Interior arts and crafts refer to the furniture and ornaments which help increase the aesthetic value of the home. Chinese furniture and décor has influenced the style of many homes throughout the world. It creates a calming and comfortable atmosphere through minimalistic and Feng Shui techniques.

The techniques and skills involved in creating Chinese furniture were not evident before the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The traditional method of seating in China was on the floor. Furniture from this era was mainly primitive versions of low level tables, arm rests and decorative screens.

During the Tang Dynasty, higher seats with simple designs and engravings started to appear with the disappearance of floor seating. Many homes featured small stools and tables which were well above western furniture techniques for this era.

The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) is classed as the golden age of furniture. Traditional indigenous woods such as red sandalwood and scented rose wood were combined with smooth natural lacquers to create refined and simplistic furniture. Furniture was made with both aesthetic and comfortable purposes in mind. Craftsmen often considered the position of the body in reference to each part of the chair when specifically creating a piece of furniture.

Furniture within the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) was more flamboyant and bold than in previous dynasties. Elaborate engravings and new inlay techniques dominated Qing furniture creating a strong aesthetic appeal. Western techniques were combined with traditional designs to create Qing-style furniture. Inlaid patterns of stone, mother-of-pearl, porcelain, metal and enamel added an extravagant and appealing attraction to Chinese furniture for the Western world. Many types of Chinese furniture were collected by European households in the Qing Dynasty as an exotic touch to their art collection.

Today, traditional Chinese furniture is still increasingly exported overseas and the demand for authentic products is rapidly rising. Other domestic arts and crafts are also popular abroad and display the unique and amazing talent of Chinese artists. These include silk umbrellas, exquisite carpets and other objects which help create a vibrant and cultural ambience to any home.