Chinese New Year Decoration Ideas: 10 Traditional CNY Decor & Meanings

Usher in 2023's Lunar New Year with these additions that will simplify spring cleaning and spruce up your home's atmosphere. Invite auspicious energy for the year ahead with these traditional Chinese decorations, and fun and modern CNY decor.

Changing up the look and feel of your home can be inexpensive and simple. Read on for simple and modern options to refresh your house for Lunar New Year that won’t require a big investment of time and money.

Content

• 10 Chinese New Year Decorations & Meanings
• 7 Fun & Quirky Chinese New Year Homeware
• 15 Simple Ways to Refresh Your House For CNY

10 Chinese New Year Decorations & Meanings

It is that time of the year when auspicious-coloured decorations in every hue of red, gold and orange go on sale at stores and markets.

But if you want something different this Chinese New Year, ditch the store-bought decor and check out these bespoke products that some indie retailers are making.

1. Pineapples or "Ong Lai"

The pineapple plant is popular during Chinese New Year because "ong lai", the Hokkien name for pineapple, sounds like "prosperity has come" - making the fruit a symbol of luck. But some may find using the pineapple plant as a display piece a little too wild for the indoors. So, a florist has created a Prosperity Pineapple floral arrangement that makes for a unique table centrepiece.

The arrangement is shaped like a pineapple and the yellow body is made of chrysanthemums stuck to a foam centre. The crown is made from Dracaena reflexa, or the Song of India plant. It is the brainchild of Madam Lee Ai Tit, 62, florist-owner of Wood Flower Cottage in Siglap Centre, who started selling the floral piece in 2016. Previously, she had made them to give friends and family during the festive period.

The Prosperity Pineapple comes in two sizes:

• Mini: 18 to 20cm ($38)
• Small: 25cm ($80)

2. Red Cloth Door Banners

A month before Chinese New Year, Mr Jeffrey Eng, owner of traditional Chinese craft shop Eng Tiang Huat, works late into the night on his trusty old Singer sewing machine. He is making traditional red cloth banners ordered by customers such as home owners and clan associations to usher in Chinese New Year.

Though he makes these auspicious pieces all year round, the demand picks up during this festive period. He gets about 30 orders at this time from regular customers who want to replace an old one or new customers who come to know him by word-of-mouth. These could be a simple banner - just red bunting with tassels at the ends - to more elaborate pieces. Once, a customer ordered a three-storey-tall satin banner with six large pom poms for a hotel opening.

For many traditional-minded Chinese people, hanging red banners over the main entrance of a home or shop is a symbol of luck. The practice goes back to a Chinese folklore story about Nian, a mythical beast that attacked people in villages. Villagers discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises and red things. To this day, red banners go up on doors to "scare" Nian away and it is also why the Chinese wear red clothes. Mr Eng, 61, says: "The Chinese are superstitious about these things. It's a lucky motif they must have. These red and gold things might seem gaudy, but they're signs of prosperity."

There is much skill - and mathematics - to making a red banner. The length of the cloth needs to be measured correctly. Customers have even requested specific lengths for fengshui reasons. Besides hemming the rough edges, he embellishes the cloth with yellow tassels. For more elaborate banners, he folds and gathers cloth to form fluffy pom poms that dangle by the sides of door frames.

A banner for a 1m-wide door frame can cost between $80 and $120, depending on the material and the number of poms poms added. He can also make cushions and table runners with auspicious embroidered motifs - lions, dragons and phoenixes. He has a limited supply of these motifs, which were bought by his grandfather decades ago from China. He does not buy any more as new ones are made with synthetic materials.

Eng Tiang Huat Chinese Cultural Shop is located at 10 Lor 24A Geylang, Singapore 398534. Tel: 6734 3738

3. Auspicious Flowers: Peonies

Peonies, the flower of riches and honour, can be used for small table decorations or put in as a centrepiece for the dinner table. You could even look at creating unique flower arrangements with red sunflowers or roses.

Intersperse the red flowers with other muted colours to create interesting arrangements. You can set them up in baskets or glass holders.

You could also try setting afloat red flowers or petals in a glass bowl with some water and candles. If you are feeling creative, then try making some! DIY flowers, when created with exquisite handmade paper, look classy and are appreciated for being a labour of love!

