The delicate and timeless beauty of Asian furniture is currently experiencing an unparalleled popularity in American interior design.
An Overview of Asian Furniture
The name "Asian Furniture" is a general term, describing all home decor products - including art and furniture – from the countries of China, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and often India. It also includes the (now antique) items crafted during the British occupation, mostly of furniture from India and Burma, including contemporary reproductions in this style.
Although very similar in basic design, each of these countries produces furniture and art that is specific to its own culture. For instance, while the Shoji screen originated in China, it was then reinvented in Japan and is now considered a wholly Japanese export. Feng Shui design philosophy is singularly Chinese, while Southeast Asian furniture often displays Hindu-influenced carvings over very dark wood.
Origins of The Oriental Style
Also known as "Oriental Furniture", Asian-styled furniture is very often crafted from teak wood, and is usually based on the Buddhist principles of living simply and in harmony with one's surroundings. Asian home furniture is a blend of form and function, where art and design are intended to be both beautiful and purposeful. In the interest of blending Western and Eastern styles, it is increasingly popular to find Shoji screens that reflect traditional Western tastes. More colors are becoming available, and designers have begun to take liberties in creating more daring and expressive fusion pieces.
Perhaps the most famous Asian decor item is the Shoji screen. Made from latticed wood and rice paper, it is becoming increasingly common to see Shoji door Kits, Shoji lamps, and Shoji screen room dividers, even in traditionally Western homes and offices. Other popular Asian furniture items are cabinets and accessories, typically ornamented with striking mother-of-pearl inlay.
Asian Furniture Today
Today the largest markets and manufacturers of Oriental furniture are Korea and Taiwan, although much is also manufactured in the US, Europe and Australia. The top importers of Asian furniture and home decor are the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada.
Whether you are creating your very own "Dojo", crafting an intentional meditative space, or if you are simply drawn to the beauty and craftsmanship of Asian furniture, you are certain to find inspiration in the timelessness and transportive qualities of this truly dazzling style.
This Article is Originally Published here: Asian Furniture
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eMassive Home Furniture - Home Decor Online Mall for Furniture, Home Accessories and Unique Decor products
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About the Author: About Author
Claudia Beach spends her days traveling the world seeking new and exciting home decorating ideas. She enjoys sharing her time with her two grown-up kids and husband. You can reach her at eMassive.com.
3/09/2008
Asian Furniture
Outdoor Furniture
Getting into the Great Outdoors has never been easier or more relaxing than with outdoor furniture and accessories! Outdoor furniture and outdoor accessories personalize your space; relaxing touches allow you to laze in your outdoor environment, knowing that you are truly 'home'.
Finding out about Outdoor Furniture
Perfect in the garden; as a gathering and sitting area at BBQs, pool parties and get-together; or as your own little oasis in the middle of your backyard, outdoor furniture is social, sophisticated and multi-functional. Available in aluminum, wrought iron, the highest quality teak, bamboo and other woods, you can find outdoor furniture to complete any outdoor living space.
The range of outdoor accessories is staggering. These are often designed to complement your outdoor furnishings. Consider solar-power or electric lights to line a pathway or any number of awnings or other shelter structures on your property. Add candleholders atop your outdoor tables. Pick up picnic accessories, chair cushions, outdoor games – no matter what type of luxuries you enjoy indoors, you can enjoy them outdoors, too, with outdoor accessories to fit every taste and style.
Outdoor Sets
In general, there are three types of outdoor sets. All three are made up of tables and chairs, although the types of chairs and size of the tables vary greatly. Patio dining sets are ideal for larger outdoor spaces, such as large patios or back porches. Bistro sets are designed for smaller spaces, such as an apartment balcony. The third type of outdoor set you will find is called a conversation set. Conversation sets often include an outdoor sofa and a few chairs accompanying a coffee table. Conversation sets tend to be larger pieces of furniture and fit most comfortably in big spaces.
Outdoor Lounge Chairs
Outdoor lounge chairs are typically fashioned from metal – often wrought iron – although synthetic materials are on the rise and offer the sophistication of metal and iron at a reduced cost. Outdoor lounge chairs are also available in hardwood and teak.
