Chinese Chippendale 3 Ways to Decorate

(Above photo - Chinese Chippendale display cabinet )

The Chippendale style of furniture prevailed during the late 18th century, popularized by master craftsman Thomas Chippendale. He was the first cabinet maker to have a furniture style named after him, a total departure from the tradition of naming the reigning monarch. One of the reasons for his fame is Chippendale's publishing of The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director. It was a volume containing drawings of incredible furniture designs, some of which were made by Chippendale himself. Using techniques from the book, furniture makers in England, Europe, and America began replicating many pieces.

What Are The Categories Of Chippendale Furniture Designs?

(Above photo - Chinese Chippendale Console Tables )

Many of the director's furniture designs fall into any of three groups – Gothic, Rococo, and Chinese Chippendale. The Gothic style borrowed heavily from the preceding Queen Anne era and was yet to evolve to the more modern techniques. Later on, the Rococo style emerged, looking more modern than the gothic style. Finally, there arose the Chinese Chippendale, which had a heavy influence from the orient.

The Chinese Chippendale style is mainly featured on china shelves or china cabinets. The common element among these was the fretwork designed glazing bars with pagoda-style pediments. Furniture makers would use a similar fretwork on the edges of the tea table or china table. Sometimes, these pediments would appear in chair legs and backs. In most cases, Chinese Chippendale furniture was used in rooms with chinoiserie decorations. Often, the furniture in this style had oriental-style lacquer or was japanned.

How to Decorate With Chinese Chippendale

(Above photo - Set Chippendale dining chairs )

Are you looking to decorate your home with Chinese Chippendale? You are not alone; the furniture style is still popular with collectors looking for similar antique pieces. Here are a few suggestions on what you can do to decorate your home in the Chinese Chippendale style.

1. Use Tables and Cabinets with Fretwork

You don't have to overthink when decorating your home with Chinese Chippendale furniture. The easy way is to combine other furniture pieces with tables and cabinets with fretwork. In that case, the fretwork can act as the focal point for visitors entering your home.

2. Place a Chinese-Style Fretwork Chair against a Console

(Above photo - Chippendale bookcase in mahogany  )

If you have a Chinese-style fretwork chair, you can place it next to a console table. It can act as your dressing chair, in which you can sit when applying makeup or merely dressing. Still, you can place other chairs around the room so that you can sit in them when there is a need.

3. Use Chinese-Style Fretwork Chairs as Accent Pieces

A Chinese-style fretwork can quickly act as a good accent when used alone. It is much better than placing a group of chairs around a dining table. So, pick an excellent Chinese Chippendale chair and place it between a bookshelf and a console table with flower vases.

Conclusion

(Above photo - Chippendale desk antique mahogany )

You don't have to be an interior designer to decorate with Chinese Chippendale pieces of furniture. By putting in a little more thought, you will find very many ways to use these furniture pieces. You can also create a unique look by repainting the furniture in bold colors.

Chippendale Antiques – The Defining Features

Chippendale Dining Chairs

Antique Dining Chairs - A Guide

Regency Dining Tables - A Guide

English Antique Dining Tables and Chairs - A Guide