How I Crafted Elegant DIY Chinoiserie Frames on a $300 Budget

The Allure of Chinoiserie Decor

Chinoiserie, with its intricate designs and eclectic motifs inspired by the Far East, has captivated decorators for centuries. This ornate style combining Chinese and European decorative elements creates lavish yet imaginative spaces bursting with exuberance.

The term chinoiserie comes from the French word meaning "Chinese-esque". It describes the European interpretation of Chinese motifs and techniques like lacquerwork, hand-painting and gilding. During the 17th and 18th centuries, chinoiserie became extremely fashionable among the upper classes.

My Introduction to Chinoiserie Style

I first fell in love with chinoiserie as a teenager when I came across a portrait of the famously stylish Duchess of Windsor adorned in Lacquered chinoiserie finery. The combination of whimsy and luxury spoke to my budding interior design sensibilities.

Years later, that adolescent interest was reignited when I moved into my first home. I longed to capture that playful yet cultured aesthetic in my new space. However, genuine chinoiserie antiques and art come with exorbitant price tags way over budget.

Crafting My Own Chinoiserie Frames

Unwilling to compromise on my vision, I decided to try my hand at some DIY chinoiserie. Framed panels with Chinese inspired motifs would allow me to test techniques without breaking the bank. Best of all, I could customize designs to perfectly suit my home.

How to Make DIY Chinoiserie Frames on a Budget

Through trial and error, I discovered some shortcuts for crafting my own chinoiserie frames for under $300. Follow my guide to gleaning this coveted aesthetic at a fraction of standard decorator costs.

Pick Your Materials Strategically

Sourcing affordable materials is key for budget-friendly chinoiserie projects. Check out liquidation sales to score quality supplies at clearance prices. Discount fabric retailers can offer remnants of silk or velvet for reasonable rates. Try second-hand and antique shops to find unique frames and trimmed for nails for nail-heads without the hefty price tag.

Sketch Out Your Design Plans

After gathering supplies, the fun really starts with bringing your chinoiserie dreams to life! I like to start by sketching out design plans which helps visualized the end result. Consider symmetry and flow as you outline motifs. Referencing historical examples can provide inspiration for patterns, colors and textures that capture authentic chinoiserie style.

I typically decorate my custom panels with pagodas, birds, foliage, masks, urns, parasols, bridges and human figures dressed in traditional Chinese robes. Intricacy and vibrancy are key! Sketch out a few options to choose the best layout.

Select a Base for Your Panel

Once satisfied with my design, I transfer it to my base material. Cheap pine boards from the lumber section of any hardware store offer an ideal chinoiserie surface ready for embellishment. Smaller pieces work better for manageability.

Medium density fiberboard is another budget-friendly base option with a perfectly smooth face to paint on. Just remember to properly prime panels first so moisture doesn’t cause warping.

Build Up Color and Texture

With sketches transferred, the fun truly begins! I start by mixing custom paint hues for the background. Building up layers of color using a brush, rag or sponge creates enchanting depth. Then I trace over pencil lines with a thin paint brush.

For extra dimension, adhere trims, beads, plastic floral pieces and lace using hot glue. Paint over additions make them look like hand-painted elements. The end result mimics a lacquered chinoiserie finish!

Attach Molding and Hang Your Panel

I like to finish off my chinoiserie panels by attaching wood strips around the edges with nails or tacks to frame out the design. For sheen, brush metallic rubbed over nail heads. This trick delivers the appearance of a gilded frame without massive expense.

Mount completed panels on the wall with decorative hooks, leaning against a piece of furniture or even set in a standalone frame. No matter the display method, these custom creations infuse spaces with the lavish allure of chinoiserie!

The Takeaway

Chinoiserie style may seem intimidating to recreate on your own, but with some clever shortcuts it can absolutely be accessible on a moderate budget! Strategizing materials and design plans allows the execution of this elegant aesthetic without professional assistance.

For less than $300, you can fashion custom framed chinoiserie panels infused with luxury and whimsy. My trial-and-error tips help you glean quality results as you unlock new decorating capabilities. Go on – embrace your inner Duchess and start crafting!

FAQs

What paint works best for chinoiserie panels?

I recommend acrylic paint for coloring chinoiserie panels. Acrylics provide great coverage, dry quickly and clean up easily with water. They also adhere very well to wood, MDF and other common base materials.

What if I'm not artistic enough for chinoiserie?

You don't need to be a skilled artist to craft DIY chinoiserie! Even tracing simple shapes and patterns can yield stunning results. Focus more on color and textures vs intricate drawings.

Do I need fancy trim for framing?

Not necessarily. You can fake an ornate frame with wood strips, metallic paint and embellishments like beads or lace. Nail heads placed around the edges also mimic luxurious detailing well for only a few dollars.

Where is the best place to hang my finished piece?

DIY chinoiserie makes a beautiful statement mounted over a console or sideboard. Bedrooms and sitting rooms also provide nice backdrops. Place your custom creation wherever you want to inject a dose of eclectic elegance!