Shimu Oriental Furniture

27/05/2026

Love this article on Chinese antiques and chinoiserie.

"The Chinese art and antiques market is also experiencing a new focus. Young collectors and interior designers are looking for authentic pieces: Ming chairs with pure lines, lacquered trunks, celadon ceramics, calligraphy tables. Not necessarily to build “oriental” interiors, but to insert elements with a strong aesthetic and narrative weight inside contemporary homes. A single antique Chinese sideboard, in a minimalist setting, can often make more atmosphere than an entire decorative design..."

Chinoiserie: the irresistible charm of the Orient conquering contemporary interiors

22/05/2026

We are proud to have supported a Gold Medal winning collaboration of orchid conservationists and growers at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Furniture from our Classical Chinese range provide a wonderful setting for these rare and beautiful plants, with ‘The Chinese Scholar’s Study’ exhibit, celebrating orchids that have inspired Chinese culture for centuries, receiving the RHS Award of Merit to complement their Gold Medal for their main stand. Congratulations to Orchid Conservation Chelsea and to all involved!

20/05/2026

Whilst we love the painted, lacquered and decorative antiques from Shanxi and neighbouring Chinese provinces, it's often the more stripped back, simple pieces that have the most presence.

This elm console table, dating to around 1900, is a perfect example. Crafted with beautifully balanced proportions and a wonderfully timeworn surface, its understated character allows the natural grain and texture of the wood to take centre stage. The softened edges, faded patina and honest signs of age give it a warmth and authenticity that feel effortlessly relevant in contemporary interiors today.

Equally at home in a hallway, behind a sofa or as a statement console, it brings a quiet sense of calm and permanence to a space - proof that simplicity rarely goes out of style.

13/05/2026

New on the Blog : Styling Antique Chinese Furniture in Modern Homes

Antique Chinese furniture has a timeless quality that allows it to sit beautifully within both traditional and contemporary interiors. While many associate oriental antiques with more classical spaces, some of the most striking interiors today combine clean modern styling with carefully chosen antique pieces full of character and history.

Find out more in our latest blog post, with tips for how best to bring these beautiful pieces into a modern space to bring warmth and personality into your home.

Read more -->> https://www.shimu.co.uk/blogs/news

11/05/2026

Back in stock and new designs added!

Our popular umbrella stands are available again in classic blue and white and in more contemporary patterns - just in time for the showers forecast this week! Each stand is crafted in porcelain and stands at two foot tall, making them perfect for umbrellas and walking sticks, or as decorative floor vases to hold dried stems.

Practical and versatile, they add interest and colour to any entrance hall.

07/05/2026

Create a calm, organic retreat with our Chinese Country collection - where traditional craftsmanship meets modern living. Handcrafted from reclaimed elm timbers, each piece showcases a beautifully natural finish that highlights the rich grain, texture and character of the wood.

The standout lattice bed brings timeless Chinese design into a contemporary setting, with its striking geometric headboard and footboard creating a warm, understated statement piece. Available in king and double sizes, it pairs perfectly with the matching bedside tables, cabinets and chests to complete the look.

Natural textures, handcrafted details and effortless style - designed to make every bedroom feel like a sanctuary. ✨

04/05/2026

The lacquered and painted cabinets produced in Shanxi province are consistently some of our favourite pieces, beautifully crafted and with decorative motifs that always have a story to tell.

Dating from the early 19th century, this elm wood cabinet is a lovely example and carries nearly two centuries of history in its beautifully worn black lacquer. The softly crackled surface and areas of gentle wear provide a record of time - adding depth, warmth, and an authenticity that can’t be replicated with contemporary pieces.

The front is beautifully decorated with painted floral motifs to symbolise prosperity and beauty, whilst a pair of songbirds each perched on a branch represent happiness.

In a modern interior, the cabinet works as a striking counterpoint, grounding clean lines and contemporary spaces with texture and a sense of history. Whether placed in a hallway, living room, or bedroom, it brings quiet drama and a sense of permanence.

02/05/2026

Timeless design meets everyday practicality ✨

If you're thinking of revamping a bedroom or guest room this Spring, you'll find a range of options amongst our handcrafted furniture ranges to bring warmth, character, and elegance to any bedroom setting. From rich natural wood tones to luxurious lacquered finishes, each piece is carefully made using traditional craftsmanship and classic styling.

Perfect for creating a calm, considered space - whether you prefer a light, airy feel or something more bold and dramatic.

Explore the details, appreciate the craftsmanship, and transform your bedside into something special.

https://www.shimu.co.uk/collections/oriental-bedroom-furniture

29/04/2026

shimufurniture We have plenty more of our rustic green pots and vases back in stock. They come in various shapes and sizes and look great grouped together or use a single vase for a small floral display. See the full collection online.

https://www.shimu.co.uk/search?type=product%0D%0A&q=gwvg*

27/04/2026

This striking mid-19th century cabinet is from Shanxi province in northern China, finished in a beautifully timeworn red lacquer that reveals layers of depth and character.

Its doors feature delicate hand-painted scenes of birds among flowering branches - rich in traditional symbolism. Two cranes, seen on the lower left, represent peace and longevity, while the blossoms speak to renewal, prosperity, and feminine beauty, together conveying wishes for a long and harmonious life.

The panel below the doors is adorned with pomegranates, a motif associated with fertility that suggests the cabinet may originally have been presented to newlyweds as part of the bride's dowry. Once highlighted in gold, the detailing has gently aged to soft brown and muted gold tones, perfectly complementing the warm red lacquer backdrop.

One of several beautifully restored armoires from Shanxi in our currently collection, you can see full details online.