May 10, 2024
SKANDARA – MATTRESSES & FURNITURE

The Art of Chinoiserie Style: How to Bring Oriental Flair to Your Bedroom Design

8 min readJuly 11, 2023Jennifer Sikorski

Have you ever wanted to feel like you were stepping into a different world when entering your bedroom? If so, chinoiserie may just be the perfect design style for you. Chinoiserie is all about bringing unique Oriental flair and charm into your home with intricate accents in furniture, art, fabrics, and more. From bold colors to elaborate prints and patterns, this one-of-a-kind aesthetic brings a touch of exotic appeal that can easily transform any space from bland to luxurious. Let’s discuss how to bring the stunning look of chinoiserie into your bedroom décor with tips ranging from picking out beautiful wallpaper or artwork to creating custom upholstery pieces that perfectly tie everything together.

What is Chinoiserie Style, its History and Origins

Chinoiserie is a decorative style that emerged in the 18th century in Europe. It is characterized by intricate designs that feature exotic and whimsical elements inspired by Chinese art and culture. The style was popularized in France during the reign of Louis XV and quickly spread throughout Europe and the United States. Chinoiserie was a response to the Europeans’ fascination with all things Oriental, particularly the Far East and its unique aesthetic. It is characterized by the use of bright colors, elaborate patterns, and motifs such as pagodas, dragons, chrysanthemums, and lotus flowers. Chinoiserie remains a popular design trend today and continues to influence contemporary art, fashion, and interiors with its timeless allure and exotic charm. With its rich history and enduring appeal, integrating Chinoiserie into your bedroom interior allows you to connect with a centuries-old artistic tradition while adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to your space. Whether you choose to incorporate subtle nods or make bold statements, embracing Chinoiserie style in your bedroom is a captivating way to create a space that is truly unique and reflects your personal taste.

Green Chinoiserie Birds and Flowers Wall Mural

How to Incorporate Chinoiserie Into Your Bedroom Design

Integrating Chinoiserie, the decorative style of Chinese art into the bedroom creates a comfortable and tranquil environment for relaxation and rest. Start by adding motifs such as bamboo, cherry blossoms, and Chinese characters. The wallpaper and fabrics with Chinoiserie patterns can work incredibly well too. Keep in mind that you don’t need to entirely transform your room to achieve this look. A few elements such as a Chinese cabinet, a dragon vase, or an oriental lantern can be all it takes to bring that Far East vibe into your bedroom. The trick is to balance the design and carefully pick pieces that complement your existing bedroom decor. With the right balance, you can achieve a sophisticated, timeless, and unique style in your bedroom with Chinoiserie. By incorporating Chinoiserie-inspired elements strategically, such as using a hand-painted Chinese screen as a focal point or incorporating silk fabrics with delicate embroidery, you can create a harmonious blend of East and West in your bedroom. Remember, it’s the thoughtful integration of Chinoiserie touches that will transport you to a serene and enchanting realm each time you step into your personal sanctuary.

Minimalist bedroom decor in the style of Chinoiserie
Screen in Chinoiserie style for the bedroom

Choose Appropriate Colors and Fabrics for a Cohesive Look 

If you’re looking to add a Chinoiserie flair to your interior, picking the appropriate hues and textures is crucial. A cohesive look can be achieved by selecting fabrics and colors that complement each other, and also work well with the Chinoiserie style. Textured fabrics like silk or velvet can add depth and interest to the room, while jewel tones such as emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blue can provide a luxurious touch. When choosing colors for a Chinoiserie-inspired bedroom, consider incorporating a harmonious blend of rich and vibrant shades. Opt for deep reds, such as vermilion or burgundy, to evoke a sense of opulence and prosperity often associated with traditional Chinese culture. Pair these bold hues with softer tones like creamy whites or pale blues to create a balanced and soothing ambiance.

The exquisite emerald green color in the Chinoiserie style will add real luxury to your bedroom
The exquisite blue color with elements of tree branches in the Chinoiserie style will add luxury to your bedroom and provide peace with pleasant shades

Another option is to embrace nature-inspired colors, such as lush greens reminiscent of bamboo forests or serene blues resembling tranquil lakes. These hues can be incorporated through accent walls, bedding, or decorative accessories, adding a refreshing and calming effect to your bedroom. To create visual interest, consider incorporating metallic accents like gold or brass. These finishes can be introduced through hardware, light fixtures, or decorative pieces, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to your Chinoiserie-inspired bedroom. Ultimately, the key to choosing the right colors for your Chinoiserie bedroom is to create a harmonious blend of shades that evoke a sense of exoticism, tranquility, and timeless elegance. Experiment with different combinations until you find the palette that resonates with your personal style and creates the desired ambiance in your sanctuary.

