Decorating Guides
Which Traditional Furniture Pieces Go Well in Modern Homes?
Who says classical pieces don't go well with contemporary settings? Here are some success stories
Most of us love the look, feel and design of traditional furniture because these pieces somehow have a sense of nostalgia attached to them – they remind us of our old family homes. They are also reminiscent of the ancient grandeur we see in our forts and palaces … they tug at the heartstrings, don’t they?
There’s so much charm and comfort in settling down on charpais, modhas (light cane stools with woven rope seats), diwans and even chatais. It isn’t a bad idea to put these beauties to use once again inside your modern homes. A little bit of clash and contrast only makes a space seem more intriguing and dynamic. Here are some ideas and images to get you thinking.
There’s so much charm and comfort in settling down on charpais, modhas (light cane stools with woven rope seats), diwans and even chatais. It isn’t a bad idea to put these beauties to use once again inside your modern homes. A little bit of clash and contrast only makes a space seem more intriguing and dynamic. Here are some ideas and images to get you thinking.
Hand-carved solid wood benches and chairs, either custom made or salvaged, are reflective of age-old craftsmanship native to many parts of India, like Rajasthan, Kashmir, West Bengal and parts of southern India. Take a look at this intricately carved sofa by The Raj Company that shows intricate lines and delicate patterns. It fits perfectly well inside this traditional interior featuring an ethnic carpet, wooden sculptures and beautiful cornice work on the ceiling.
A staple in many traditional homes, a wooden chest (usually a hand-me-down from our grandparents) looks quite aristocratic. In this room by The Orange Lane, the wooden chest kept against a wall hung with Jodhpuri printing blocks creates an elegant vibe. It can be used for sitting or as a table.
This balcony designed by Dipen Gada and Associates has stone flooring and a gazebo with jali work. The bright orange fabrics used inside the gazebo add a vibrant touch to the landscape, creating a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors.
Browse through some beautiful images of gazebos
Browse through some beautiful images of gazebos
The charpai (a low, wooden-frame bench or cot with a seat of woven rope, usually found in homes in rural India), due to its intricate design and strong make, can be used as a versatile piece of furniture. For instance, in this room, the long charpai bench at the foot of the bed can be used for seating or even as a makeshift table. Used in place of an ottoman, it contrasts beautifully with the modern tone of the bedroom.
Take a tour of Irrfan Khan’s home brimming with traditional Indian furniture and art
Take a tour of Irrfan Khan’s home brimming with traditional Indian furniture and art
Diwans are low wooden seats cum day beds that are a staple in many Indian homes. You can put up your legs, lounge around or even lie down and enjoy a quick afternoon nap on these. Although traditional in design, diwans can find pride of place in urban living rooms too. See this particular room, for example. The stylish back-lit typography wall art is wonderfully juxtaposed with an ethnic-looking diwan with a carved design and ikat-covered cushions atop.
The chatai, made of woven jute, grass or plastic, is the Indian version of a carpet. Due to the hot climate and dusty conditions of our country, many homes even today prefer this light fabric on the floor. It doesn’t collect too much muck, and can easily be cleaned or rolled up.
See how in the terrace area of this home designed by The Orange Lane, the chatai is used as an additional seating option. The chatai, with a low table, provides a casual space that contrasts with the formality that sofas bring.
Read more:
How to Design a Modern Indian Home
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements Into Your Modern Home
Tell us:
Have you incorporated traditional Indian chairs and rugs in your modern homes? Tell us how in Comments below.
See how in the terrace area of this home designed by The Orange Lane, the chatai is used as an additional seating option. The chatai, with a low table, provides a casual space that contrasts with the formality that sofas bring.
Read more:
How to Design a Modern Indian Home
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements Into Your Modern Home
Tell us:
Have you incorporated traditional Indian chairs and rugs in your modern homes? Tell us how in Comments below.
Consider a simple traditional design like this jhoola suspended in the inner courtyard of a home designed by Kumar Moorthy & Associates. It perks up the ambience and provides the perfect perching spot for one to settle down and spend hours reading a book.
Learn how to bring a jhoola into your home