Chinese decorating often focuses on interesting patterns and colors. Although traditional Chinese decorating almost always has a beautiful balanced appearance, it also has an intriguing and often complicated beauty that can include rich textures and vibrant patterns and colors. The Chinese influence in decorating has become quite popular, even outside of China.

Overall Chinese Decorating Techniques
As opposed to Japanese decorating styles, Chinese decorating often includes more lavish designs and intricate details. Although the style is not as minimalist as Japanese decorating, it still has a simple look that doesn't include clutter, giving an overall feeling that the decorating items were selected carefully to create a specific effect. Many of the objects used in Chinese decorating also have a symbolism attached to them, which is thought to bring positive energy and protection into the home. A room decorated with Chinese-influenced designs often seems to be very harmonious, while at the same time having a somewhat mystic and magical type of appearance.

Colors in Chinese Decorating
The dominant colors used in Chinese decorating include yellow, red, purple and green. These colors are usually chosen because of the symbolism associated with the colors. For example, yellow is often thought to represent a long and healthy life, red is often associated with happiness and good luck, purple is considered to be a very spiritual color, and green represents family, growth and tranquility. These vibrant colors are often used together to create elaborately rich patterns which are quite beautiful. Colors that are generally not included in Chinese decorating are white, often thought to represent death, and black which is thought to be representative of bad luck, although dark black lacquered furniture is commonly used.

Furniture Styles and Colors
Furniture used in Chinese decorating is often dark in color, either in a rich wood shade or painted with a rich dark brown or black glossy finish. Ornate detailing is also common in Chinese furniture, including gold leaf overlay, hand painted designs and scenery, ornate and detailed carving, or mother of pearl inlays. Rich and beautiful woods such as mahogany, rosewood, cedar and elm are often used in furniture construction. Traditional Chinese furniture pieces include Tansu chests, ornate medicine chests, and storage cabinets with ornately painted doors.

Fabrics and Textures Used in Chinese Decorating
Fabrics are often vividly colored and ornately patterned, including traditional colors such as red, yellow, green and yellow. Metallic threads are also common in Chinese fabrics. Fabrics are often used lavishly in Chinese decorating, including tapestries, oriental rugs and carpets, and embroidered silk cushions and pillows. Silk is also commonly used for window dressings, lampshades and wall hangings. Natural materials such as bamboo are also commonly used in Chinese decorating.

Chinese Decorating Touches
Chinese decorating accents often include statues of animals or mythical beings such as dragons, fish and birds. Paneled room dividers, often with beautifully painted or hand-etched scenery and designs are also commonly used. Pottery, vases and dishes are often quite decoratively painted and can add a beautiful touch to the home. Indoor water fountains are also commonly used, which can create a very peaceful and restful effect within the home.