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August 13, 2014

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Fancy malls make furniture shopping so easy

SHANGHAI is blessed with heaps of furniture options. Everything from European and modern furniture to classic Chinese options are available.

Those looking to furnish their new home can often find everything they need in a furniture mall like Red Star Macalline or Yuexing Furniture Square.

Of course, there are also boutique type stores selling furniture around the city. Some of these will even make customized pieces so your place has a one-of-a-kind look and feel.

Modern furniture

Modern furniture has a totally different feel from the luxuriousness of European-style furniture. Some families prefer less elaborate pieces to maximize space in their home.

This type of furniture is cheaper as it is usually made of composite wood boards, glass and metal parts.

Those who are uncertain about how long they will be living in their current place may prefer such furniture.

Swedish furniture giant IKEA is a good option in this category as is the Japanese lifestyle brand Muji, which specializes in pieces designed for Asian homes.

European furniture

European-style furniture has become a popular option for Shanghai locals in the past several years. The opulent styles and beautiful patterns have attracted many housewives.

Italian, French and Spanish styles are especially trendy as they feature elaborate carvings, curves and other details. Such furniture is often adorned with metal or fur ornaments to give it a luxurious look.

Famous brands available include Carpenter, Micasa and BigWig. Most can be found in big furniture shopping malls.

Rosewood furniture

In Chinese, rosewood is called hongmu, literally red wood. The heavy and durable wood has traditionally been considered the most precious for furniture in China and throughout history has been found in the homes of noble families.

In Shanghai, most rosewood furniture is made to replicate styles from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Pieces usually have complex carvings. It’s best suited to those who love Chinese culture and plan to live in one place for a long time.

Rosewood furniture is expensive and counterfeit pieces often appear in the market. If you plan to buy rosewood furniture, bring along a Chinese friend who is familiar with the business.




 

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