Decorate a Bedroom in a Chinese Theme
Chinese decor makes a beautiful and exotic bedroom decorating theme, as China's rich culture, history and tradition have much to draw on. Chinese decor can be elaborate or modest, but one thing it has in common is that the elements of the room work together harmoniously to create a calm and peaceful environment. Follow these tips for decorating your bedroom in a Chinese theme.
Instructions
1. Choose your color palette for the room. Traditional colors used in Chinese decor are symbolic: red for good luck, yellow for long life, green for peace and harmony, purple for spirituality, and browns, ranging from light tans to rich mahoganies, for grounding. Choose a bold wall color, or use tapestries or screens as an alternative.
2. Select some furnishings for your room. There are many different types of furniture you can use in a Chinese decorated bedroom, such as platform beds, dressers, cabinets, trunks, benches, end tables and chairs. Chinese-style furnishings are often low and boxy, with clean lines, and they are often mixed in the room with some more ornamental pieces for impact. Start with some simpler, functional pieces around the room that are lacquered, or painted with high-gloss oil paints for a sleek look, and then add some larger decorative pieces to be featured, such as high-back wood chairs that are elaborately carved, or a grand ornamental headboard with mother-of-pearl or gold inlays.
3. Add texture to the room with natural woods, such as bamboo, and traditional fabrics, such as silk. A silk or bamboo screen is a perfect addition to any Chinese themed room. Embroidered fabrics with a mixture of contrasting colors and traditional Chinese designs, such as dragons, cranes, peacocks, flowers, or demons, make great options for wall hangings, area rugs, throw pillows, seat cushions, or table runners.
4. Allow natural light into the room with simple window treatments, such as bamboo shades or carved wooden shutters. For more ambiance, consider getting some Chinese lanterns to hang in the room.
5. Add accessories that carry the theme through, such as wall hangings that feature scenes from Chinese mythology, delicate Chinese bamboo umbrellas, a large fan, or Buddha statues. High-gloss pottery or granite carved pieces also work well to embellish the room. Whatever pieces you choose, strive for quality rather than quantity. One beautiful large fan or tapestry on a blank wall is better than several framed paintings and pictures. A single, colorful dragon statue placed prominently on the dresser, or a single orchid placed on the night stand where it catches the window light is better than 10 small trinkets spread out, which is distracting to the eye. Choose several striking pieces, and place them around the room in areas to feature them on their own, making them the key piece of that particular area.
6. Don't clutter the room or crowd it with furniture. Pick a few interesting pieces that relate to each other in style, color or materials, and that all incorporate Chinese themes or designs as described in steps above. Each piece should have a specific purpose, and don't squeeze in more pieces than you need. Keep it simple and fairly minimalist. Strive for symmetry, balanced colors, and evenly spaced furniture and accessories, so that each piece on its own makes an impact in its area.
Tags: Chinese decor, room with, accessories that, around room, , better than