Chinese altar tables always chic!

I always love a touch of 'asian' in any decor. It's timeless, and works with antique, modern, and Ikea! The Chinese altar table is the perfect piece for an entryway, a dining or living room console table, or just about anywhere that you have some wall space that could use some chic! They are not very deep, so they don't take up much room, while providing wonderful decorative detail.

 Interior designer Michael Taylor via Pinterest

This is a wonderful example of a rustic Chinese altar table looks completely at home with the Jim Dine print on the wall. Add some decoration on top, and even better some below to finish the vignette.

 Via Pinterest

This is a wonderfully refined altar table topped with blue and white porcelain and a clear crystal obelisk. The fabulous mirror above, and the X stools below make for a great look.

Architectural Digest (via Pinterest) - Interior designer Timothy Whealon

Timothy Whealon uses a Chinese alter table to great effect in this living room to dress up a far wall, topped with plants framing a modern painting. Note the classical sculpture standing comfortably nearby.

One of the great things as well about altar tables is that they are readily available at auction. New Orleans Auction has an Estate auction coming up February 23rd and 24th. This lovely small Chinese altar table (Lot 23) is included with an auction estimate of $300 - $500. This is great for a small entryway, a bathroom, or just about anywhere you have a blank wall. This leasures 47 inches wide and 15 inches deep.

For an altar table design that's a bit more elaborate, this black and red ebonized and polychrome table is a wonderful option. I love the bamboo style carving on the legs. This is Lot 554, measures 51 inches wide and 10 1/2 inches deep, and has an auction estimate of $300 - $500. 

I think bamboo is terribly smart looking, and this antique Chinese altar table is a wonderful example. The intricate bamboo base is topped with an black lacquer shelf providing great contrast. It measures 88 inches wide, and is 15 1/4 inches deep. This sold at a Christie's auction in New York for $250 off an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500. Quite a value!

This style of Chinese altar is wonderfully refined.  It has lovely carved details, and measure 64 inches wide and 17 3/4 inches deep. This is antique Hongmu, and sold at a Christie's auction in London for $1,800 off an auction estimate of $1,600 - $2,400.

Bonhams  often has a good selection of Chinese altar tables ranging from bargain to collector quality. Ths table measures 64 inches wide and 17 1/4 inches deep, and sold for $203! They don't provide the original auction estimate. This table has just enough decorative carving to make it interesting, but it's also very simple and chic!

This table is included in an upcoming auction on March 12th at Bonhams San Francisco. This is an antique Chinese table with wonderfully detailed carving across the front. This measures 81 inches wide and 16 1/2 inches deep (Lot 5448), and has an auction estimate of $2,000 - $3,000.

Via Pinterest

If you buy an altar table, you will probably find it hard to settle on a place for it in your home because it will look good in so many!

Small entryway solution - 'at auction'!

I went to an auction preview for the next Stair Galleries auction in Hudson, NY. Lots of fun furniture to look at, but I was immediately taken by the perfect solution for a small entryway - an all in one console table, mirror, and even hooks and umbrella stand. Now there is no excuse!

This is actually a pace chrome-plated vanity measuring 5 ft. 11 in. x 20 3/4 in. x 16 5/8 in (Lot 65). It has an auction estimate of $600-800. This would do the trick in a small entryway. It has a nice little 'console table', and a mirror, and for added fun it has bulb sockets all around.  This is in the vein of a 1930's Hollywood movie! You could put a wonderful ceramic pot on the floor for decoration to finish the look.

I have always liked this type of Art Deco style hammered steel hall tree This one is attributed to Edgar Brandt (Lot 35), and measures 6 ft 2 1/2 inches x 31 1/2 inches x 7 1/4 inches. The auction estimate is $300 - $600. For that you get a small table for mail, a mirror, hooks for hats and coats, and an umbrella stand. Who could ask for more! And it has wonderful decorative embellishments as well.  

Both photos from Pinterest

The trick with a small space is to create differentiation from the rest of the room or decor. An entryway is just the area by the door, and you can create a welcoming space with just one piece of furniture that multi-tasks. Then just add some art on the walls or a ceramic pot on the floor and you have a wonderful welcome home!

Always entryways! 'at auction'

I haven't written about entryways in a while, and they are such an important part of any home. They are the first thing you come home to, the last place you leave, and the place that greets your guests. What could be more important!

The size of your entryway might be grand, or virtually non-existent, but you can take elements from any of these examples to create a place that speaks your style.

Paloma Picasso's Moroccan home From Harper's Bazaar

A sleek console table is topped with both classic as well as fun items to create an interesting tableau. The big table is also a great place to be able to set things down as you come in, or leave things you need to take with you when you leave. 

From Nuevo Estilo via Pinterest

Here I love the juxtaposition of the classic table with the modern sculpture on top. A mirror is always good in an entryway to keep the space light, and to check out how you look coming or going. 

From Lonny Magazine

Lonny Magazine featured the New York rental of Jessika Goranson. She has one of those almost non-existent entryways that she makes grand with the use of a huge mirror behind a classic demilune table, topped with interesting objects.

