Chinese Painted Furniture

Chinese painted furniture is admired not only for its practical design but also for its decorative appeal. With strong links to regional culture and traditional art, these unique pieces offer both beauty and practical storage. Whether you’re interested in a painted sideboard for your hallway or an ornate cabinet for stowing away unsightly clutter, Chinese furniture has the power to bring warmth and charm to your home.

At Shimu, our collection features a range of antique and new painted pieces, including Chinese cabinets, chests, and tables. Painted furniture can literally tell a story, with hand-finished decoration that reflects scenes from nature, folklore, or daily life. Painted by skilled makers, these items are both visually appealing and made to be used.

A Decorative Tradition

The use of painting in Chinese furniture goes back hundreds of years, especially in northern provinces. Rather than carving, craftspeople in these regions often painted decoration directly onto cabinets, boxes, and other items. The style was influenced by the materials available and the climate, but also by the tastes of the local people.

Motifs vary from flowers and birds to detailed landscapes and symbolic animals. The peony, a popular choice, stands for honour and wealth, while scenes with fish often suggest peace and balance. These painted images add life and interest, turning each item of furniture into a small artwork.

Colours also hold meaning, and deep reds, for example, were linked to joy and celebration, while softer shades of green and cream gave a calming presence. Over time, as the furniture aged, the painted layers developed a worn, textured surface that remains highly valued by collectors and designers today.

Painted Chinese Furniture for Contemporary Homes

Chinese painted furniture suits a wide mix of interiors. A hand-painted cabinet or table can act as a highlight in a simple modern room or fit seamlessly within more traditional décor. The finish adds a touch of personality, helping to create spaces that feel individual and lived in.

At Shimu, we stock both newly made painted furniture and antique, vintage items. Our antique Chinese cabinets and sideboards are brought directly from China, where they are chosen for their detail, condition, and overall appeal. Each one has a history and brings its own character to a room.

Newer painted furniture is handmade by skilled artisans, using solid woods and time-honoured building techniques. These items echo older styles but are built for today’s homes, offering both decoration and long-lasting use.

Chinese Cabinets and More at Shimu

Our painted Chinese cabinets are among the most popular pieces in our range. From slim hallway cupboards to broad living room storage, each one combines strong lines with fine artwork. We also offer painted trunks, tables, desks, and screens, giving you many options to suit your space.

In addition to painted pieces, our wider collection of Chinese furniture includes plain lacquered cabinets, elm sideboards, altar tables, and more. We also carry antique furniture, home accessories, lighting and textiles. All items can be ordered through our website with UK-wide delivery, or you can visit our showroom in Albion Mills, West Yorkshire, to see the full range for yourself.

Black Lacquer Furniture | Blue and White Ginger Jar | Chinese Artwork | Chinese Tableware | Buddha Head | Green Chinese Ginger Jar | Chinese Blue Lamp | Oriental Rugs | Oriental Cabinet | Chinese Sideboards | Mango Furniture | Chinese Furniture | Chinese Buddha | Blue Chinese Rug | Large Buddha Statue | Chinese Temple | Dragon Necklace | Second Hand Chinese Furniture | Chinese Coffee Tables | Chinese Medicine Cabinet | Chinese Armoire | Chinese Furniture Birmingham | Chinese Furniture Glasgow | Chinoiserie | Chinese Lanterns | Chinese Figurines | Calligraphy Brushes | Chinese Lamp Shades | Modern Chinese Interior Design | Old Antique Wooden Boxes | Chinese Console Tables