Traditional chinese low seatings

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In summary: I like the idea of modifying a futon.In summary, the person is trying to find a way to lower their space of activity and find a low seating area. They are considering a car seat, a futon, and modifying their existing furniture.
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does anybody use this? I'm trying to find somewhere that can provide some images and info on low daybeds, low chairs and platforms, cause i want to build a low daybed or low couch for the livingroom, along with a low table...

i have decided to lower my space of activity towards the floor, due to my leg muscles being very tigth and unstrechable... i bycicle at least 16 kilometers a day and skate alot... i also train tai chi, and it seems those activities are almost incompatible, no matter how much i strech my legs, they simply won't strech more easily... my tai chi instructor says this probably has to do with my elevated way of living, and if i want to become flexible, i will need to lower myself to ground level much more... changing the furniture is the best way of doing this, but i simply don't have the money to buy this kind of furniture, cause it's expensive like hell... and i like these kind of projects and working with my hands anyway...

anybody got a suggestion?
 
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  • #2
Hello Sir, I am very much interested in our Ancient Chinese furnitures as well. Too bad they aren't inhereted to households of this generation.

There are a rare few selling these furnitures. But to make them is probably easier. But... probably not as elegant.

Are you talking about those furnitures Japanese now uses? Low in height, so you can sit on floor and use the table to drink some tea? Bored of modern sofa like me? :D
 
  • #3
Here's the I care 2 hoots about aesthetics approach :

1. Take your existing tables and chairs,
2. Grab your favourite saw
3. Put 2 to the legs of 1 and you have your low furniture
 
  • #4
PrudensOptimus said:
Are you talking about those furnitures Japanese now uses? Low in height, so you can sit on floor and use the table to drink some tea? Bored of modern sofa like me? :D

yeah... something like it... and yeah... modern furniture is a bore... i never changes.. and when it does, it's either called "retro" which is old, and even more ugly, or "futuristic" which is both impractical and so ugly that my eyes have to be surgically removed and replaced in order for me to function just fractionally normal after having seen a piece... i would rather have my bollox smashed repeatedly with a dead gopher, while my teeth is being committed to 24 hour high frequency dental surgery, than i would own a piece of modern furniture...

goku, i love your handy approach, and that was my first thought as well (which is why i love it...) ... unfortunately this is impossible with our couch. which is the most important part of the furniture... i don't use much other than the couch and the livingroom table...
 
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  • #5
One easy approach is to just buy a bunch of big pillows, toss them on the floor alongside a large coffeetable, and voila, instant low seating around a table. You don't actually have to sit ON the sofa, you know? I am often far more comfortable sitting on the floor than on a sofa, just using the sofa as a backrest...probably because I'm somewhat short and I'm not comfortable with my feet just dangling.
 
  • #6
i'm already looking for a good, thin mat to do that, but i still want to make a couch...
 
  • #7
How about modifying a futon? Unless you really know what you're doing, a homemade "sofa" won't likely be much more comfortable than a futon (if you want to get an idea, toss your sofa cushions on the floor and sit on them for a while...they aren't very comfortable without the springs underneath if you're looking for sofa comfort). Futons are already pretty close to the ground, but you can probably shorten the legs a bit more and make what you're looking for. Maybe even find one at a garage sale. Oh, you know what else makes good low seating? A car seat...like the removable backseat in minivans...might not be all that inexpensive, but very comfortable and low to the ground (I used to have neighbors who used the backseat of their minivan as a living room sofa...apartment life...gave them a place to store the seat AND provided an inexpensive version of furnishings for the apt). You might be able to find one at a junkyard though.
 
  • #8
i really like that futon idea... I've seen some with a wooden base, so that could be perfect... allthough, almost everyone I've seen had metal legs which would make it more difficult for a poor guy like myself...
 

1. What is the purpose of traditional Chinese low seatings?

Traditional Chinese low seatings, also known as "Kang" in Chinese, were originally designed for heating purposes during the cold winters. The low height of the seating allowed for heat to rise from the floor and warm up the person sitting on it. It was also used as a multipurpose furniture piece for sleeping, eating, and socializing.

2. What materials are typically used to make traditional Chinese low seatings?

The most commonly used materials for traditional Chinese low seatings are wood, bamboo, and straw. These materials are not only readily available in China, but they also provide a comfortable and supportive sitting surface. The frames are usually made from sturdy wood, while the seat and backrest are made from woven bamboo or straw mats.

3. Are traditional Chinese low seatings still used in modern China?

Yes, traditional Chinese low seatings are still used in some parts of China, particularly in rural areas and traditional households. However, with the rise of modern furniture and Western influence, many people have switched to using chairs and tables instead of low seatings. They are still commonly used in traditional ceremonies and tea ceremonies.

4. How do you maintain and care for traditional Chinese low seatings?

To maintain and care for traditional Chinese low seatings, it is important to keep them away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture to prevent warping and cracking. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild cleaner is recommended. If the seating is made from bamboo or straw, it is important to keep them dry to prevent mold growth. It is also recommended to periodically apply a coat of wood oil to keep the wood from drying out.

5. Can traditional Chinese low seatings be used in modern interior design?

Yes, traditional Chinese low seatings can be incorporated into modern interior design. They can add a unique and cultural touch to a room and can be used as a functional and decorative furniture piece. They can also be used in outdoor spaces, such as gardens or patios, for a traditional and peaceful atmosphere.

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