The Art of Chinoiserie: A Guide to Decorating with Eastern-Inspired Furniture
Few decorative traditions have captivated the Western imagination quite like Chinoiserie. For more than three centuries, the European interpretation of Chinese and East Asian art has inspired some of the most beautiful, distinctive, and enduring furniture ever made. Today, Chinoiserie is experiencing a remarkable renaissance — and at Brights of Nettlebed, we are proud to offer one of the finest collections of Chinoiserie furniture and decorative pieces available anywhere in the UK.
Whether you are drawn to the drama of a lacquered black and gold cabinet, the delicacy of hand-painted pagoda scenes, or the sculptural elegance of a Chinoiserie dining table, this guide will help you understand the tradition, choose the right pieces, and style them beautifully in your home.
What is Chinoiserie?
Chinoiserie (from the French chinois, meaning Chinese) is the European artistic tradition of interpreting and reimagining Chinese and East Asian decorative arts. It flourished from the 17th century onwards, as trade routes brought exotic goods — lacquerware, porcelain, silk, and furniture — from China and Japan to Europe, captivating craftsmen and collectors alike.
The style is characterised by hand-painted scenes of pagodas, mountains, exotic birds, flowering branches, and serene landscapes; rich lacquered surfaces in black, red, chocolate, and silver; gilded detailing; and elegant silhouettes that blend Eastern motifs with Western furniture forms. It has been prized by royalty, aristocracy, and discerning collectors for centuries — and its appeal shows no sign of diminishing.
Chinoiserie in the Living Room
The living room is one of the most natural settings for Chinoiserie furniture, offering multiple opportunities to introduce the style at different scales and price points.
Coffee Tables and Side Tables
The Chinoiserie Coffee Table — hand-painted phoenix motifs on an ebony-finished frame
The Chinoiserie Side Table — burl veneer top with rattan lower shelf
The Chinoiserie Coffee Table is a masterpiece of decorative furniture — a solid mahogany frame with burl-veneered top, ebony-finished legs adorned with hand-painted Chinoiserie scenes, and each leg featuring a meticulously painted phoenix. Style its surface simply: a stack of art books, a small ceramic object, and a single stem in a bud vase. The Chinoiserie Side Table, with its burl veneer top, rattan lower shelf, and intricate Chinoiserie decoration, makes a perfect companion — use a pair flanking a sofa for a symmetrical, considered look.
For something more sculptural, the Spencer London Chinoiserie Centre Table brings a grander, more architectural presence to a drawing room, while the Chinoiserie Terrace Cocktail Table and Chinoiserie Tranquillity Accent Table offer more compact options for adding Eastern-inspired elegance to a corner or beside a favourite chair.
Nesting Tables
The Chinoiserie Aviary Nesting Tables — beautifully decorative and practical
Nesting tables are one of the most practical and versatile pieces of furniture in any living room, and The Chinoiserie Aviary Nesting Tables elevate this everyday form into something genuinely beautiful. Their aviary-inspired Chinoiserie decoration makes them a talking point in any room, while their practical nesting design means they can be tucked away when not in use. Similarly, the Chinoiserie Lotus Lamp Table and Chinoiserie Harmony Lamp Table offer beautifully decorated surfaces for lamps, drinks, and decorative objects.
Chinoiserie in the Dining Room
The Dumont Chinoiserie Dining Table — black lacquer with gold pagoda landscapes
Chinoiserie Emperor Sideboard — a commanding dining room statement
For the dining room, The Dumont Chinoiserie Dining Table is simply extraordinary. Its lustrous black lacquer surface is adorned with intricate gold detailing depicting serene landscapes of mountains, trees, and pagodas — resting on a single tapering central pedestal with gilded ball feet. Every meal becomes an occasion around this table. Pair it with the Chinoiserie Emperor Sideboard for a dining room of genuine drama and cohesion.
Chinoiserie Cabinets: The Ultimate Statement Piece
Nothing announces a commitment to Chinoiserie quite like a beautifully lacquered cabinet. Our collection spans a remarkable range of styles, finishes, and scales.
The Chinoiserie High Cabinet — hand-finished artistry with practical storage
The Silver Chinoiserie Cabinet — mid-century legs with gold and red Chinoiserie detail
The Chinoiserie High Cabinet is a commanding presence in any room — meticulously hand-finished with an intricate Chinoiserie design, with beautifully decorated doors concealing thoughtfully designed interior storage. The Silver Chinoiserie Cabinet takes a different approach — elevated on elegant mid-century style legs, finished in deep glossy black lacquer with gold and red Chinoiserie motifs of flowering branches and garden scenes. A stunning storage solution and centrepiece in equal measure.
Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Bar & Drinks Cabinet — entertaining in style
The Spencer London Chinoiserie Cabinet brings a more refined, architectural quality to the form, while the Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Bar and Drinks Cabinet and Chocolate Chinoiserie Bar and Display Cabinet offer a wonderfully glamorous solution for those who love to entertain. The Chocolate Chinoiserie Side Cabinet and Ebonised Mahogany and Parcel Gilt Chinoiserie Cabinet are more compact options that bring the same decorative richness in a smaller footprint.
