallpaper, showcasing how traditional and modern elements can complement each other in interior design. This juxtaposition also allows for the wallpaper to be the star of the room, with the furniture acting as a subtle framework that does not compete for attention.
The Chinoiserie wallpaper in the pink bathroom design below, showcases how effectively the design can transform a functional space into a personal sanctuary of style. This particular wallpaper, with its soft pink background, is both vibrant and delicate, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that counterbalances the typically cold, hard surfaces found in a bathroom.
The intricate imagery of cranes in flight, delicate cherry blossoms, traditional pagodas, and idyllic landscapes depicted in a soft, pastel palette, adds a narrative quality to the space. It’s almost as if the walls tell a story, engaging anyone who enters the room. This choice of imagery is quite clever for a bathroom setting, as these elements are often associated with peace and tranquility, qualities that are desirable in a space used for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Design-wise, the Chinoiserie wallpaper provides a striking contrast against the marble tiling, which might otherwise appear stark or impersonal. The brass fixtures and wall sconces complement the warm tones of the wallpaper, while the white sanitary ware provides a neutral base that allows the intricate designs to stand out. This careful balancing of colours and textures results in a cohesive and luxurious feel.
Furthermore, the choice to extend the wallpaper into the shower area, using it in place of traditional tiles, is a bold and unique design choice that challenges conventional bathroom decor. It suggests that functionality and aesthetic appeal can coexist without compromise. The fabric shower curtain continues the theme, making the space feel continuous and thoughtfully planned.
The bathroom, often overlooked in design discussions, can indeed benefit from such expressive decor choices. The use of Chinoiserie wallpaper here exemplifies how patterns and colours can be used to create an intimate, decorative, and delightful space, infusing everyday routines with a sense of beauty and calm.
The Chinoiserie wallpaper below in the grey and pink bedroom, presents a monochromatic depiction of traditional Chinese landscapes, evoking the serenity and artistry of ancient East Asian ink wash paintings. Its use in a bedroom context is both inventive and atmospheric, offering a tranquil and picturesque backdrop to a space dedicated to rest and repose.
The design elements within the wallpaper, such as delicate pavilions, rolling hills, serene lakes, and figures in traditional attire, are rendered in varying shades of grey against a white background. This neutral palette is soothing to the eyes, making it an excellent choice for a bedroom where a calming ambiance is desired. The detailed scenes invite the onlooker to take a visual journey, which can be a soothing prelude to sleep.
From a design perspective, the choice of a grey-scale Chinoiserie pattern provides versatility. It allows for the easy incorporation of colour through bedroom accessories and linens without clashing with the walls. In the image, we see how the soft pink pillow and the natural tones of the bedspread complement the wallpaper without overpowering the intricate design. It suggests a delicate balance, a harmony between the furnishings and the ornate landscape on the walls.
The simplicity of the furniture, with its clean lines and contemporary style, contrasts with the complexity and historical narrative of the wallpaper. This juxtaposition is a common theme in modern interior design, where the blending of old and new creates a dynamic and layered living space. The woven light fixture adds a textural element that aligns with the naturalistic scenes depicted in the wallpaper, further enhancing the organic feel of the room.
Utilising Chinoiserie in this subdued colour scheme offers a fresh take on the traditional vibrant hues often associated with this style. It proves that Chinoiserie can be both a bold statement and a subtle whisper, depending on the chosen colour story and how it is integrated into the room’s overall design. In this bedroom, the Chinoiserie wallpaper acts as a silent storyteller and a peaceful escape, embodying both visual interest and a restful essence.
The Chinoiserie wallpaper in this pink and green room above, exudes a gentle and understated elegance, its delicate bamboo pattern offering a subtle nod to Asian aesthetics. The pale background with tones of green and brown harmonises with the soft pink of the sofa, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, that would also work beautifully in a pink and green bedroom. The bamboo motif adds height and a sense of growth to the room, drawing the eye upward and making the space feel larger.
The natural imagery of the wallpaper pairs beautifully with the organic textures of the knitted throw and the rattan side table, accentuating an overall theme of nature and tranquility. This particular Chinoiserie design, with its spacing and light colours, avoids overwhelming the space, instead providing a serene backdrop that allows the furniture and accessories to stand out. It’s perfect for a living space where a calm and relaxing ambiance is desired, adding a touch of sophistication without sacrificing comfort.
- Add Decorative Panels and Screens
Folding screens or decorative panels painted with Chinese landscapes, mythological scenes, or flora and fauna can serve as both room dividers and artwork. These pieces add a layer of sophistication and are versatile enough to fit in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas.
