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.
Gorgeous Pair Chinoiserie Rosewood Ottoman Stool Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Chinoiserie Square ottomans carved of solid rosewood. Simplistic Ming style frames with traditional lines and joinery with horse-hoof legs. Cushions are upholstered in Brun...
Upholstery, Rosewood
20th C. Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Ottoman with Tole Upholstery
Located in Morristown, NJ
Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Ottoman with Monkey Musician Upholstery A whimsical and theatrical ottoman in the Aesthetic Movement and Chinoiserie Revival style, crafte...
Metal
Pair of Stools Floral Contemporary Hand Embroidered White Gold Gilded Wood Base
Located in Hamburg, DE
One pair of stools, contemporary floral design, hand embroidery beading and threadwork in color light silver and light gold on hand woven silk bruno triplet #68 color white gold, uph...
Silk, Wood
Vintage Regency Chinoiserie Jacquard Ottomans - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of exquisite Vintage Regency-style ottomans featuring vibrant chinoiserie-inspired jacquard upholstery. These ottomans boast elegant curved legs and a timeless design, making ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Painted Ottomans - Pail lol
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a classic pair of black lacquer painted chinoiserie ottomans dating approximately to the 1980s. The upholstery is vintage and shows light wear. They are American. add
Upholstery, Wood
Baker Furniture Mid-Century Chinoiserie Ottoman Pouf
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Midcentury, chinoiserie ottoman pouf by Baker Furniture features a cherry base with a detached upholstered seat and matching base top in paid grosgrain or silk Material.
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century William and Mary Style Upholstered Footstool Ottoman
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful late 20th century walnut and Upholstered William and Mary style footstool or ottoman in very good vintage condition. Measures 19" in width, 19" in depth and 10" tall.
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Forsyth Mushroom Pouf Ottoman in Dedar Jacquard Velvet
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This forsyth mushroom pouf ottoman was created and designed by the Forsyth design team. Each ottoman is handcrafted in Saint Louis. A cut...
Velvet
Customize Ottoman/Pouf
Located in Brecht, BE
This ottoman/pouf was made in our workshop with old velvet fabric from the 1950s.
Velvet, Wood
$2,539
H 16.15 in W 15.75 in D 16.74 in
Mid Century Modern Organic Rattan Black Metal Stool or Ottoman 1950s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage organic stool or ottoman or footstool from rattan and black lacquered metal frame 1950s Austria. While the slightly curved seat shows wonderful organic ra...
Metal
$5,900 / set
H 14 in W 22 in D 22 in
Jacques Charpentier Mid-Century Modern Tufted Leather Ottoman Stool Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Jacques Charpentière Mid-Century Modern 1970 French stool, ottoman side tables in original tufted brown leather upholstery and polished chrome base. Very good original condi...
Chrome
Pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans/Stools
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans Brass bases Re-upholstered in faux Shearling
Brass
ONIX Organic Modern Pouf Ottoman in Dedar Jacquard Velvet
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, Onix pouf exudes quiet luxury and natural beauty. Onix is upholstered with Tiger Beat, an opulent and luxurious jacquard velvet fabric from italian bra...
Bouclé
$2,200 / set
H 16.5 in Dm 18 in
Pair of Floral Upholstery Custom Studio Made Ottomans Poufs Benches Stool MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of 16" Round Tufted Floral Upholstery Custom Studio Made Ottomans Poufs Benches Stool MINT!
Upholstery
Pair of Silk Parsons Ottomans or Stools
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of Silk Parson Ottomans or stools. Gingham silk upholstery covers the pair. very good condition. In the Billy Baldwin style with button top. This ...
Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Wood
Baker Furniture Contemporary Ottoman Stools - Pair
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Furniture Contemporary ottoman stools - Pair Each ottoman measures: 25 wide x 25 deep x 17 inches high This set is in Great Vintage Condit...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,495 / set
H 16.5 in W 24 in D 17 in
Pair T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Style Faux Bamboo Wood & Salmon Ottomans, 1950s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These fantastic ottomans are in the style of T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, made in the USA around the 1960s - 70s. Featuring hardwood frames ornately carved into faux bamboo, they are stu...
Upholstery, Wood
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 19"W x 19"D x 11.5"H. Good original vint...
Rattan
Sold
H 20 in W 18.5 in D 18.5 in
Chinese Chippendale Style Ottomans W/ Brunschwig Fils Leopard Chinoiserie - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Chinese Chippendale carved fruitwood ottomans . They have been upholstered in vintage Brunschwig & Fils leopard chinoiserie. The upholstery is a printed...
Fruitwood
Sold
H 17.5 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Fretwork Ottomans With Leopard Upholstery-Pair
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A striking pair of vintage faux bamboo fretwork ottomans, loaded with character and classic Regency flair. Each piece features intricate spindle detailing and a dark original finish,...
Upholstery, Faux Bamboo, Wood
Sold
H 7 in W 20 in D 17 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Chinese Ming Style Low Footstool Ottoman w/ Silk - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinoiserie Chinese Ming Style Low Footstool Ottomans with Yellow and Green Silk Embroidered "Mallard" Fabric and Loose Cushions - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurement...
Wood, Fabric
Vintage Chinoiserie Pouf Ottoman Button Tuft
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique button tufted Chinoiserie ottoman with beautiful Asian motif.
Upholstery
Pair of Chinoiserie Greek Key Stools
By James Mont
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Chinoiserie Greek Key Stools, in the manner of James Mont, American, circa 1960s. They are currently being refinished and reupholstered and ca...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Ebonized Asian Dragon Head Hall Bench
Located in North York, ON
Original vintage ebonized asian dragon head hall bench. Beautifully detailed carved and sculpted dragon body design with unique details throughout the fra...
Fabric, Wood
Giltwood Chinoiserie Bamboo Leopard Round Footstool
Located in Stamford, CT
Small round antique giltwood bamboo stool. Newly upholstered in Raoul Textiles leopard linen fabric. Brass nailhead detailing.
Linen, Giltwood
Pair of Oriental-Inspired Chinoiserie Poufs, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Napoli, IT
Pair of oriental-inspired chinoiserie poufs, France, late 19th century. Covered with wonderful Rubelli fabric.
Wood
1990s Chinoiserie Benches or Cocktail Ottomans, Pair
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of custom designed benches, footstools or cocktail ottomans ordered in the late 1990s from the Philadelphia Marketplace Design Center. Rarely if ever used, the pair has been s...
Cotton
Sold
H 14.75 in W 18 in D 13 in
Unusual English Burned Bamboo Stool or Bench with Fabric Cover Late 19th Century
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This is an unusual and well designed piece of English bamboo furniture dating to the late 19th century. The seat has an attractive curve and i...
Fabric, Bamboo
Sold
H 19 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in
Glamorous Gilt Iron Faux Bamboo Ottoman Bench with Sexy Embossed Leather Top
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A glitzy and elegant Italian gilded iron ottoman bench having subtle red underpaint on its faux bamboo base and gorgeous new Florentine style embossed gold leather upholstery.
Iron
Sold
H 9.75 in W 16 in D 16 in
Black and White Upholstered Stacking Ottomans Teak Ming Style Feet Mid-Century
By James Mont
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome and unusual stacking ottomans with black and white upholstered cushion tops and Ming style teak base and feet. This set of four is in fabulou...
Faux Leather, Teak