Decorating with Chinese Fans

Asian decor is admired for its tasteful blend of elegant simplicity and exotic intricacy. Chinese fans are the prime example of this balance. Made from simple materials, such as silk, paper, feathers, and bamboo, yet painted with detailed designs, like calligraphy script and ornate flowers, these fans are iconic representations of the eastern world.

Decorating with Chinese fans is the perfect way to incorporate a piece of Oriental culture into your home, and is a tasteful alternative to humdrum framed artwork. However, it can be very difficult to figure out how best to display the fans. It is important to choose a fan that is suitable for the space you want to decorate. For example, a large wall needs a large fan, or a collage of several smaller fans. By the same token, a sizable fan overwhelms a small room, so a striking yet petite fan is more appropriate.

Generally speaking, fans are best displayed when open in order to show off the unique patterns. There are many different ways to do this. Here are a few ideas:

1. Put them on the wall. Fans made from bamboo are quite lightweight, so you can mount them with double sided tape. No drilling holes in the wall required! If desired, you can create a gallery-effect with a beautiful array of various fans.
2. Use a fan stand. You can display Chinese fans as an accent on a table top, desk, or dresser with a wooden stand. Avoid cluttering the room with other knick-knacks in order to highlight the fan.
3. Create a shadowbox. If you own expensive fans, you may not want to expose them to dirty fingers and dust or damage them with mounting tape. By putting them in a shadowbox, you can present your beautiful fans without subjecting them to any harm.

Since fans stand for friendship and good wishes in Chinese culture, they are the ideal accent in any home. Oriental fans are readily available in all colors and sizes so they can be incorporated into any room. Obtain a fan online, as a souvenir, from eBay, or an Asian market.