The Chinese interior design style is as rich as the country’s inspiring culture. From sleek surfaces of dark, lacquered woods, dimly lit, decorative lanterns, to meticulously latticework furniture and screens, there are plenty of incredible details where you can play from. Are you ready to be inspired?
Curiously, the Japanese and Chinese interior design elements commonly merge; the delicate nature of traditional Japanese design offsetting the archetypal boldness of the Chinese aesthetic narrative. The principal factor is these types of interior design spaces are filled with a sense of harmony, fine decoration and craft, and management of color and space. Looking for the ultimate interior design inspirations but don’t know where to start? Well, get ready because today we are going to tell you everything about this incredible look!
Chinese interior design is commonly defined by soft color palettes that blend often warm neutrals with punchy, saturated tones of red, which is considered the luckiest color in Chinese culture, blacks, and golds. Intrinsically linked to a zen-like atmosphere, and Chinese-style interior design will often build this sense of harmony by blending complementary influences from across the continent.
#1 Exotic and Magical Wallpaper Choices
Exotic and magical, the iconic Chinoiserie wallpapers were (and are until this day) often painted by hand using lustrous hues and fastidious detailing. Although not traditional to Chinese interior design, this unique design element flourished in the 18th century and became more widespread in the 19th. There are original examples in the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and in the Yellow Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.
#2 Folding Screens
The incredible folding screens, like Essential Home’s Monocles pieces, is a unique element that can be added to the interior design project only for style or with a defined purpose. Chinese interior design uses this kind of screens, as well as folding screens, adorned with incredibly detailed murals, often mythological or historical in theme.
#3 The Lacquer Craft

Lacquer techniques are one of the most iconic elements in the Chinese interior design style and were made ever more popular during the Ming Dynasty. It’s a skill that’s over 1400 years old and takes a huge amount of time and discipline. On elaborately decorated luxury furniture, the makers would build up layers of different lacquers to carve into and create impeccably artistic scenes.
#4 Latticework Details
Thanks to respect for detail, precision, and decoration, latticework is considered to be one of the most important elements in Chinese interior design. Lattices can be seen on anything from cabinet doors, as you can see in the Brando sideboard by Essential Home, to shutters. In screens, they also add an element of privacy and seclusion.
#5 Bamboo Inspirations
This type of wood is not only known for being a food staple to China’s national treasure, but also its symbol of virtue. It’s upheld as a symbol of traditional Chinese values and the potential harmony between mankind and nature. These deep meanings are what makes bamboo so respected and wanted to inspire Chinese interior design projects!
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