4. Couplets

Couplets are often rhyming lines of poetry that bestow good fortune, health, and wishes to the family. They are written in columns from top down, right to left.

The history of these Chinese New Year couplets date back to the Ming Dynasty in the 14th Century. The earliest forms of "couplets" were wooden board carvings of deities that were meant to frame the household's door, protecting the occupants from evil spirits.

5. Red & Gold

Apart from red, gold is also used to dress up homes for Chinese New Year.

Gold symbolises abundance and can be used sparingly to do up little corners or the entrance of your home. You can shop for gold paint, gold sheets, gold colour pens and brushes. But before you turn Picasso, remember few points of working with this colour.

You can add these elements to transparent or single coloured elements in your decor. For example, if you have plants in pots, try dressing them up in shades of red and gold, and colouring the pebbles in the pots, perhaps.

Don’t get too adventurous; keep it simple. We suggest trying bold gold strokes or just a striped pattern. If you want to keep it even more subtle, use gold trimmed tableware, chopsticks rests in gold, or table linen with plain gold borders. 

6. Fortune Cookies

Make the dinner special with personalised elements, like the fortune cookie messages you create. Firstly, if baking them isn’t your forte, try making small fabric ones with a message. Secondly, make the message count. If someone has bought a new home, then wish them happiness and good times in their new abode. Seating arrangements can also be announced on a scroll tied with a red ribbon, with some whacky prediction for the year. This costs no money, but your reunion dinner will be a hit.

7. Red Lanterns

When it comes to Chinese New Year, we hang up red lanterns to symbolise harmony (roundness), family reunion, and prosperity. If you're thinking of getting red lanterns this CNY, the best place to hang red lanterns in your house is the front door - warding off negativity and bad luck with the bright red colour.

8. Chinese Paper Cuttings

Paper cuttings have a long and illustrious history in Chinese culture. Called 剪紙 (jiǎn zhǐ), literally translated to mean "paper cut", the art of Chinese paper cutting was reportedly invented by a Chinese eunuch court official named Cai Lun (or Ts'ai Lun) in the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Cai Lun was also widely recognised as the founder and inventor of paper.

Back then, paper cuttings were used for artistic expression and decoration. These intricate artworks were used to adorn the windows - the hollow cut-out portions allowed natural light through.

As a result, Chinese paper cuttings often symbolise beauty, good wishes, and happiness.

9. 福到 (Inverted "Fortune" Characters)

A play on pronunciation, "Fu Dao" literally translates from Chinese to mean "Fortune Arrived". However, the same pronunciation can also mean "Fortune Inverted".

Many Chinese have taken to the latter, and customarily invert the Chinese character "Fu" or "Fortune" such that it looks like prosperity is physically pouring downwards into their homes.

Customised CNY calligraphy is available from $10 on Carousell.

10. Family Name Door Plaques

Then there are young people such as Ms Kerine Chun and Mr Jerald Hui who are putting a new spin on old traditions. Instead of writing auspicious sayings on red paper, their bespoke decor and gifts business KCottageStudio is offering laser-cut acrylic or wood plaques with these Chinese characters.

Some home owners may want blessings around the home without loud colours and tacky fonts. If so, bespoke decor and gifts company KCottageStudio has come up with a chic solution: a name plaque that combines auspicious Chinese characters with a family's surname. For example, a customer with the surname Chen can order a piece with the characters "fu dao chen jia", which translates to "fortune arrives at the Chen house".

The plaques, which are made of acrylic or wood, are laser-cut using an industrial machine. There are six designs so far, including "extras" such as faux peonies and cherry blossoms to add to the background. Prices start at $45.

KCottageStudio's founder Kerine Chun, 28, hopes these modern designs will appeal to a younger crowd. "You can leave it up the whole year. There isn't an overtly Chinese New Year feel to the plaques."

Auspicious Flower Wreath with Wood Surname Horizontal is priced between $72 to $165 from KCottage Studio.

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7 Fun & Quirky Chinese New Year Homeware

1. "福" Abundance Table Runner & Coaster

Mr Mike Tay, who co-founded the store with partner Eugene Yip in 2015, says the designs incorporate distinctly Singaporean motifs in a stylised, repetitive pattern.