Chinoiserie Chests of Drawers and Commodes
Chinoiserie Red Lacquer Serpentine Bombé Chest — a bold, joyful statement
Black Chinoiserie Lacquered Serpentine Commode — dramatic and refined
Chinoiserie chests of drawers and commodes are among the most dramatic and desirable pieces in the tradition. The Chinoiserie Red Lacquer Serpentine Bombé Chest of Drawers is a bold, joyful piece — its rich red lacquer and serpentine bombé form making it one of the most eye-catching pieces in our entire collection. For a more restrained but equally striking alternative, the Black Chinoiserie Lacquered Serpentine Commode brings the same sculptural form in a more dramatic black lacquer finish.
Chinoiserie in the Hallway
The Long Hall Chinoiserie Console Table — a magnificent hallway statement
The hallway is the first room your guests experience, and a Chinoiserie piece here sets an immediate and unforgettable tone. The Long Hall Chinoiserie Console Table is a magnificent choice — its generous proportions and Chinoiserie decoration making it a natural focal point for a grand entrance hall. Pair it with The Chinoiserie Mirror above for a hallway arrangement of genuine distinction.
The Chinoiserie Mirror: A Work of Art in Its Own Right
The Chinoiserie Mirror — hand-painted and deeply decorative
The Chinoiserie Mirror is one of the most versatile and impactful pieces in our collection. Its surround is adorned with intricate hand-painted scenes capturing traditional Chinese landscapes, figures, and symbolic motifs — each detail reflecting the craftsmanship that made Chinoiserie synonymous with sophistication in 17th and 18th century Europe. Hang it above a console table, above a fireplace, or as a standalone decorative statement on a feature wall. It works beautifully in both period and contemporary interiors.
The Study: Chinoiserie with Purpose
The Chinoiserie Pavilion Bureaux — hand-painted panels with workspace and storage
The Chinoiserie Book Shelf — a decorative room divider and storage solution
For the study or home office, The Chinoiserie Pavilion Bureaux is a remarkable piece — hand-painted Chinoiserie panels from the Brushwork Collection, upper cabinet doors revealing three shelves, a central desktop workspace with organising compartments, and three generous drawers below. It is as functional as it is beautiful. The Chinoiserie Book Shelf, finished in lustrous black lacquer with hand-painted pagodas, fishing boats, and mountain landscapes, serves equally well as a bookcase or a decorative room divider.
How to Style Chinoiserie Furniture: Expert Tips
Let One Piece Lead
The golden rule of decorating with Chinoiserie is to choose one hero piece and build around it. A lacquered cabinet, a Chinoiserie dining table, or a bombé chest of drawers is enough to define the character of an entire room. Resist the temptation to fill every surface — give your hero piece space to breathe and be appreciated.
Choose Your Colour Palette Carefully
Chinoiserie pieces tend to feature rich, deep tones — black, red, chocolate, and silver — often with gold or gilt detailing. These work beautifully against:
- Deep jewel tones — teal, navy, emerald, or sapphire walls for a dramatic, immersive effect
- Soft neutrals — warm white, pale grey, or linen for a lighter, more contemporary feel
- Warm terracotta or blush — for an eclectic, maximalist interior with genuine personality
Mix Periods and Styles Confidently
Chinoiserie furniture has always been about cultural exchange and creative interpretation. Don't be afraid to mix a lacquered Chinoiserie cabinet with contemporary upholstery, or a hand-painted commode with a modern abstract artwork. The contrast is often what makes the arrangement sing.
Accessorise Thoughtfully
Blue and white Chinese porcelain, ginger jars, silk cushions, lacquered trays, and exotic botanical prints all complement Chinoiserie furniture beautifully. Choose accessories that echo the colours and motifs of your furniture without overwhelming it.
Visit Our Nettlebed Showroom
Our full Chinoiserie collection is available to view at Brights of Nettlebed, our showroom on the High Street in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire. Seeing these pieces in person — the depth of the lacquerwork, the intricacy of the hand-painted decoration, the quality of the craftsmanship — is an experience that photographs simply cannot replicate. Our knowledgeable team are on hand to help you find the perfect piece and advise on how to style it within your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinoiserie furniture?
Chinoiserie furniture refers to pieces designed in the European tradition of Eastern-inspired decorative arts, characterised by hand-painted motifs, lacquered finishes, and elegant silhouettes drawn from Chinese and East Asian aesthetics. The style has been prized by collectors and interior designers for over three centuries.
How do I style Chinoiserie furniture in a modern home?
Use Chinoiserie pieces as focal points against a more restrained backdrop. Keep surrounding furniture and walls relatively simple, and allow the Chinoiserie piece to lead the room. A single lacquered cabinet or hand-painted commode can transform a contemporary interior into something truly memorable.
Where can I buy Chinoiserie furniture in the UK?
Brights of Nettlebed stocks one of the finest collections of Chinoiserie furniture in the UK, available to view at our Nettlebed showroom in Oxfordshire and online at brightsofnettlebed.co.uk.
Can Chinoiserie furniture work in a traditional interior?
Absolutely — Chinoiserie has been a staple of grand British interiors since the 17th century and feels entirely at home in period properties, country houses, and traditionally decorated rooms. It is one of the few decorative styles that has never gone out of fashion.
Browse our full Chinoiserie collection online or visit us at our Nettlebed showroom to discover these extraordinary pieces in person.
