Asia is vast and culturally rich, spanning from the steppes of Central Asia to the sun-kissed shores of Southeast Asia. It’s no surprise that Asian decor is as diverse as the continent itself. From the intricate carvings of Balinese woodwork to the meditative minimalism of Japanese design, each region brings something unique to the table.
Many homeowners discover Asian pieces while traveling. Think handcrafted statues from Thailand or lacquerware from Vietnam, and bring them home as keepsakes. These items often become conversation starters, subtly telling guests you’re well-traveled, thoughtful, and confident enough to incorporate something bold and meaningful into your space. They’re not just decorations, they’re markers of curiosity and character.
But here’s the good news! You don’t need a passport to bring home a touch of Asia.
Know the Balance Between Bold and Tasteful
While Asian decor is beautiful and full of symbolism, it can sometimes lean toward the ornate or highly saturated, especially if you’re drawn to traditional motifs. Chinese-inspired pieces often feature bold reds and golds. Indian decor embraces vibrant colours, mixed patterns, and intricate embroidery. Even traditional artworks may depict spiritual or sensual themes that feel striking in a Western setting.
The key is editing! This means choosing pieces that bring character without overpowering your existing decor. Here are our recommendations that are not only beautiful, but also instantly likeable and seamlessly compatible with a modern day interior.
What to Look For
Clean-Lined Sculptures and Wood Carvings
Hand-carved wooden sculptures from Southeast Asia are known for their graceful lines and organic texture. Instead of ornate dragons or highly decorative panels, look for streamlined Buddha busts, abstracted leaf forms, or geometric art panels in sustainable teak or mango wood. Use them as grounding pieces on a console or bookshelf. The raw wood adds warmth to sleek interiors without overwhelming the space.
This sleek Cranes hold deep symbolic meaning across many Asian cultures, often representing longevity, grace, and good fortune. In Japanese and Chinese traditions, they’re seen as mystical creatures that bring peace and prosperity. But beyond their symbolism, crane sculptures bring an undeniable elegance and refinement to modern interiors.
Muted Ceramics in Celadon, Jade Green, or Earth Tones
Ceramics are an easy way to bring in Asian elegance, especially when they reflect traditional glazes from China or Korea. Look for simple vases, tea cups, or bowls with that distinctive cracked celadon glaze or stoneware in soft, earthy hues. Cluster 2 to 3 small cups on a tray or use a single piece as a sculptural accent on open shelving for that clean, curated feel. Tassels symbolise prosperity, protection and good fortune, holding cultural significance especially in the Chinese and Korean cultures.
Bamboo and Linen Window Blinds
When decorating with Asian influences, nature is always at the heart of the design, whether it’s a calming garden, a warm wood finish, or a flowing water feature. Bamboo and linen window blinds are a natural extension of that philosophy and depict an atmosphere of rural Asian living. They offer more than just light control. They bring a sense of calm, craftsmanship, and warmth into your space. Bamboo is a sustainable material, making these blinds a beautiful choice for eco-conscious homeowners. These blinds are, therefore, ideal for homeowners who want a look that’s grounded, earthy, and a little bit unexpected.
In countries like China, Japan, and Indonesia, bamboo is both a building material and a spiritual symbol of strength and flexibility. When woven into Roman or rollup blinds, bamboo adds structure, warmth, and artisanal texture.
Bamboo Roman blinds are best left unlined to showcase their natural slats and subtle light filtering, perfect for sunrooms, dining areas, or hallways. To soften the look, layer them with sheer curtains in linen or cotton.
Asian Plants: Better Faux than Never
Bonsai trees, cherry blossom branches, or orchids are beloved botanicals in Asia. In many Asian cultures, plants aren’t just greenery. They’re symbols of beauty, strength, and spiritual reflection. Bonsai trees are miniature masterpieces. They symbolise patience, care, and the beauty of imperfection. These are core principles in Japanese aesthetics. Their sculptural shapes add a serene, Zen-like quality to modern homes.
Vintage Asian Painting
Vintage Asian paintings are a beautiful and simple way to add authenticity, culture, and character to a space. Hand-painted silk scroll, an old ink landscape, or a delicate watercolour from decades past connect your home to a rich cultural history. Faded edges, worn paper, or light brushstrokes are characteristic of vintage Asian art styles. These imperfections are exactly what make them feel soulful and rare.
Contemporary Asian Art
Prefer a more modern take on Asian art? You’re not alone. Traditional Asian art can sometimes feel bold, visually intense or eclectic, especially with its rich colours and intricate details. But today’s contemporary interpretations offer a fresh alternative. Modern Asian-inspired artwork embraces softer palettes, muted tones, and minimalist compositions, making them easier to integrate into clean, streamlined interiors. You’ll still find signature elements, like deep reds, golds, and indigos, but they’re often reimagined in earthier shades and subtle, tone-on-tone contrasts for a more refined, modern feel.
Lantern-Style Pendant Lighting with Contemporary Lines
Lanterns are essential to festivals across Asia. At their core, lanterns represent illumination, not just physical light, but emotional and spiritual clarity. In Buddhist traditions, they symbolise enlightenment and the dispelling of ignorance or darkness. Lighting a lantern is often seen as inviting wisdom, peace, and good fortune into one’s life and home.
Modern interpretations in matte black, brushed brass, or rice paper allow you to bring that symbolism into your home without it feeling dated. Use a group of three rice paper pendants over your dining table or hang a large lantern-inspired light fixture in your foyer for an elegant welcome.
Batik or Ikat Throw Pillows and Textile
Traditional batik or ikat prints from Indonesia or silk brocade from India or China can be striking, but the key is restraint. Use these textiles as pillow covers, upholstered benches, or framed wall art. Choose one textile with meaning or sentimental value and frame it in a shadow box for a gallery-worthy display in your hallway or study. When used on throw pillows, pair with single-coloured pillows to water down the effect from the busy batik motifs.
Related: 7 Best Space-Saving Decor That Doubles as Art
Rattan Storage Cabinet
Rattan storage cabinets are a subtle nod to Asian craftsmanship and natural materials. Despite its traditional roots, rattan is incredibly versatile and fits seamlessly into modern, minimalist, or boho-inspired interiors. Pair it with sleek furniture, brass accents, and neutral walls to create a look that’s grounded yet contemporary. Rattan cabinets feel light, breathable, and design-forward. The woven texture adds visual interest, while the enclosed structure keeps everyday clutter hidden from view.
Oversized Folding Fan Wall Decor
Folding fans have long been an essential part of daily life across Asia, both practical and ornamental. Before the era of air-conditioning and electric fans, these handheld accessories were a simple yet effective way to stay cool in the heat and keep pesky mosquitoes at bay. They were commonly kept within arm’s reach, tucked into bags, or displayed around the home for easy access. Over time, folding fans evolved from everyday necessity to fashion statement, becoming a symbol of grace, style, and cultural identity. Today, they continue to hold decorative value, often featured in modern interiors as charming, nostalgic accents that blend tradition with contemporary flair.
For wall decorations, choose oversized folding fans in subdued palettes to make them easy to pair with contemporary or transitional furniture. If you love maximalism but want to stay polished, layer the fan with a few coordinating accessories, like linen pillows with Asian-inspired embroidery or a low teak bench underneath.
