Must-Know Chair: The Chinese Chippendale
This classic chair is light, elegant and at home in most any style of setting
Rebecca Gross
10 September 2015
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
The Chinese Chippendale chair has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years with designers, decorators and homeowners using the side chair or carver in an array of settings from elegant and refined dining rooms to colourful and eclectic living rooms. The Chinese Chippendale chair has clean, simples lines and an upholstered seat; and while its overall shape is quite formal, its open-lattice back splat gives the chair an air of transparency that makes it light (both visually and physically) and very versatile.
Thomas Chippendale’s design has been copied and adapted for more than 250 years and many designers and manufacturers have put their spin on the famous chair. Today, it comes in black and white and every colour in between, and is constructed of wood designed to look like faux bamboo. Here’s what to know about the classic chair.
Thomas Chippendale’s design has been copied and adapted for more than 250 years and many designers and manufacturers have put their spin on the famous chair. Today, it comes in black and white and every colour in between, and is constructed of wood designed to look like faux bamboo. Here’s what to know about the classic chair.
THE DESIGNER
The term Chippendale is derived from a book of furniture designs published in 1754 by prominent London cabinet maker and furniture designer Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779). The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director reflected the fashion of furniture of the time. It was the first book of its kind and quickly became a guide for furniture-makers throughout England, Europe and the United States.
The term Chippendale is derived from a book of furniture designs published in 1754 by prominent London cabinet maker and furniture designer Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779). The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director reflected the fashion of furniture of the time. It was the first book of its kind and quickly became a guide for furniture-makers throughout England, Europe and the United States.
THE CHAIR
The Chinese Chippendale chair has a broad low seat, either upholstered or with a loose cushion tied to the frame. The lattice back-splat comes in a variety of geometric patterns and the yoke (or back rail of the chair) may be straight or arched in the middle.
Originally, Chippendale intended the chair for dining and other activities, such as drinking tea, and in 18th-century tradition they were to be placed against the wall when not in use. As such, the light and open design made it easy to move and the lattice back-splat contributed a decorative element along the walls of the room.
The Chinese Chippendale chair has a broad low seat, either upholstered or with a loose cushion tied to the frame. The lattice back-splat comes in a variety of geometric patterns and the yoke (or back rail of the chair) may be straight or arched in the middle.
Originally, Chippendale intended the chair for dining and other activities, such as drinking tea, and in 18th-century tradition they were to be placed against the wall when not in use. As such, the light and open design made it easy to move and the lattice back-splat contributed a decorative element along the walls of the room.
THE TREND
‘Chinoiserie’ – a French term for ‘Chinese-esque’ or ‘in the Chinese taste’ – proved to be a popular style in the 17th and 18th centuries when Europeans became fascinated by the Far East and the exotic silks, porcelains and bamboo or japanned furniture that came from the region. Inspired by the trend, designers and craftspeople created English and European interpretations that mixed Eastern and Western stylistic elements.
‘Chinoiserie’ – a French term for ‘Chinese-esque’ or ‘in the Chinese taste’ – proved to be a popular style in the 17th and 18th centuries when Europeans became fascinated by the Far East and the exotic silks, porcelains and bamboo or japanned furniture that came from the region. Inspired by the trend, designers and craftspeople created English and European interpretations that mixed Eastern and Western stylistic elements.
HOW TO USE IT
As a dining room chair
The chairs are light to move and have comfortable seats and supportive upright backs.
As a dining room chair
The chairs are light to move and have comfortable seats and supportive upright backs.
As an occasional chair
The Chinese Chippendale chair is an elegant addition to any living room. It is an ideal choice particularly for small spaces as you can see through the chair and no bulky frame or structure visually blocks the room.
The Chinese Chippendale chair is an elegant addition to any living room. It is an ideal choice particularly for small spaces as you can see through the chair and no bulky frame or structure visually blocks the room.
As a pair of armchairs
Two Chinese Chippendales chairs placed side by side look quite formal without being so, and they are easy to move, making them adaptable for different social settings.
Two Chinese Chippendales chairs placed side by side look quite formal without being so, and they are easy to move, making them adaptable for different social settings.
As a desk chair
The Chinese Chippendale chair is versatile enough that you can use it as a desk chair. It may not be ergonomically suited for prolonged use, but it’s a great choice when you need a chair that is convenient, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
The Chinese Chippendale chair is versatile enough that you can use it as a desk chair. It may not be ergonomically suited for prolonged use, but it’s a great choice when you need a chair that is convenient, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
As a bedroom chair
A Chinese Chippendale chair in a bright colour can add a pop of personality to the bedroom and can be used in a number of ways: as a corner chair, at a dressing table, or at a teenager’s desk.