 From Pinterest

You can see that this entryway is small and narrow, but packs in a lot! I simple console table with a metal base and marble top is smart looking and practical. Topped with a large rustic mirror, it looks great. I like the boots lined up underneath too! Feels like home.

 CWB Architects

This is a great example of a tiny entryway that's been given big impact with a bracket console table and a big mirror!

Let's focus on the two key elements for an entryway - the table and the mirror. This will form the base for further decoration! This early 19th century Empire style marble topped pier table is a wonderful start. It's classic, decorative, and has a mirror backing that adds to the light in the space. The marble top is very practical as well for setting things down on it. This is included in the New Orleans Auction January 19 (Lot 313). It's 43 inches wide, and has an auction estimate of $600 - $900. 

I think every home should have some Asian elements. This wonderful Chinese red painted altar table would make a wonderful entryway piece, and add some color to the room as well! It's pretty big at 6 feet, 5 inches wide, so you have to have the room. This is Lot 272A in the January 18th auction at Stair Galleries in Hudson, NY, and has an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500.

This modern ebonized oak console table has a wonderful sleek shape. It's very smart looking and would definitely set the style for those coming to visit. This is included in the February 5 and 6 auction at Christie's in New York. It's 47 inches wide (Lot 365), and has an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500. This wonderful side table is included in the lot as a bonus! I know I could find a place for it.

I love these bracket consoles for small spaces. You don't need an entryway at all to create one with something like these. These are Louis XV giltwood with marble tops. These are in the Christies February auction (Lot 376). They are only 12 1/2 inches wide, and I'm sure you could find a place for the second one. One of these would look lovely in a bedroom or even a bathroom. These have an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500.

A lovely, simple gilt framed mirror would go with any style console table. This one has very nice proportions at 20 x 23 inches. You can't beat auction prices for something like this. The New Orleans auction has this with an auction estimate of $30 - $50 (Lot 219).

I love the proportions and decoration of Federal mirrors. This 19th century giltwood and eglomise mirror measures 40 inches tall and 20 inches wide. This is included in the Christies auction (Lot 467) with an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500.

Those diminutives bracket consoles need small mirrors above them. I was taken by this air of Italian 18th/19th century silvered wood mirrors. They are 17 inches tall and 14 inches wide. I always like multiple mirrors on the wall. These are included in the Christies auction with an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500 (Lot 514).

I couldn't resist this for a major statement piece. This is big and bold. This is American Aesthetic movement from the 4th quarter of the 19th century. It stands 78 inches tall, and I would just stand it on the floor. This is included in the New Orleans auction (Lot 621) with an auction estimate of $900 - $1,200. Just put a table wide enough for the center section for a great entryway statement.







Two pieces will get you started creating an entryway - a console table and a mirror. Then build a tableau of objects over time to add to the style you want to create!

Pops of color - furniture 'at auction'

I love color in my decor. It can be wall color, or a pop of color in a chair, sofa, or painted wood piece. I happen to have a pair of bright red leather chairs in my living room!

My living room

Designer: Kelly Wearstler via Pinterest

Love this green with the black and white prints and frames covering the wall behind!

Both via Pinterest

The green dresser surrounded by black and white furniture adds interest and fun. You can take an ordinary dresser and paint it with a high gloss color. Hanging the tassles from the drawer handles is a nice touch too!

The bottom photo is from a Domino spread on the town house of Jenna Lyons. I love the use of black and white, and then that great bright yellow sofa!

Christie's Interiors sales are a great source for decorative furniture. Their sale January 8th and 9th in New York has some fun pieces. I like this circa 1930's French pink chaise longue! Wonderful pop of color, and a nice place to lounge too! This would be great in either a bedroom or living room. This is Lot 542, and has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500. 

For the Kelly Wearstler look, these apple green vinyl chairs would do the trick. These are in the Christe's sale as well. This lot (269) is a set of four chairs wich are circa 1980. They have an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500. I would put these in a living room with an otherwise graphic black and white decor for real drama!

Wright Auction in Chicago is know for modern design pieces. I love these green recamier sofas by Edward Wormley circa 1967. Having a pair would be wonderful. What a sexy living room you could design around these. These sold for $10,000 off an auction estimate of $9,000 - $12,000.

You might go for a single piece that pops! I love this Altamira chair with the wonderful orange upholstery. This is Italian circa 1955, and sold at a Wright auction for $1,250 off an estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

Kamelot Auction in Philadelphia is good for interesting pieces. This Japanese scholars desk circa 1950 is a great red painted piece. It's only 12 inches off the ground, but you could have black wrought iron bases built to bring up the height, This sold for $100, so worth an investment!

This Eero Saarinen womb chair and ottoman are classics. The red wool upholstery will make this stand out in a room. This sold at a Kamelot auction for $1,500 off an estimate of $1,800 - $2,000. 

Everyone who follows my blog knows I love color. If you don't want to paint the walls (or even if you do), a pop of color in the furniture will brighten up the room! It will make you smile when you come home.

