Chinese furniture works well in a wide range of homes, both contemporary and traditional, due to its classic graceful lines, simple forms and superb craftsmanship. It dates back over many centuries and the skills of cabinet makers have been refined and perfected over time, passed down from generation to generation.

The most prominent period of Chinese furniture making was during the late Ming period of (1368 – 1644) when China had become very wealthy and there was a greater demand for luxury items in the home such as fine furniture. Several different finishes were developed during this period, including red and black lacquer, natural finishes and intricately carved lacquered pieces in-laid with precious stones and other materials such as mother of pearl.

This style of furniture continued into the early part of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911) although designs began to gradually change and became more elaborate and angular after the 18th century. The simplicity, beauty and excellent workmanship of Chinese furniture continued however and is still very much admired in Europe and the west today.

Modern Chinese furniture takes some of its characteristics from this period, including the shiny lacquered finish. Here at 4 Living, our Chinese lacquered furniture comes in a number of finishes including black and white lacquer. Whether you choose just one piece of Chinese furniture as a statement piece, or decorate a whole room or home in a Chinese style, Chinese furniture, can literally transform your space. Here we discuss the benefits of Chinese furniture and why it continues to influence western style interior design in the 21st century.

Chinese Furniture –click here to browse our full range of products

Why is Chinese Furniture so Appealing?

Chinese Furniture is Beautiful

With a history that dates back to 1500 – 1000 BC, there are so many different styles of Chinese furniture to choose from such as carved designs, painted lacquered designs and black and white lacquer furniture.

Chinese furniture is renowned for its aesthetical appearance and attention to detail. From beautiful, handmade side tables to fine wardrobes and dramatic black lacquered dining tables with an almost mirror shine, Chinese furniture will always inspire. 4 Living sell a wonderful range of Chinese furniture for every room in the home.

For example, our exquisite handcrafted lacquered Oriental Butterfly Cabinet is a stunning piece which will create a great focal point. It has been styled on a traditional Fujian cabinet from the same province and is made from solid Elm wood. The butterflies, which symbolise love and bliss, have been carefully hand-painted on.

Another example of our beautiful Chinese furniture is our Black Lacquer Oriental Ottoman.  This can be used a blanket chest, seating or a coffee table in the living room. The metalwork has been designed to complement this eye-catching, but simple furniture piece which has been finished in black lacquer with stressed edging detailing.

Chinese Furniture is Timeless

Chinese furniture has been admired over centuries for its perfectly made, elegant forms. With its clean lines and contemporary styling, Chinese furniture is still popular today and graces even the most modern home. Chinese furniture works well in city apartments and traditional homes and looks handsome in any room. 4 Living sell a wonderful range of Chinese Furniture for all areas of the home including the dining room, sitting room, bedroom and hallway.

Check out our Oriental Beijing Coffee table. This is a classic Chinese furniture piece that looks impressive in any living room. It is has a beautiful ball leg design and a sleek black lacquered finish. It is featured in the main home interiors magazines.

Chinese Furniture is an Investment

Chinese furniture is of superior quality with fine metalwork and detailing and meticulous craftsmanship. It is built to last, using only high quality materials and timber It is also very resilient and can withstand everyday knocks, so it presents an ideal solution if there are children in the house. Investing in high quality, hard-wearing furniture gives you excellent value for money over its lifetime, especially if the furniture Is frequently used.

Click here to view 4 Living’s Oriental Bed Made from reclaimed wood and hand-finished with multi-layers of black lacquer, this makes a superb focal point in the bedroom.

Chinese Furniture is Versatile

Chinese furniture is not only of excellent quality. It is also highly functional and used for more than one purpose. For example you can buy a Chinese Blanket Box that doubles up as seating or a Chinese coffee table and a storage chest that also works as a side table.

4 Living’s Oriental Black Lacquer Trunk is a good example of this, providing a useful surface yet also opening up to reveal storage inside. Multi-layers of black lacquer give it a sleek and shiny finish and detailing includes stressed edging and brass flip-up handles.

Chinese Furniture adds Character to Your Home

Chinese Furniture adds style and individuality to your space. Unlike mass produced furniture, each piece of Chinese furniture is hand-crafted and unique, so even just one small piece will inject personality into your interior. Choose a beautiful piece of Chinese furniture to create a point of interest, or decorate the whole room in this way for a more dramatic effect. As the emphasis is on open spaces and the flow of energy in Chinese decor, keep the room clutter free to show off your prized furniture pieces.

Click here to view our traditional Chinese Oriental Wardrobe. This is available in black or Shanxi red lacquer and looks beautiful in the bedroom. It is made from solid reclaimed wood with stressed edging and a striking brass circular door plate.

Chinese Furniture –click here to browse our full range of products.