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Posts Tagged ‘Chinese drum table’

The Chinese Garden Stool: Getting to Know This Barrel-Shaped Beauty

Friday, October 7th, 2016

Drexel Heritage Living Room Focal Point Drum Table 640-844

Drexel Heritage Living Room Focal Point Drum Table 640-844

For the past years, there is one decorative accessory that has been creating waves in the world of design. It is a piece that can add luster, texture and color to any space. It can also effectively be used as a room accent or a side table. Say hello to the Chinese garden stool also known as the Chinese drum table.

Chinese Garden Stool History

Very little is known regarding the history of the Chinese drum table. What’s certain is that it came from China and was traditionally used to beautify gardens. This accessory has been used for no less than a thousand years. It is probable that it evolved from the Buddhist tradition wherein natural elements such as rocks or tree stumps were used as seats.

Back in the day, Chinese homes were built around a beautiful courtyard so this emphasis has always been on the landscaping as well as the charming gardens. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), the Chinese drum table was already being used both indoors and outdoors as casual seats; indoor stools were often portable and made of wood while indoor furniture was made of stone so that it can withstand the harsh elements.

During the Ming Dynasty (starting from the early 17th century), a wide range of decoration was introduced. This included fretwork, pierced motifs and relief décor. A common feature was the simulated nail heads which are often situated on the upper and lower portions of the barrel.

Chinese Garden Stools Today

These days, barrel-shaped ceramic stools adorn both indoors and outdoors. These add a touch of Orient to many living spaces. Some are being used as simple decorative elements while some are quirky additions to an already beautiful place. Some are adorned with glass tops to make the table more of a table.

The uses for this decorative piece are literally almost limitless.

Materials used from the olden days till now are varied – there are stoneware, glazed pieces, wood and stone stools. Porcelain was later used as well as ceramic materials.

Ceramic Chinese garden stools come with simulated nail heads around the barrel’s upper and lower parts. These mimic the ancient wooden drums by the Chinese where the tops and bottoms were fixed and stretched over then affixed by nails.

Here are other ways that you can use a Chinese garden stool –

  • As an outdoor table
  • As a bathroom water feature
  • As a decorative side table
  • As an elegant garden or indoor chair
  • As a fantastic art pedestal
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Mia Drum Table

Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Mia Drum Table

Chinese drum stools are quite stylish and while their name suggests being used in the garden, there are various practical uses for it. Stained and varnished wooden pieces can add an amazing appeal and color inside the living room.

As an end table, the Chinese garden stool is quite common. If you want your setup to be unique, then use metal, slate, glass or wood stools as end tables. Use task lighting for this shorter table. If you love reading, then this is not the correct table to place your reading lamp and stack of books.

Chinese garden stools are best used as chairs because that’s what they are in the first place.

Another interesting way to highlight this decorative item is to use it as an art pedestal. It can rise up the art piece to an ideal viewing height. Of course, take note that there are also art pieces that shouldn’t be viewed at this height. Use the drum stool to showcase ornamental items. Top it with items that create visual interest.

Putting potted plants atop the Chinese garden stool is also a way of showcasing the beautiful, natural element.

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