Fabulous Chairs 'at auction'

I've been inspired by chairs that are pieces of art! They might be functional too, but they don't really need to be. They just look great as sculpture. What a fun way to incorporate unique style in to your home, and perhaps a bit of whimsy!

 From Pinterest - Designer: Kelly Wearstler

The shell chair is the height of whimsy. I love these, and am almost certain they're more decoration than seating. But who cares - they're fun!

 From Pinterest - Megan Winters Design

These chairs are more practical - you can sit in them! They bring wonderful decoration to the room with their curved backs, and gold on black chic decoration. 

From this blog - Thomas Jayne Studio

And then there's the wonderful hall chair - always meant to be more decorative than functional seating.

You can find these wonderful 'grotto' chairs at auction. This pair sold at a Christies auction in London. These are Venetian painted and parcel gilt chairs, circa 1900. They sold for $4,900 off an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. Clearly desirable!

Hall chairs with a shell design are equally decorative. This pair of early Victorian mahogany hall chairs sold at a Chirsties auction for $935, off an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000. 

This pair of mahogany hall chairs has an even more detailed carved shell design. These are coming up January 8th at the Christies South Kensington (London) location (Lot 165). They have an auction estimate of $3,200 - $4,900. They are very smart looking!

I think these Victorian papier mache chairs are very decorative. I love the shape of the one on the left, and the gold on black decoration of both of them. These were sold at a Stair Galleries auction in Hudson, NY for $325, ff an auction estimate of $250 - $350.

Stair Galleries also sold this pair of Regency carved mahogany hall chairs for $1,300, off an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. Hall chairs are often available at auctions. You just need to do some research, and decide what you want to pay. The more decorative the carving, the more you may need to pay. 

I thought I include something modern, and fun. These are 20th century lucite chairs on casters. They have a nice curved shape, and would be wonderful in a small room where you want them to almost fade away. These sold at a Stair auction for $350 off an auction estimate of $300 - $600.






We mostly think of chairs as something to sit in, but look around your rooms, and you might find a spot to include a chair that's more sculpture than seating. They can serve as a table substitute, or just something fun to look at!

Inspired by Art Deco 'at auction'

For me, Art Deco conjures up the old 1930's Hollywood movies, with men in black tie, and women in sexy silk gowns. The decor is sophisticated and sleek.

From Pinterest

Here the lines are graphic, as is the color palate. In the top photo, the chairs are stately, and the wall lights add drama. The bar cart makes you want to order a martini, and light up a cigarette (neither of which I do!).

Elle Decor - Designer: Kelly Wearstler

This home in Mercer Island, Washington exudes Art Deco style. It was designed by Kelly Wearstler for Lara and Jeff Sanderson. Very chic and stylish!

At auctions you can find a wide variety of Art Deco pieces ranging from an investment to something can can give the vibe without the price tag. 

Bonhams has a 20th Century Decorative Arts auction coming up December 11th in New York. The offerings cover early to late 20th Century with some tempting Art Deco items. I love this side table made of chromed metal (circa 1930), and it's illuminated! How cool would that be! This is Lot 2204 and it measures 24 inches wide by 14 inches deep. It would make a great side table or coffee table. It has an auction estimate of $2,500 - $3,500.

A great way to add the Art Deco vibe is with art. This French lacquered panel with cranes would do the trick. It measures 59 inches tall by 37 inches wide, and would make a statement. This is Lot 2192, circa 1925, with an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,500. 

The Art Deco period produced fabulous lighting. I was taken with this table lamp which would certainly catch anyone's eye when they come in to the room day or night. This is designed by Robj, circa 1930, and is made of wrought iron and glass. It measure 20 inches tall, and has an auction estimate of $700 - $900. It's Lot 2187. 

One of the Art Deco elements in furniture deign that I have always loved is the use of parchment to bring contrast to a dark wood. This fabulous cabinet falls in to the investment category with an auction estimate of $15,000 - $20,000 (Lot 2169). It was designed by Jean Pascaud and it is mahogany with parchment. It also had a medallion designed by Jean de Barre. It's 83 inches wide and 22 inches deep. It certainly adds drama!

Kamelot Auctionsin Philadelphia often has Art Deco items. At a recent salethere were a number of bargains to be had! I love this classic Art Deco club chairs. These are circa 1930, and sold for $750 off an auction estimate of $700 - $900. The shape of the arms is so handsome!

This macassar wood dining table, circa 1930, has such a wonderful curved base. It's 86 inches long. This sold at a Kamelot auction for $450 off an auction estimate of $400 - $600.

As I was searching results, I cam across this extendable dining table (to 84 inches) which has a classic Art Deco tulip shaped base. It's made of walnut and is circa 1930. This sold at Kamelot for $50 off an auction estimate of $200 - $400. Even if it needs a little tender loving care, it's worth it!



As always, my style is to mix styles. I wouldn't go with a total Art Deco look, but would love to add some pieces like a lighting fixture or a table. They are so modern, and add drama!