Traditional Thai Style Furniture

Shapes

• Much of traditional Thai furniture is symmetrical and geometric, formed into squares, circles and rectangles. Curved table and chair legs and undulating wooden seats imitate the soothing ocean waves and mountain peaks that evoke images of serenity and stability. Richer, more elaborate pieces may feature very extravagant carvings of creatures or gilded Buddhas.

Materials

• Traditional Thai furniture makes use of only natural materials. Teak and mahogany woods are some of the most common materials. Craftsmen use stone for elegant vases and pots, carved with swirls of tree leaves, flowers and other elegant designs.

Styles

• Thai furniture styles allow the beauty of the natural materials to speak for themselves. Skilled artisans coax the rich grains and deep hues from the wood even with the simplest designs. Common Thai furniture pieces include tall stools for sitting and shorter stools for serving tea or light meals, low flat benches made from wooden slats and simple tables for family dining.