Outdoor Benches
Outdoor benches offer seating for 2 or more, depending on the style. Available with and without backs, outdoor benches are designed to accent and blend, and are the perfect accompaniment to furniture already decorating the space. Some people choose not to use benches for seating at all, but instead place an outdoor bench in the garden as a showpiece and setting for their prized plants.
Outdoor benches are available in a variety of materials including concrete, wrought iron, teak and other metals and woods.
Some benches offer the added benefit of extra storage. These benches are usually all-weather safe, and come in neutral-colored plastics designed to camouflage into the background. These benches are great for the garden and pool area, as they provide extra seating and a lovely place to store your stuff.
Final Considerations for Outdoor Furniture
When shopping for your outdoor furniture, think about the space you will be filling and the people who will be enjoying it. Also consider the weather conditions where you live. Outdoor furnishings should fit comfortably into the space, so if you are in the market for something to go on a patio or balcony, be sure to measure the area you want to fill. Is this furniture for BBQs and pool parties, or quiet coffee conversations with intimate friends? Do you experience long, harsh winters where you live, or are conditions generally mild all year long? Answering these questions will give you the information you need to pick the best outdoor furniture to fit your life and your style.
This Article is Originally Published here: Outdoor Furniture
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eMassive Home Furniture Stores offers a bountiful selection of outdoor essentials including teak furniture, patio deck furniture, barbecue accessories, grills and stoves, portable heaters, camping lights, yard tools, picnic coolers, and more! The eMassive online mall offers all you need for a family camping trip or backyard festivity.
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About the Author: About Author
Claudia Beach spends her days traveling the world seeking new and exciting home decorating ideas. She enjoys sharing her time with her two grown-up kids and husband. You can reach her at eMassive.com.
Living Room Furniture
Living Room Seating
The way you arrange seating in your living room effects how your family and guests socialize and congregate in your home. With the right arrangement and seating styles you can turn a drab and quiet living area into a buzzing den of conversation. Look for couches that reflect your personal style, but also offer comfortable seating. Be wary of seating that is too soft, as this will make it hard for people to sit forward and engage with others. On the other hand, finding a chair, chaise or recliner in which to hunker down for movie or TV viewing is perfectly reasonable – just make sure that it isn't your main item of living room furniture. A couch that is too firm will not be comfortable for long conversations. Often the best choice is something cushiony but supportive.
Popular living room seating includes couches and sectional sofas, chaise lounges, accent seating, recliners, armchairs and loveseats.
Media Furniture
Today's media furniture needs to do more than just house your TV and stereo. It is just as important that your entertainment armoire, media cabinet, entertainment center or Audio-Video rack hold CDs, DVDs, and even old videotapes, while matching or coordinating with the existing home furniture. Your ultimate decision will depend in large part on what fits the space, although personal preference is always important.
Living Room Accessories
Coffee tables, end tables, side tables, ottomans and decorative chests are just a few of the larger, more impressive pieces of living room furniture accessories available. Smaller living room accessories help to add homey touches that make a house a home. Such items include candleholders, picture frames, artwork, and flower vases among many others.
Living Room Furniture Styles
As you shop for your new living room furniture you will encounter several different styles. Keep the following in mind as you decide what works best in your home.
1.Modern living room furniture is sleek and streamlined and known for using the most technologically and architecturally advanced design. Modern living room furniture often incorporates metal and glass, and allows the furniture's form to make a statement, without utilizing patterns or frills.
2.Transitional living room furniture is a combination of modern, traditional, and casual styles. Borrowing from both the Arts & Crafts Movements and the Modern Movement, transitional living room furniture is not as bold as modern furniture, but uses some of the same principles in beautiful and subtle ways.
3.Traditional living room furniture springs from many sources, including Colonial furniture design, Queen Anne's reign, and antique Roman styles. Often crafted from hardwoods like mahogany and cherry, this style tends to feature more ornamentation and embellishments than other living room furniture styles.
4.Casual living room furniture is all about laidback comfort. Often seen in natural- or light-colored woods, this style fits the no-nonsense home and a "no frills" sensibility.
This Article is Originally Published here: Living Room Furniture
Learn More:
eMassive Home Furniture - Home Decor Online Mall for Furniture, Home Accessories and Unique Decor products
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About the Author: About Author
Claudia Beach spends her days traveling the world seeking new and exciting home decorating ideas. She enjoys sharing her time with her two grown-up kids and husband. You can reach her at eMassive.com.