"Look closely and, besides the central Chinese character meaning "fortune", you will also find prints of Singapore desserts in the Kueh Tile design, including kueh tutu, pineapple tart, kueh dadar, peng kueh, ladoo, dumpling and otah-otah," says Mr Tay.

"The pattern also symbolises a life of optimism and fulfilment."

Abundance table runner and coaster set is priced at $166 from onlewo; Pink Abundance cushion cover is priced at $48.

2. Bak Kwa pouches and Huat Flakes Masks

Local design studio Wheniwasfour at Bras Basah Complex is having a Chinese New Year promotion on offbeat yet beloved Singapore-themed collectibles.

Its Bak Kwa pouches, which look like thick slices of the ubiquitous festive sweetmeat, are available at $12.72 (usual price: $15.90).

The pouches can be paired with matching masks featuring the barbecued surface of the sweetmeat.

There are also masks which look like Bak Kwa or Huat Flakes, the childhood sweet from China made from hawthorn fruit. Bak Kwa masks and Huat Flakes masks are priced at $5.45 a piece.

3. Table Matters Reunion Dinner Set

Looking to refresh your dining ware set this Chinese New Year? This aesthetic assortment of rice and soup bowls from Table Matters adds a colourful touch to your reunion dinner. Designed with creative elements inspired by nature and art, the bowls are microwave, oven and dishwasher-safe, making them a lasting and practical choice.

4. Peranakan Cup Coasters

If you've already got a dining set this year, add a dash of traditional details to your dining area with these assorted Peranakan Coasters. Made of heat resistant ceramic, they'll be the perfect addition to serve tea with when you have guests over. The edged dents trap water from pooling to keep surfaces dry. The coasters also come with a cork backing to prevent scratches.

5. Bearbrick Manekineko

Bearbrick collector? Then your choice of CNY decoration is obvious - the Bearbrick Manekineko 1000% series in red or gold will do the trick.

Produced by Medicom, these Lunar New Year-themed Bearbricks will set you back by $3,999 or $4,999 from Action City.

6. Scene Shang Bliss 福 Lacquer Box

Inspired by the word, “福”, meaning bliss, this lacquer box ($83) from Scene Shang features a background of a bamboo forest coloured in calm shades of jade greens. Finished with a gold print of the word, this piece balances contemporary tastes and an appreciation for Asian culture, perfect for a modern home.

7. Mandarin Orange Sofa Cushion

Decorate your seating area with these vibrant, fruit and nature-themed sofa cushions. While oranges symbolise the Lunar New Year, these clean, contemporary desings are perfect to keep all year long. Choose between cosy round or square-cushion variations, or mix and match the different patterns to add colourful statement pieces for your sofa.

Mandarin Orange cushion covers range from $19.80 to $95.99.

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15 Simple Ways to Refresh Your House For CNY

Clever solutions are within reach and can be implemented right away. We’ve selected 15 of them to help you get started.

1. Textiles & Fabrics Create a Cosy Atmosphere

Introducing textiles or fabrics is a good way to create a cosy atmosphere -- materials like linen, velvet, cotton, silk, wool or suede as cushions, carpets or chair coverings.

Inspired by the elegance of New York and European homes with a casual twist, this home in Canada by interior designer Stephanie Brown is dressed with tactile and approachable materials, perfectly suitable for daytime family life and evening entertaining.

ATRA USA's CEO James William and tech executive Jonno Burden’s modernist villa features a perfectly balanced textural mix and match, creating a delightful surprise in every corner.

2. Try the Scandinavian Hygge

In Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark, the use of candles is part of the art of hygge — a Danish concept that refers to well-being, comfort and cosiness. Making your home feel like a sanctuary and focusing on simplicity and small things in life – like reading a book with a scented candle nearby – allows you to escape the stress of daily life and enjoy the present moment.

Candles placed in glass holders on ornate sideboard in this home by Three-D Conceptwerke add opulence and warmth.

3. Get a New Set of Curtains

A new decorative (and functional) item can completely change the look of a room. Curtains are a good example. Sheer models can have a subtle impact and invite natural light inside, while darker versions create a more masculine and intimate feeling.

