Tell a Story with our Classical Chinese furniture

Tell a Story with our Classical Chinese furniture

Classical Chinese furniture has a timeless appeal that never goes out of style. Steeped in tradition and admired for its elegance and beauty, these time-honoured pieces instantly evoke feelings of peace and calm.

Shimu’s signature range of traditional Chinese furniture is handcrafted from reclaimed elm and includes reproductions from China’s golden age, as well as contemporary designs inspired by the same period. From larger sideboards and cabinets to bedside units and blanket trunks, there is a huge range of products to choose from, meaning any room in the home can benefit from a hint of ageless Chinese style.

Altar Cabinet, Black Lacquer Horseshoe Armchair, Black Lacquer Circular Shelves, Warm Elm
Blanket Trunk, Red Lacquer Tapered Cabinet, Warm Elm End Cabinet, Black Lacquer


One of the most fascinating things about Chinese furniture is the tradition and history behind it. Many of our classical pieces have a story which will fascinate your guests and add an extra dimension to their beauty.

 Daybed Coffee Table, Warm Elm

Daybed Coffee Table, Warm Elm

Altar Table, Black Lacquer

Altar Table, Black Lacquer

The two pieces above are great examples of this. The Square Daybed Table in Warm Elm (above left) is based on the original design of Chinese daybeds, reduced in size to fit into today’s modern homes. Daybeds were used in Chinese homes as seating during the day and for sleeping on at night. They were often made with solid wooden frames but with either rattan or woven top panels to add comfort.

The beautiful, intricate design of the Black Lacquer Altar Table (above right) make it a standout piece from the range. Again, this has been made smaller and more practical for modern western homes, but still retains the beautiful style and elegant decorative elements of the original pieces. Chinese altar tables were not only used for holding offerings to ancestors, but also as more general surfaces to display flowers, vases or other prized possessions.

 
Wedding Cabinet, Black Lacquer

Wedding Cabinet, Black Lacquer

Wedding Cabinet, Red Lacquer

Wedding Cabinet, Red Lacquer

For the more romantic amongst you, take a look at these classic Chinese wedding cabinets. Traditionally, these large cabinets or armoires were presented as part of a bride’s wedding dowry. The contents of the cabinet – fabrics, clothes and silks, also formed part of the dowry. Just like these stunning reproductions, the cabinets were usually in either red or black lacquer and decorated with large, circular brass plates.

Hundred Eye Chest

Hundred Eye Chest, Warm Elm

Last but certainly not least, our collection of Apothecary chests are not to be missed, combining stunning traditional design with practicality for the modern home. Multi drawer medicine chests were used by apothecaries and pharmacists throughout China to store the herbs and other remedies used in their profession. The larger ones were referred to as ‘hundred eye chests’ due to the multitude of drawers. Ours are on a smaller scale but with larger sized drawers – perfect either for a CD collection or to store everything from socks and underwear to jewellery or toiletries.

All of these treasures and more can be found within Shimu’s classical Chinese collection. Our knowledgeable team are always on hand to help you fully appreciate the centuries of tradition and the story behind every piece so feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Previous article 2018 Year of the Dog
Back To Blog
Next article Back in China with a whistle stop vist to Shanghai and Anhui

Leave a comment

Comments must be approved before appearing

* Required fields