Emerging in the 17th century, chinoiserie appropriated the aesthetics and imagery of popular East Asian design for European-made versions. Reflecting the exoticization of China, Japan and other countries in this era, the word directly translates from French to “Chinese-esque,” which reveals its shortcomings as a style of furniture and decor that often stereotypically and reductively mimics Asian culture rather than showcasing and paying tribute to its artistic traditions.
The enthusiastically decorative chinoiserie style was propelled by influential tastemakers including French King Louis XIV, whose Trianon de Porcelaine in 1670 was inspired by Chinese architecture. Expanded trade between the East and West led to a demand for porcelain, lacquer objects, silk and other goods, which further informed the fanciful furniture being crafted in Europe.
Artisans working in the chinoiserie style used materials and elements like pagoda shapes, bamboo, lacquer surfaces, bird and flower motifs and other interpretations of Asian design on pieces that were frequently set against vibrant wallcoverings. This whimsical approach yielded chinoiserie furniture that boasted dramatic flourishes drawing on the natural world and reflected the dominance of Rococo during the 18th century.
As chinoiserie was shaped by approximations of Asian design by European creators, it had regional variations, such as Chinese Chippendale in England where cabinets, chairs and tea tables had wooden fretwork designs and “japanned” surfaces intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia. In North America, furniture makers in Boston and New York integrated chinoiserie-painted scenes into Queen Anne furniture.
Antique chinoiserie furniture has continued to be fashionable, from its popularity with decorators of the Hollywood Regency era — James Mont, Tommi Parzinger, William Haines and Samuel Marx favored the style — to contemporary interior designers, although it brings with it a complex history.
Find a collection of chinoiserie bedroom furniture, cabinets, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Regency Style Chaise Lounge In Chinoiserie Tiger Upholstery
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century regency style newly upholstered chaise lounge. The upholstery is a printed cotton or cotton linen blend with a vibrant chinoiserie tiger. It’s size makes it a ...
Cotton
Vintage Coastal Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Aluminum Chaise Lounge
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A striking vintage outdoor chaise lounge in the manner of Brown Jordan or Phyllis Morris, featuring a sculptural faux bamboo aluminum frame with...
Aluminum
Harvey Probber Style Chaise Lounge, Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Edward Wormley
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning mid century modern chaise lounge newly upholstered in Kravet velvet. A piece most likely by Harvey Probber, although we have been unable to confirm. The frame is in very...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Vintage Bamboo & Rattan Chaise Lounge
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage bamboo and rattan chaise lounge/divan. Good, sturdy condition with some wear due to normal age and use. No cushions included.
Bamboo, Rattan
$3,800
H 31.25 in W 67 in D 25.75 in
Mid-Century Baker Furniture Louis XVI Style Upholstered Recamier Chaise Lounge
Located in Dayton, OH
This refined 1960s Neoclassical-style Chaise lounge or Récamier or méridienne style daybed manufactured by Baker Furniture, represents a sophisticated mid-century interpretation of c...
Fabric, Hardwood
$3,495
H 38.5 in W 69 in D 27 in
Stickley Brothers Neoclassical Chaise Lounge, Mahogany Upholstery, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
Elegant chaise lounge or Recamier sofa by Stickley Furniture in left or right wing options. Generous, lithe proportions, Neoclassical in style with bolster cushion. Seat: 16.5" H.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Stickley Brothers Neoclassical Chaise Lounge, Mahogany Upholstery, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
Elegant chaise lounge or Recamier sofa by Stickley Furniture in left or right wing options. Generous, lithe proportions, Neoclassical in style with bolster cushion. Seat: 16.5" H.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Coastal Modern Italian Rattan Chaise Lounge
Located in Elkton, MD
Vintage rattan chaise lounge dating to the 1970s. The piece features a sculptural bent rattan frame with integrated arms and a gently recl...
Rattan
Vintage Coastal McGuire Woven Rattan Chaise Lounge
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Indulge in unparalleled relaxation and iconic design with this vintage McGuire Woven Rattan Chaise Lounge, a true embodiment of timeless coastal elegance. Meticulously handcrafted, t...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan
1970s Rattan Blue Chinoiserie Style Chaise Lounge
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1970s with this exquisite rattan chaise lounge. The ultra rare chaise exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding desig...
Upholstery, Rattan
Vintage Bent Rattan Chaise Lounge - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
These exceptional vintage chaise lounges represent the height of 1970s organic modernism. Expertly crafted from high-quality bent rattan, the frames feature a striking concentric rin...
Rattan
Regency chaise lounge
Located in Cheshire, GB
Regency Chaise Lounge – Featuring a carved back rail above an upholstered back, a graceful scroll arm, and a loose cushion seat. The piece is supported by elegantly curved sabre legs...
Wood
Outstanding Regency Chaise Lounge Sofa
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Superb ebonised and applied brass chaise lounge sofa, settee from the Regency period, in very good overall condition having dark gold and pink damask upholstery. 33" high 26" depth ...
Ebony
Vintage Contrast Welt Chaise Lounge
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This sophisticated vintage chaise lounge offers a perfect blend of classic comfort and contemporary flair. Featuring an elegant silhouette with gentle curves and a low-profile rolled...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 37 in W 96 in D 27 in
Antique 19th C Gray Chinoiserie Decorated Gondola Chaise Lounge Settee Bench
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th C Gray Chinoiserie Decorated Gondola Chaise Lounge settee bench.
Linen, Wood
Chinoiserie Rattan Grasscloth Chaise Lounge in Ikat
Located in Southampton, NJ
A sculptural chinoiserie rattan chaise lounge with curved saucer shaped grasscloth back rest. Newly upholstered in striking Ikat silk this unusual ...
Brass