Shimu Oriental Furniture

Some pieces don't need bold colours or elaborate decoration to make a statement.

Crafted from reclaimed elm wood, this four-drawer console celebrates the beauty of simplicity. Its clean lines, generous proportions and richly textured timber bring warmth and character to any interior, with a naturally weathered surface that gives a wonderfully tactile feel.

Equally suited to a hallway, living space or dining room, it offers practical storage alongside a calm, understated presence - a timeless piece designed to age gracefully and work effortlessly within both contemporary and traditional homes.

Consistently popular amongst our customers, our range of porcelain and ceramic stools are based on designs dating back centuries. Highly versatile for seating, as portable side tables, plant stands or for outdoor spaces in the summer months, they add colour and interest wherever and however you choose to use them. You can view the full range online or find out more about the origins and history of these lovely pieces in our latest blog post.

View the collection -->> https://tinyurl.com/ceramic-stools
Read the blog post -->> https://tinyurl.com/stools-blog

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 - Whoopsee Chinoiserie: the irresistible charm of the Orient conquering contemporary interiors

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.

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

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.

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. ✨

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.