What Is Chinoiserie & Why Do We Love It?

Chinoiserie is one of those decorating styles that feels instantly familiar yet endlessly enchanting. Romantic, layered, and rich with history, it has a way of making a room feel curated rather than decorated. But what exactly is chinoiserie—and why does it continue to captivate designers and homeowners generation after generation?

What Is Chinoiserie?

Chinoiserie (pronounced shin-wahz-er-ee) is a European interpretation of Chinese and East Asian decorative arts that became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. As trade expanded between Europe and Asia, imported items like porcelain, silk, lacquerware, and hand-painted screens fascinated Western designers. Rather than strict replicas, chinoiserie reflects a romanticized, imaginative view of the East—more fantasy than formal tradition.

In interiors, chinoiserie often includes:

• Hand-painted or scenic wallpapers featuring birds, flowers, pagodas, and landscapes

• Blue-and-white porcelain jars, vases, and ginger jars

• Lacquered furniture and mirrored accents

• Pagoda shapes, bamboo details, and fretwork patterns

The result is a look that feels decorative, worldly, and slightly whimsical.

Why Do We Love Chinoiserie?

1. It’s Timeless Yet Fresh

Chinoiserie has been used in interiors for centuries, yet it never feels dated. Whether it’s an antique screen or a modern wallpaper mural, the motifs feel classic while still working beautifully in today’s homes.

2. It Adds Personality and Story

Chinoiserie instantly gives a room character. It suggests travel, collecting, and a love of beauty. Even one piece—a porcelain lamp or a painted chest—can make a space feel layered and intentional.

3. It Works in Small Doses or Full Drama

You don’t have to commit to an entire room. Chinoiserie is just as effective in accents as it is in statement spaces:

• A pair of blue-and-white lamps on a console

• Chinoiserie wallpaper inside a powder room or bar cabinet

• A single hand-painted screen behind a bed

Or, if you love drama, an entire room wrapped in scenic wallpaper can feel absolutely transportive.

4. It Blends Beautifully with Other Styles

One of the reasons chinoiserie remains so popular is its versatility. It pairs effortlessly with:

• Traditional interiors for a classic, elegant feel

• Modern rooms as a striking contrast

• Coastal homes through blue-and-white palettes

• Eclectic spaces where collected pieces shine

That mix of old and new is what keeps chinoiserie feeling relevant. Use on your dining table.

5. It Feels Both Elegant and Joyful

There’s a lightness to chinoiserie—florals climbing branches, birds in motion, playful color and pattern—that feels uplifting. It’s decorative without being heavy, refined without being stiff.

How to Use Chinoiserie in Your Home

If you’re drawn to the style, start simply:

• Incorporate blue-and-white porcelain on shelves or tables

• Add a chinoiserie-patterned pillow or lampshade

• Use wallpaper in a smaller space like a powder room, hallway, or dining room

As your confidence grows, you can layer in more pieces and let the look evolve naturally—just as it always has.

The Enduring Appeal

Chinoiserie endures because it taps into something deeper than trend: a love of craftsmanship, storytelling, and beauty. It invites us to slow down, notice details, and surround ourselves with things that feel collected and meaningful. In a world that often feels rushed and minimal, chinoiserie offers elegance, imagination, and a little bit of escape—and that’s exactly why we continue to love it.