A Chinese Chippendale chair in a bright colour can add a pop of personality to the bedroom and can be used in a number of ways: as a corner chair, at a dressing table, or at a teenager’s desk.
THE STYLES
Classic
In rich brown, the Chinese Chippendale chair is sophisticated and timeless. The classic colour palette is understated and will never go out of style.
Classic
In rich brown, the Chinese Chippendale chair is sophisticated and timeless. The classic colour palette is understated and will never go out of style.
Modern
These Chinese Chippendales in faux bamboo with a white wash add a balance of clean lines and cosy detail. In this modern home, the chairs also bring a touch of craftsmanship to a fairly minimalist decor.
These Chinese Chippendales in faux bamboo with a white wash add a balance of clean lines and cosy detail. In this modern home, the chairs also bring a touch of craftsmanship to a fairly minimalist decor.
Hamptons
Although this is quite a formal setting, the chairs pictured are a great choice for a Hamptons-style room. In white, they embody coastal calm and relaxed beach living while still being sophisticated and elegant.
Do you love Hamptons style?
Although this is quite a formal setting, the chairs pictured are a great choice for a Hamptons-style room. In white, they embody coastal calm and relaxed beach living while still being sophisticated and elegant.
Do you love Hamptons style?
Beach chic
This dining table and set of six Chinese Chippendale chairs conjure up the relaxed style of a beach house. They are fresh, airy, light and effortless.
Is your style beach house?
This dining table and set of six Chinese Chippendale chairs conjure up the relaxed style of a beach house. They are fresh, airy, light and effortless.
Is your style beach house?
Eclectic
Chinoiserie chic gets a pink injection in this eclectic-style space. Pink upholstered seats provide a pop of colour that is complemented by the artwork and offset by the deep blue walls.
See more eclectic colour combos
Chinoiserie chic gets a pink injection in this eclectic-style space. Pink upholstered seats provide a pop of colour that is complemented by the artwork and offset by the deep blue walls.
See more eclectic colour combos
Traditional
This room has a soft and soothing ambience and the Chinese Chippendales in peach are a colourful addition while still fitting the traditional-style scheme. It’s a great example of how you can mix and match the chairs in almost any setting.
Chippendale chairs suit a traditional style
This room has a soft and soothing ambience and the Chinese Chippendales in peach are a colourful addition while still fitting the traditional-style scheme. It’s a great example of how you can mix and match the chairs in almost any setting.
Chippendale chairs suit a traditional style
Contemporary
Glossy black Chinese Chippendale chairs are an eye-catching design feature in this contemporary room that plays with a monochrome colour palette. They add an element of ornamentation while still being clean, simple and minimalist.
Contemporary style ideas for your home
Glossy black Chinese Chippendale chairs are an eye-catching design feature in this contemporary room that plays with a monochrome colour palette. They add an element of ornamentation while still being clean, simple and minimalist.
Contemporary style ideas for your home
Transitional
Transitional spaces tow the line between contemporary and traditional decor as does the Chinese Chippendale chair. In this space, the chairs are equally at home amongst a chinoiserie porcelain collection as they are at Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Table seen here.
Transitional spaces tow the line between contemporary and traditional decor as does the Chinese Chippendale chair. In this space, the chairs are equally at home amongst a chinoiserie porcelain collection as they are at Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Table seen here.
WHERE TO BUY THEM
You can buy Chinese Chippendale chairs new or scour auction sites for vintage chairs. However, be aware that it would be exceptionally rare to come across a chair actually produced by Thomas Chippendale’s firm – more commonly you’ll find these chairs are ‘in the style of Chippendale’.
TELL US
Do you have a Chinese Chippendale chair? What colour and pattern is it? Upload a photo of it to the Comments section.
MORE
Mix It Up: Mismatching Dining Chairs Around the World
Designer Dining Chairs You Need to Know About
Thonet Chairs: Design Classics for More Than 150 Years
You can buy Chinese Chippendale chairs new or scour auction sites for vintage chairs. However, be aware that it would be exceptionally rare to come across a chair actually produced by Thomas Chippendale’s firm – more commonly you’ll find these chairs are ‘in the style of Chippendale’.
TELL US
Do you have a Chinese Chippendale chair? What colour and pattern is it? Upload a photo of it to the Comments section.
MORE
Mix It Up: Mismatching Dining Chairs Around the World
Designer Dining Chairs You Need to Know About
Thonet Chairs: Design Classics for More Than 150 Years
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I have them custom made for my clients Hanauki through an amazing wholesaler. Very competitive pricing too. Email me via my profile. A-M xx
Gorgeous chairs! What a bummer as i just bought 6 new chairs (wicker) for my dining table :- (
I have 7 of these. handmade of solid teak with loose cushions.
very heavy.Table has matching legs and extends to 3m.