The use of green and gold colors to decorate the bedroom in the Chinoiserie style will bring the appearance of abundance and luxury
Pastel gentle colors perfectly harmonize in the Chinoiserie style for your bedroom

Add Oriental-Inspired Artwork & Accessories to Enhance Your Design 

Infuse your bedroom with a touch of elegance and serenity by incorporating Oriental-inspired artwork and accessories in the Chinoiserie style. The visual richness of Chinoiserie’s decorative motifs provides a luxurious flair to your bedroom. Adding a statement piece like a Chinese silk painting or a hand-carved lacquerware box can instantly elevate the ambiance of your room. With its bold and intricate design, the Chinoiserie style is perfect for those who seek to create a dramatic and chic bedroom appeal. Consider complementing the space with bamboo or porcelain accents to create a cohesive look. You can further enhance the Chinoiserie ambiance by displaying a collection of decorative porcelain vases or ceramics featuring delicate floral patterns. These pieces not only add visual interest but also pay homage to the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Chinese art. 

With the help of patterns on a lamp or a vase in the style of Chinoiserie , your bedroom will acquire pleasant elements and a sense of calm with the help of pleasant blues and light blues
A decorative vase in the Chinoiserie style will fill the bedroom with unsurpassed style

Additionally, incorporating Oriental-inspired textiles, such as embroidered throw pillows or silk drapes, can add a luxurious and tactile element to your bedroom design. Don’t overlook the impact of lighting in creating an inviting atmosphere. Consider adding a pair of ornate porcelain table lamps with hand-painted designs or a statement chandelier with intricate metalwork to bring an enchanting glow to your Chinoiserie-inspired bedroom. Remember, the key is to curate your artwork and accessories thoughtfully, ensuring they harmonize with the overall design scheme. By selecting pieces that reflect the essence of the Chinoiserie style, you can transform your bedroom into a captivating sanctuary that exudes sophistication and tranquility.

Consider Placement of Orient-Style Furniture in the Bedroom

If you’re looking to create a Chinoiserie-inspired bedroom, the placement of your orient-style furniture is key. Rather than simply cramming every piece you own into the space, take a step back and consider the flow of the room. An ornate Chinese cupboard might make a great focal point if centered on one wall, while a pair of lacquered nightstands could flank the bed for balance. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and eras either – a vintage rattan screen could make for a striking backdrop behind a sleek, modern platform bed. To maximize the impact of your Orient-style furniture, pay attention to the balance and scale within the bedroom. Ensure that the furniture pieces don’t overpower the space, but rather enhance the overall design. Consider creating vignettes by grouping complementary items, such as placing a Chinese cabinet next to a traditional-style armchair and accenting with a ceramic garden stool.

Add interesting decor in the form of chairs, lamps and patterns with Chinoiserie style
Bring modernity to your bedroom style with a bamboo screen

Embrace the concept of negative space and allow your furniture to breathe. This will create a sense of openness and serenity, allowing the beauty of each piece to shine. Additionally, consider the functionality of the furniture – opt for pieces with ample storage or dual-purpose designs, such as a chinoiserie-inspired trunk that can serve as both a decorative accent and a practical storage solution. By thoughtfully placing Orient-style furniture throughout your bedroom, you can achieve a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics while creating a functional and visually captivating space that reflects your personal style.

Interesting patterns on the wall in the Chinoiserie style give your bedroom a unique look
Pleasant colors combined with interesting patterns in the Chinoiserie style will turn your bedroom into a work of art

It is evident that incorporating a few accent pieces and decorations of Gorgeous Chinoiserie style into your bedroom can make it even more beautiful. This ornate chinoiserie look can bring an air of sophistication and class to any room in your house. It provides timeless elegance and grace, adding a serene tranquillity that only these carefully crafted pieces can do. The intricate patterns and delicate details add texture to the existing color palette of the walls while playing off each other in a visually pleasing way. Furthermore, Chinoiserie accents will never go out of fashion, having stood the test of time for centuries and continuing to be iconic even today. Not only does this sophisticated decor create a stunning space to live in, but it also instills harmony within yourself and all those who surround you.