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.
Red Lacquered Opium Bed or Wedding Bed The Opium bed is a secluded place
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Red Lacquered Opium Bed or Wedding Bed The Opium bed is a secluded place to meditate, they were very popular in the 19th century particularly in opium dens ...
Lacquer
$7,225
H 44 in W 86 in D 32 in
An Empire Style French Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Day Bed or "Lit en Bateau"
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Fine French 19th Century Empire Style Day or Alcove Bed known in French as "lit en Bateau" The bed is made of fine Cuban Mahogany and is embellished with a ormolu mounts all alo...
Bronze
French 19th Century Bed or Daybed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Daybed is nicely carved garnished with a red velvet fabric. Easy to place anywhere at home.
Walnut
$6,571
H 11.82 in W 83.86 in D 23.63 in
Senoufou Resting Day Bed in Solid or Large Wood Coffee Table Africanist - G593
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Large Senoufo resting bed from Africa from the 60's, which can be used as a large coffee table or a bench. Entirely carved in a single piece of solid wood....
Wood
$2,200 / item
H 28.75 in W 32.68 in D 77.96 in
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Day or Single Beds in Teak
By Søborg Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, daybed/single beds, teak, Denmark, 1960s. Elegant en simplistic design by Børge Mogensen. Suitable to utilize as a day bed or a single bed. Th...
Teak
$23,200
H 35.83 in W 52.37 in D 35.83 in
Jean Prouvé & Jules Leleu, Bed or Daybed / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Zürich, CH
This item expresses a specific rawness. There is no need for precise execution or the desire to appear sophisticated. It is simple, self-evident, and direct. It's made out of basic e...
Steel
ASYM Day Bed - Modern Asymmetrical Day Bed in Cream Boucle
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
Introducing the Asym Day Bed, a stunning piece of furniture designed to add elegance and sophistication to your living space. With its asymmetrical design elements, this day bed is b...
Upholstery
Midcentury Beds Bamboo
Located in bari, IT
Bamboo bed designed in the 1960s. the seat height is intended without the mattress.
Bamboo
$7,895
H 33 in W 57.5 in D 23.75 in
French Empire Day Bed or Window Seat Upholstered in Linen on Walnut Frame
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French Empire day bed or window seat from the late 19th century featuring an elegant frame of patinated walnut often associated with the L...
Wood, Linen, Upholstery, Walnut
$7,072Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 56 in W 82 in D 42.5 in
Custom King, Queen Full or Twin Spool Bed by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom bobbin bed with spool/bobbin head and foot board. Shown here in a twin size, in mahogany. Can be made in oak, mahogany, walnut or alder in a variety ...
Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
$3,176
H 27.56 in W 73.43 in D 35.63 in
Italian mid-century modern daybed, bed or sofa in rattan and metal mesh, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern daybed, bed or sofa in rattan and metal mesh, 1960s The frame is made of rattan with bent tubular elements bound with bandages at the joints. It features t...
Fabric, Rattan
$3,950
H 33.08 in W 76.38 in D 22.05 in
Louis XVI Day Bed or 'Lit De Repos' in the Manner of Georges Jacob, 1739-1814
Located in Berlin, DE
A late 18th century Louis XVI daybed or 'lit de repos', in the manner of Georges Jacob (1739-1814). Constructed in walnut with the swept ends of scrolled form, carved with flower hea...
Walnut, Upholstery
Luxurious Cowhide Dog Bed
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Luxurious handmade dog bed made of special gray cowhide. The dog bed is offered without the fox.
Cowhide
Mid-Century Chinoiserie Daybed
Located in Alhambra, CA
Vintage hardwood daybed with original upholstered cushions and bolster cushions. Subtle mix of mid-century and Asian design elements. Wood frame and cushions in fantastic vintage con...
Fabric, Hardwood
Vintage Coastal Fretwork Daybed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your living space with this exquisite vintage coastal fretwork daybed, a timeless blend of classic craftsmanship and modern coastal charm. Featuring an intricate geometric la...
Wood
Chinese Woven Bamboo Luohan Daybed
Located in Chicago, IL
This bamboo daybed sofa is a modern iteration of the traditional Chinese daybed. Known as a luohan chuang, or couch bed, this type of daybed is defined by its raised platform surface and low back railing. A versatile seating option, the luohan was used throughout the home as a place to recline, sleep, or gather for tea and meals. It was also historically used in semi-formal settings, as seats of honor in ceremonial halls or as reading nooks in the scholars' studio. This 20th-century example borrows the luohan form with a nod to Chippendale or Chinoiserie bamboo furniture...
Velvet, Bamboo, Wood
Vintage Universal Furniture Chinoiserie Set of 4 Chairs
By Universal Furniture Company
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Four Universal Furniture chinoiserie dining chairs. Unique blonde wood. One chair with arms and 3 without. They have high, straight backs and a solid back splat with a geometric carv...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 92 in W 80 in D 34.75 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Hand Carved Canopy Daybed Style of Chinese Wedding Bed
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage Chinoiserie hand carved canopy daybed in the style of a Chinese wedding bed, comprised of Rosewood colored stained wood, soft f...
Brass
Sold
H 99 in W 99 in D 71 in
Chinoiserie Chinese Elm Wedding Opium Canopy Queen Bed Hand Carved Asian Design
Located in Topeka, KS
Phenomenal vintage chinoiserie Chinese Wedding opium canopy bed comprised of Chinese elm and all-over hand carved Asian gilded designs. It will hold a queen size mattress and is made up of 60+ individual pieces but will be shipped partially assembled. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. Its overall age patina, consisting of nicks, dings, scratches, cracks, possible missing details, and wear to finish is considered part of its beauty. We have used the original method of tightening joints for stability, tapered shims. Many are original and we have added more in areas for stability. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid 19th – Mid 20th Century. There are beds. And then, there are beds that are a work of art… and this Chinese wedding opium canopy bed is an ABSOLUTE ASIAN MASTERPIECE!! This stunning vintage canopy bed...
Wood, Giltwood
Sold
H 34.65 in W 72.84 in D 29.53 in
1920s Chinoiserie Daybed French Original Dark Red Lacquer Gilt on Carved Wood
Located in London, GB
A 1920s very beautiful French chinoiserie day bed. A truly talking piece probably a one off. Curved back with original dark red lacquer background...
Wood
Antique Pink Chinoiserie Silk Antique Carved Sofa Couch or Daybed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An exquisite light pink silk sofa with hand-carved wood decoration. This piece will be perfect in a living room, or even used as a daybed. This sofa sea...
Silk, Wood
Classic Asian Style Bench in Walnut
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic Asian or Chinese style bench, in walnut. Reupholstered in striped silk previously, walnut frame has a nice patina. Measures approximate 5...
Walnut
James Monst Style Chinoiserie Sofa
By James Mont
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinoiserie daybed in the style of James Mont.