Chinese Wood Tables for Your Home

When an individual has their attention turned toward Asian home decor, one item that makes a room appear more Eastern in design is the classic Chinese hardwood table. In a Japanese decorating scheme, this may not be as applicable. However, in most Asian households the hardwood table is a distinct asset to the decorator. Since the Zhou dynasty (circa 1100-256 BCE), the ancient Chinese people had been sitting in cross legged postures on either mats or low platforms on ground level. This type of culture was in existence in China centuries before the time of Christ. It continued into the 7th century of the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE). However, by this time people had started sitting in chairs with their legs down. It was by this time period that a definite lifestyle was established based on elevated furniture. Therefore, tables had to also evolve with the times. So this is where the story of the Chinese hardwood table begins.

According to the Chinese tradition, tables are generally categorized into two major groups of "zhou" (tables with corner legs), and "an" (tables with recessed legs). There are also two sub-groups of "kang" tables and "ji" tables. Zhou tables can be waisted or waistless. The legs of the waisted tables always terminate into horse-hoof feet. The legs of the waistless ones are generally of circular section, splayed slightly outwards at the sides, and end with straight feet. Those with narrow or no waists are often strengthened with humpbacked stretchers or S-curved braces. In some instances, base stretchers are added. Generally speaking, the high waist is portioned with vertical braces. The top section of the front four legs are exposed to form corner vertical braces. Panels enclosed within the braces are carved with relief or openwork designs. The high waist is not only decorative but it also has a structural component to stabilize the legs.

An tables usually have flat ends or upturned flanges. They have two types of leg designs: one with free standing legs and the other with legs joined to low stretchers or base stretchers. Quite frequently, the latter construction has inserted panels of pierced or carved relief design installed within them at the sides. The legs are joined to the top with unmitred bridle joints. Long aprons are used to join the legs in front and at the rear to strengthen the top. The legs of this kind of Chinese table always splay a little bit outwards at the sides.

Aside from the physical distinctions in form and construction, an tables and zhou tables also have differences in terms of "spirituality." Most any physical action in relation to ban would suggest emotions being on a high level. For the Chinese, gently striking the an is a gesture used to express surprise or admiration. Likewise, etymological phrases in the Chinese language of a serious nature are derived from the character of an tables such as legal cases, trial of cases, proposal for discussion, and plans. The origin of these meanings are related to the historical fact that in the past the Chinese civil authority would usually sit behind an imposing an table with everted flanges to try cases. Zhou tables have never been used in this same way as an tables. This fact illustrates the higher status placed on an tables over zhou tables. For the same reason, altar tables used in temples and ancestral halls for worship were always impressive an tables with the same type of everted flanges.

Chinese hardwood tables are regarded by their form and function. These tables can be divided into the following types: square tables (fan zhuo), long narrow tables (tiao-zhuo), broad long tables (hua-zhuo), semicircular tables, circular tables, game tables, altar tables, qin tables, narrow tables with drawers, low tables, and stands. It is true that the tables of the Ming and Qing dynasties are very broad in their variety. While some of them are for specific purposes, many of them are multifunctional and adapt well. The strength of the hardwood tables, refined joints, the technical virtue, and the input of designs from literati clients, granted the ancient cabinet makers power to produce the simple, elegant Ming-style furniture as well as the stately Qing-style furniture. What is most important though is that the cabinet makers, no matter where they came from, followed the traditional rules for construction very strictly. This fact preserves the uniformity of both the form and structure of classical Chinese furniture.

The Asian home is therefore quite enriched by the presence of a classical-styled Chinese hardwood table. Such a table brings the ancient elegance of the past into the contemporary home or office most effectively. If one is looking to create this type of spiritual aroma in their decorating scheme, this writer strongly commends an investment in a high quality Chinese wood table. A thoughtful Asian home decorator will immediately recognize the tremendous value!

How to Create an Asian, Indonesian or Chinese Decorating Style

Oriental Design - Color Schemes

When looking to create your oriental oasis, you should start with your palette. The ideal color scheme for an oriental home design will include Red, Green, Jade (a lighter Green) and Black, which are all colors that feature in nature. Where possible, your furniture, wall colors and decorative pieces should reflect this natural affinity.

The greens could come from Bamboo. This will naturally incorporate the other colors of yellow and brown but since these are earthy, calming, natural colors, this slight deviation from color design principle is accepted. Green can also be incorporated with healthy plants, pale green wall colors or cushions, curtains and rugs.

The reds and blacks may come from natural hardwoods such as Teak, Oak or Mahogany. Choose good quality, solid wood furniture, in a stained, natural or black lacquer finish for an Asian inspired look. Oriental furniture is generally set low to the floor with clean, straight lines. The furniture pieces are relatively simple in design, achieving the desired, minimalist look.

The key here is to work with nature and with the cultural significance of the colors to create a truly harmonious space. A long held belief in the East and one that we are only really just beginning to understand and appreciate in the West is that different colors will influence the rooms they are used in, in different ways. It is important therefore that whatever decorative palette you use, you understand and work with the properties of the colors to create a tranquil yet energized home.

An example here is the color Red. It is associated with ideas of attraction, strength and warmth in Feng Shui and represents the fire element in Chinese culture. Used in small amounts, as occurs in nature, it will add energy and life to your home, as well as helping to attract good fortune. However, too much red can lead to over-stimulation, arguments and stress.

Green is the color of growth, restoration and balance - all good positive qualities to have in your life. However too much green, or too much of the same shade, can lead to stagnation, boredom and blandness. One simple tip is to vary the tones of green - as is seen in the natural world and you will then experience deep rest and peace in your home environment.

Black is not really a color - rather it is all colors absorbed together. Used in small amounts it will add sophistication, glamour, security and safety to the feel of your home. However it is easy to imagine how oppressive an all black room would feel - so again balance is required when using this color to add just the right amount to your color scheme. Black is best used as an accent color, to complement the brighter greens and reds and help them to stand out.

Oriental Design - Lighting

Lamp and candlelight are widely used in oriental design as the western style overhead, central ceiling light, is thought to be too intrusive. The Orientals see the interplay of light and shadow as an intricate dance and they relish in its complexities.

Oriental Design - Flooring

Natural flooring are best in an oriental style home and wood or stone tiles work better than carpet. Any floor coverings or rugs will be of natural materials and in complementary colors to the overall color scheme. Creams, beiges, browns, greens and reds are all good choices, and wool, silk or sea grass are all good choices of material.

Oriental Design - Accessories

Now we come to the choosing and placing of accent pieces or accessories. For many people, this stage of a room set design is the most fun but it is important, not to accessories too much as this will interfere with the flow of Chi energy. Choose a few, beautiful and valuable pieces for prominent display in your room set. This will serve to attract still more beautiful and valuable things into your life.