The Chinoiserie Dining Room

Amanda Lindroth - House Beautiful

The dining area in Amanda Lindroth's home in the Bahamas has lots of great ideas. A Coventry bench from Ballard Designs and vintage Brown Jordan Chinese Chippendale chairs are nestled around a painted teak table. The large Chinese ancestor art is a wonderful focal point. I love the blue and white batik pillows on the bench, the collection of shells on the table and shell brackets, and the touches of pink. BTW, the Coventry bench from Ballard comes in a ton of fabrics including lots of Sunbrella and is a great way to get a custom banquette look at a very attractive price point. This is a fun space with a tropical Chinoiserie vibe.

Ballard Designs Coventry Bench in Lynx Sunbrella

Eclectic Chinoiserie

Coastal Living

A Chinese ancestor portrait leaning against the wall, a rustic table, and industrial chairs in an eclectic dining room.

Michael Smith

I love how the formality of the Chinese ancestor portraits and the Chinoiserie cabinets are made more casual by the choice of the Cowtan and Tout Eaton Check fabric. The living room is by Michael Smith, as featured in House Beautiful.

Chinoiserie with Brick

A follower of Chinoiserie Chic has a conundrum-how to meld her love of Chinoiserie with her exposed brick entryway and staircase of her Capitol Hill rowhouse. She plans to use in the entryway a pagoda mirror over a long narrow table. Great start! I would love to see a Chinese garden stool or even a pair under or flanking the table if space permits. As for art on the staircase, I think you need some boldness and drama to hold its own against the brick. I love the idea of one or a pair of framed Chinese ancestor portraits or a grouping of Japanese woodblocks. Both are readily available in antique or new print versions, at all different price levels. Here are some examples of Chinese ancestor portraits followed by Japanese woodblock prints. Please report back on what you do.

Saturday Inspiration

Is your decorating style a wonderfully eclectic mix of Chinoiserie, modern, and country? Then you'll love this dining room with its Chinese ancestor portrait, farm table, and yellow metal French cafe chairs. Simple and stunning.

The classic French cafe Marais Chair at DWR for $275.

A well priced alternative-a set of 4 Wrap Dining Chairs from West Elm for $316.