Gilded Elegance Mural
The first mural sets a luxurious tone with its gold leaf background, providing a rich, opulent base for the delicate flora and fauna. Cranes, symbols of longevity and good fortune in many Asian cultures, are depicted with a striking level of detail and realism. The interplay of the shimmering gold with the cool blue and white tones of the birds and the soft pastel colours of the flowers creates a dynamic yet harmonious visual feast. Such a mural would be perfectly suited as a statement wall in a formal dining room or a lavish living room, pairing with minimalist, elegant furniture to allow the wall to truly shine. It’s a bold choice that would act as a centrepiece, around which the rest of the room’s decor could be curated.
The Mint Green Chinoiserie Wall Mural below, features a delicate mint green backdrop that conjures a sense of calm and tranquility, reminiscent of a serene pastoral scene. The detailed depiction of cranes amongst flowering branches and butterflies imparts a sense of nature’s quiet beauty. The cranes are elegantly poised and represent a classic motif in Asian art, symbolising grace and auspiciousness.
When used in a more intimate space, such as a bedroom or private study, this mural can transform the room into a retreat, a space for relaxation and reflection. The gentle colours can inspire the choice of textiles and decor, suggesting the use of soft linens, muted tones, and natural materials to enhance the sense of serenity.
On the other hand, the same mural in a corridor or entrance hall takes on a different role. It can turn a transitional space into a captivating experience, inviting those passing through to pause and appreciate the artwork. It’s an example of how art can create a narrative in a home, telling a story or setting a mood as one moves from room to room.
In both applications, the mural maintains its integrity as a work of art and a key design element. It illustrates the flexibility of the Chinoiserie style to not only exist but thrive in various contexts—be it a backdrop for daily activities or a standalone visual journey. The use of such murals in different areas of the home can create a thematic thread, weaving together spaces with beauty and elegance, while also allowing each room to express its unique character.
Chinoiserie murals are versatile and can be adapted to various interior styles, from the traditional to the modern eclectic. The key is to balance the richness of the mural with the surrounding elements, ensuring that the space feels cohesive and thoughtfully designed. The use of Chinoiserie murals in interior decor speaks of a love for refined beauty, storytelling, and a synthesis of cultures. Whether one opts for the grandeur of a golden scene or the quietude of a pastoral setting, these murals bring an element of artful sophistication to any home.
Room Dividers
This opulent gold leaf Chinoiserie room divider below, adorned with elegant blossoming branches, offers a multifaceted design solution, serving as a luxurious focal point that effortlessly sections off spaces in an open floor plan without sacrificing light or visual flow. Its reflective surface enhances lighting, adds warmth, and introduces a sophisticated textural element that balances neutral interiors. Beyond its functional appeal, this piece is a cultural statement that can anchor a room with its rich, artistic heritage, making it a versatile addition to both minimalistic and richly decorated spaces alike.
- Incorporate Bamboo and Lacquer Furniture
Furniture made of bamboo or featuring lacquer work is both traditional and chic. Bamboo chairs, tables, or shelving units can lend a natural, airy feel, while lacquered cabinets or consoles in bold colours can create a striking focal point.
The chest of drawers on the right, featuring detailed, painted scenes typical of Chinoiserie, becomes a functional centrepiece in a room. The rich, dark background of the piece allows the hand-painted scenes to stand out, suggesting it should be placed against a lighter wall to create a dramatic effect. The gold accents on the chest can be echoed in other accessories throughout the room, such as picture frames, light fixtures, or decorative objects, to create a harmonious environment.
The upcycled Chinoiserie bar cabinets below are statement pieces that blend functionality with the artful elegance of East Asian aesthetics. The first cabinet, with its lustrous gold backdrop and graceful crane imagery, brings an air of refined opulence, perfect for a formal dining room or an elegant living area. The second cabinet’s bold maroon hue, framed by gold leaf trim and clear glass doors, showcases the vibrant gold Chinoiserie panels within, making it a magnificent focal point in a space designed for entertaining. Incorporating such cabinets into a home not only adds a touch of sophistication but also creates a conversational centrepiece that is both practical and steeped in the rich, imaginative essence of Chinoiserie design.
- Display Chinese Art and Motifs
Artwork such as Chinese calligraphy, paintings of nature scenes, or ceramic figures can enhance the Chinoiserie vibe. Motifs like dragons, lotus flowers, or chinoiserie birds on throw pillows, lampshades, or rugs can subtly introduce this style into your decor.