In his own Tel Aviv penthouse designed as an urban oasis, architect Oshir Asaban opted for the former to take advantage of the sunshine all year long, and to give the sensation of openness throughout.

4. Install Floral or Geometric Wallpapers

Installing wallpaper with floral or geometric motifs in your living area is a surefire way to add some oomph.

Distinct Identity uses tropical greenery wallpaper to create a garden feel in this home.

Round shapes, squares, triangles, curves and animal prints can also take your space to a new level.

5. Indoor Plants Inject Freshness

Indoor plants can lift your spirits, especially if you live in a dense urban environment. Add some freshness to your home by introducing greenery via a lovely floral arrangement or eyecatching planters.

Greenery mediates the indoor and outdoor in this study with a verdant balcony.

6. Paint a Wall

Go bold and paint a wall (or a part of it) in your favourite hue or pick a colour that inspires a certain mood - optimistic, happy, creative, romantic and so on.

In this Nordic-inspired home in Canada, the design team at PlaidFox incorporated whimsical elements and eye-catching hues, like this pink shade on the breakfast nook, which makes the interiors feel youthful.

7. Get a Sculptural Light

Sculptural lighting fixtures are a perfect combination of beauty and functionality.

In this house situated at the southern tip of Vancouver Island in Canada, the design team at Falken Reynolds’ choice of Bocci 73V pendant lights above the dining table bring the sky and water outside indoors.

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8. Buy a Rug or Carpet

Rugs and carpets add plushness and visual interest to your floorscape.

9. Mirrors Can Transform a Room Quickly

Mirrored surfaces play with your visual perception while their frames complement your interior style. Vintage or contemporary, their shapes, materials and colours can be changed quickly without the need to transform everything else in a room.

Interior designer Yana Schafer of Malyev Schafer used mirrors to brighten the interior of her New York home (above), preserving its old-world charm while adding contemporary touches.

10. Pottery Is In Trend

Pottery — vases, lamps or pots — have been en vogue these past few years. Place them in different nooks in your home to add a human touch.

Handmade ceramics in bright colours add cheer and personality to the arched niches in this home by Edge Interior.

11. Frame Your Old Photographs & Paintings

Expressing yourself through a picture wall is fun, and the possibilities are limitless. You can use anything from personal photographs and prints that you love to artwork in a specific tone or style - just go with your creative flow.

The walls of this (above) double volume TV room by Architology have been transformed into an elegant gallery with oversized paintings.

Paintings, sculptures, photographs or prints — artworks lend personality to any room. While some expensive artworks may be treated as investment pieces, affordable artworks can have the same effect in your space.

This red ballerina artwork adds colour to a classic black and white interior by Carpenter Design Group.

12. Move Objects & Furniture Around The House

Books, photographs, candles, mirrors and vases are only some of the various items you can use to decorate your shelves. Switch up the item placements to change the look of the space.

Changing how your furniture is placed can offer a new experience that requires no budget. For example, putting two elements next to each other when they were previously in separate rooms will give you a new perspective on experiencing a space.

13. Upgrade Your Bathroom Fixtures

Whether classic or futuristic in shape or finished in chrome or fancy coatings like rose gold or matte black, bathroom fixtures are as much part of the decor as they are functional elements. Depending on your preferences, they can add a touch of glamour or warmth.

Matte black bathroom fixtures create a contrast with Dekton Liquid Sky surface in DJ Maddy Barber’s home. Beyond the aesthetic considerations, there are also technological features, like water conservation to consider.

14. Upgrade Door Knobs & Hardware

Replacing the furniture and door hardware actually doesn't take much time. Be creative and think outside the box when you choose. With a little tweak, things like crystals, small jewellery, and porcelain vessels can make for exciting accents.

This neoclassic handle lends an opulent edge to the door.

15. Declutter Your House

Sometimes, removing things is more effective than purchasing new accessories to make over your space. Decluttering also gives you more breathing room. Find decorative boxes or fancy storage elements to elevate your organisation game.

The homeowners of this conservation flat in Tiong Bahru uses a variety of storage to contain their new baby’s toys, keeping the interior tidy at all times.

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Part of this article first appeared on The Straits Times.

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