Oriental style: Colors and shapes of the Orient
The oriental style is known for its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and an atmosphere reminiscent of the tales from 1001 Nights. This fascinating style brings the magic of the Orient into your home, creating a warm, inviting environment. Whether you want to design an entire room in the oriental style or just add some accents, the possibilities are diverse and inspiring. In this article, we delve into the world of oriental design and explore how you can integrate colors, shapes, and furniture from the Orient into your decor.
Colors and patterns in oriental style
The oriental style is characterized by a rich color palette and artistic patterns that immediately catch the eye. The colors are often deep and rich, with a special focus on warm tones like red, orange, gold, and brown. These colors create an inviting and cozy atmosphere that evokes the warmth and richness of the Orient. In addition to the warm tones, there are also cool colors like blue and green, often used in combination with gold or silver to achieve a luxurious effect.
Patterns play a central role in the oriental style. They are often complex and detailed, inspired by nature and Islamic art. Floral motifs, geometric shapes, and calligraphic elements are commonly found. These patterns are used on carpets, cushions, curtains, and wallpapers, giving each room a special touch. A typical feature is the repetition of patterns, creating a harmonious yet dynamic effect.
To implement the oriental style in your home, you can start with textiles. A colorful carpet with an oriental pattern can be the focal point of a room and set the color palette for the rest of the decor. Cushions in various sizes and colors, embroidered or adorned with tassels, are an easy way to add color and pattern. Curtains made of heavy fabrics with opulent patterns also contribute to the oriental atmosphere.
Walls can be decorated with wallpapers in oriental designs or with wall hangings. If you prefer a more subtle approach, you can also create just an accent wall. Combining different patterns and colors requires a certain finesse to create a harmonious overall picture. It's important to find a balance so that the room doesn't appear overloaded.
In addition to textiles and wall decorations, accessories also play an important role. Lamps with colorful glass or made of metal with intricate cutouts cast interesting light and shadow plays, enhancing the oriental atmosphere. Candle holders, vases, and bowls made of metal or ceramics, often with elaborate decorations, are other typical elements.
The oriental style offers a wealth of possibilities to integrate colors and patterns into your home. Whether you opt for a subtle or opulent implementation, the important thing is that you feel comfortable in your home and enjoy the atmosphere that this style creates.
Furniture in oriental style
Furniture in the oriental style is characterized by its artistic craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials. They are often made from dark woods like teak or mahogany and adorned with intricate carvings. These pieces of furniture exude timeless elegance while being functional and robust.
A central element in an orientally furnished room is often a low table that serves as a focal point for social gatherings. These tables are frequently richly decorated, with inlays or metal fittings that give them a special character. They are often surrounded by cushions or low stools covered in colorful fabrics.
Seating furniture in the oriental style is often generous and comfortable. Sofas and armchairs are equipped with soft upholstery and covered with fabrics in bold colors and patterns. They are often decorated with cushions in various sizes and shapes, providing additional comfort and complementing the room's color palette.
Another typical piece of furniture is the oriental screen. These decorative room dividers are not only practical for separating areas but also a real eye-catcher. They are often made of wood or metal and feature intricate patterns that create interesting light and shadow effects.
Cabinets and dressers in the oriental style are also richly decorated. They offer plenty of storage space and are often adorned with carvings, inlays, or metal fittings. These pieces of furniture are not only functional but also decorative elements that enrich the room.
Another highlight is oriental beds, often equipped with canopies or mosquito nets. These beds create a romantic and cozy atmosphere and are the perfect retreat after a long day.
When choosing furniture in the oriental style, it is important to pay attention to quality and craftsmanship. High-quality materials and careful craftsmanship ensure that the pieces are durable and retain their charm for many years. Combine different pieces of furniture and accessories to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that brings the magic of the Orient into your home.
Decorative elements and accessories
Decorative elements and accessories are essential to complete the oriental style in your home. They add a personal touch to any room and help create the desired atmosphere. In the oriental style, these elements are often richly decorated and made from high-quality materials.
A typical decorative element is oriental lamps. These are often made of metal and feature colorful glass or intricate cutouts. They cast a warm, atmospheric light and create interesting patterns on the walls. Hanging lamps, table lamps, or floor lamps in the oriental style are not only functional but also decorative highlights.
Vases and bowls made of ceramic or metal are other popular accessories. They are often painted or engraved with elaborate patterns and are perfect for stylishly displaying flowers or other decorations. Metal or glass candle holders are also typical elements that create a cozy atmosphere.
Textiles also play an important role in oriental-style decoration. Wall hangings, tablecloths, or runners with oriental patterns and colors can set accents and visually enhance the room. Cushions and blankets in various colors and patterns also contribute to coziness.
Mirrors with artistically decorated frames are another decorative element frequently found in the oriental style. They reflect light and make the room appear larger and brighter. The frames are often made of wood or metal and adorned with carvings or inlays.
Another highlight is oriental rugs. These are often hand-knotted and characterized by their high quality and detailed patterns. They are not only a visual highlight but also pleasantly soft and warm underfoot.
When selecting decorative elements and accessories in the oriental style, it is important to pay attention to a harmonious combination. Too many different patterns and colors can quickly appear overwhelming. Therefore, choose a few central pieces and complement them with matching accessories to create a cohesive overall picture. This way, you can bring the magic of the Orient into your home and create an inviting, cozy atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Oriental Style
The oriental style is characterized by a rich and vibrant color palette. Typical colors are warm tones like red, orange, gold, and brown, which create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. These colors evoke the warmth and richness of the Orient. In addition to the warm tones, cool colors like blue and green are also frequently found. These are often used in combination with gold or silver to achieve a luxurious effect. The combination of these colors gives the room a special depth and dynamism. It is important to find a balance between the colors to create a harmonious overall picture. The colors should be reflected in various elements of the room, such as textiles, furniture, and decorations, to create a coherent ambiance.