The cushions below carry a variety of Chinoiserie-inspired designs, from elegant botanical prints to whimsical scenes with monkeys and traditional Chinese motifs. These can be easily swapped out according to season or mood, making them a flexible option for those who appreciate the style but also enjoy changing up their decor periodically. They can be placed on sofas, armchairs, or even beds to add a touch of sophistication and cultural flair.
- Embrace the Garden Stool
The Chinese garden stool is a versatile and stylish accessory that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Available in various colors and designs, these stools can serve as side tables, extra seating, or simply as decorative objects.
- Mix with Modern Elements
Chinoiserie blends well with contemporary decor. Mixing modern furniture with Chinoiserie accents can create a dynamic and eclectic interior. For example, pair a modern sofa with Chinoiserie throw pillows or place a contemporary lamp on a Chinese antique table.
Blending the old with the new by incorporating Chinoiserie pieces in a living space can create a richly layered and intriguing interior.
In juxtaposition, the sleek and modern gold-trimmed cart with its bamboo-inspired structure represents the new. It adds a fresh and glamorous touch to the space, reflecting current trends while nodding to the traditional with its Chinoiserie-inspired design. Its open and airy frame contrasts the solidity and detailed carving of the older cabinet, showcasing how contrasting shapes and forms can coexist harmoniously.
In a living room, these pieces could work together by playing off each other’s strengths—the cabinet offering visual solidity and historical gravitas, and the cart providing a functional and stylish surface for entertaining. Integrating such diverse elements requires a thoughtful approach to balance; for example, maintaining a consistent color palette or material can tie the pieces together. This mix of old and new brings an eclectic sophistication to a space, allowing for a personal and collected-over-time feel that is both comfortable and visually compelling.
- Opt for Silk and Satin Textiles
Silk and satin fabrics, with their luxurious feel and sheen, are perfect for Chinoiserie interiors. Use them for drapery, bed linens, or throw pillows. Embroidered silk featuring traditional Chinese patterns can add texture and depth to your space.
- Introduce Gold Accents
Gold accents can elevate the opulence of Chinoiserie decor. Frame mirrors, picture frames, or decorative objects in gold to add a touch of glamour. Gold-leafed furniture or accessories also pair beautifully with Chinoiserie elements.
- Create an Oriental Garden
Extend the Chinoiserie theme to outdoor spaces by designing an Oriental garden. Incorporate elements like bamboo plants, koi ponds, stone lanterns, and winding paths to create a serene, picturesque outdoor retreat.
Chinoiserie decor offers a unique blend of elegance, fantasy, and an appreciation for Asian aesthetics. Whether you choose to fully immerse your home in this style or simply add a few accents, Chinoiserie can bring a sense of luxury and worldly charm to your living space.
Each Chinoiserie piece, whether it’s wallpaper, a lamp, cushion, or cabinet is a conversation starter and a work of art in its own right. By starting with these small yet distinctive touches, one can slowly build a Chinoiserie-inspired space that reflects a blend of exotic history and modern living. These items can be layered with contemporary or minimalistic pieces to create a balanced and personalised aesthetic that subtly pays homage to the intricate artistry of Chinoiserie.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinoiserie
How do you pronounce chinoiserie?
Chinoiserie is pronounced sheen-wah-zuh-ree (ʃɪnˈwɑːzəri), with a soft “sh” sound at the beginning, derived from the French word chinois, meaning “Chinese.”
How do you identify chinoiserie?
Chinoiserie is characterised by intricate Asian-inspired motifs, such as pagodas, birds, florals, and landscapes, often painted or printed on wallpaper, porcelain, or lacquered furniture. It typically features delicate details, gold accents, and a fusion of Eastern and European design elements.
What does chinoiserie mean in French?
In French, chinoiserie translates to “Chinese-esque” or “in the Chinese style.” It refers to the European artistic interpretation of Chinese and East Asian aesthetics that became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Is chinoiserie appropriation?
Chinoiserie is a European artistic style inspired by Chinese design rather than an authentic representation of Chinese culture. While some critics argue that it romanticise and simplifies Asian aesthetics, others view it as a historical appreciation and adaptation of Eastern influences in Western décor.
Is chinoiserie still in style?
Yes, chinoiserie remains a timeless and sophisticated design choice. It has evolved into modern interpretations with bold colour palettes, contemporary furniture pairings, and minimalist touches while retaining its signature elegance.
What is chinoiserie in English?
In English, chinoiserie refers to the European artistic and decorative style influenced by Chinese design elements. It encompasses furniture, wallpaper, ceramics, and textiles that blend traditional Chinese motifs with Western craftsmanship.