Furniture in the oriental style is often made from dark woods like teak or mahogany and is characterized by its artistic craftsmanship. A central element is the low table, which serves as a focal point for social gatherings. These tables are often richly decorated, with inlays or metal fittings. Seating furniture such as sofas and armchairs are generous and comfortable, with soft cushions and fabrics in bold colors and patterns. Another typical piece of furniture is the oriental screen, which serves as a decorative room divider. Cabinets and dressers are also richly decorated and offer plenty of storage space. Oriental beds with canopies or mosquito nets create a romantic atmosphere. When choosing furniture in the oriental style, it is important to pay attention to quality and craftsmanship to obtain durable and charming pieces.
To bring the oriental style into your home, you can start with the color palette. Choose warm, rich colors like red, orange, and gold, combined with cool tones like blue and green. These colors should be reflected in various elements of the room, such as textiles, furniture, and decorations. Textiles play an important role, so colorful rugs, cushions, and curtains with oriental patterns are a good choice. Furniture in the oriental style is often made from dark woods and richly decorated. Low tables, comfortable sofas, and decorative screens are characteristic pieces of furniture. Decorative elements such as oriental lamps, vases, and candle holders made of metal or glass contribute to the atmosphere. Make sure to create a harmonious overall picture by skillfully combining different patterns and colors without overloading the room.
Decorative elements in an oriental style are often richly adorned and made from high-quality materials. Oriental lamps made of metal with colorful glass or intricate cutouts are typical elements that create a warm, atmospheric light. Vases and bowls made of ceramic or metal, often painted or engraved with elaborate patterns, are perfect for stylishly presenting flowers or other decorations. Candle holders made of metal or glass provide a cozy atmosphere. Textiles such as wall hangings, tablecloths, or runners with oriental patterns and colors add accents. Mirrors with artistically decorated frames reflect the light and make the room appear larger. Oriental rugs are a visual highlight and pleasantly soft underfoot. When selecting decorative elements, it is important to pay attention to a harmonious combination to create a coherent overall picture.
Patterns play a central role in the oriental style and are often complex and detailed. They are inspired by nature and Islamic art, encompassing floral motifs, geometric shapes, and calligraphic elements. These patterns can be found on carpets, cushions, curtains, and wallpapers, adding a special touch to any room. A typical feature is the repetition of patterns, which creates a harmonious yet dynamic effect. Patterns can be combined in various sizes and colors to create interesting contrasts. When implementing the oriental style, it is important to find a balance between the patterns to create a harmonious overall picture. Combining different patterns and colors requires a certain finesse to ensure the room does not appear overloaded. Patterns are an essential component of the oriental style and significantly contribute to the atmosphere.
When choosing textiles for the oriental style, it's important to pay attention to colors, patterns, and materials. Choose textiles in warm, rich colors like red, orange, and gold, combined with cool tones like blue and green. These colors should be reflected in various elements of the room to create a harmonious overall look. Patterns are a central element in the oriental style, so textiles with floral motifs, geometric shapes, or calligraphic elements are a good choice. Make sure the patterns are harmoniously combined to create a cohesive ambiance. Materials like silk, cotton, or wool are typical for the oriental style and give the textiles a high-quality look and feel. Colorful rugs, cushions, and curtains with oriental patterns are an easy way to integrate the style into your home and create a cozy atmosphere.
Typical accessories in the oriental style are often richly decorated and made from high-quality materials. Oriental lamps made of metal with colorful glass or intricate cutouts are characteristic elements that create a warm, atmospheric light. Vases and bowls made of ceramic or metal, often painted or engraved with elaborate patterns, are perfect for stylishly presenting flowers or other decorations. Candle holders made of metal or glass create a cozy atmosphere. Textiles such as wall hangings, tablecloths, or runners with oriental patterns and colors add accents. Mirrors with artistically decorated frames reflect the light and make the room appear larger. Oriental rugs are a visual highlight and pleasantly soft underfoot. When selecting accessories, it is important to pay attention to a harmonious combination to create a coherent overall picture.
The oriental style can be excellently combined with modern elements to create a unique and stylish ambiance. Start with a neutral base, such as white or gray walls, and then add oriental accents. Choose some central pieces in the oriental style, like a colorful rug or an intricately decorated lamp, and combine them with modern furniture in clean lines and simple colors. Textiles with oriental patterns can be complemented with modern, solid-colored cushions or blankets to create interesting contrasts. Make sure that the colors are harmoniously coordinated to create a coherent overall picture. Modern artworks or photographs can be combined with oriental mirrors or wall hangings to create an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. It is important to find a balance between the styles to create a harmonious and inviting ambiance.
by James Ellis
James Ellis is a furniture designer, gardener and passionate advocate for sustainable living. His designs combine craftsmanship with a strong environmental awareness – especially in the outdoor space. For James, furniture isn’t disposable – it’s an investment in the future.In his articles, he shows you how to style your favourite pieces outdoors too – from a bench made of reclaimed wood to a modular planter that doubles as a seat. He offers practical tips on how to create a garden, balcony or terrace that’s comfortable, stylish and environmentally friendly. Durability and resource-conscious production matter deeply to him. His favourite items are robust, repairable and timeless.
Off-duty: James lives in an old cottage near Bristol, with a large garden, his own composting system and an outdoor kitchen made from recycled materials. It’s where he tests his ideas and materials before sharing them in his writing. He’s also involved in local initiatives for sustainable building.
Transparency note: James Ellis writes his articles with lots of love – and a little help from AI.