Oriental Side Table Craftsmanship at Shimu
An oriental side table may be modest in scale, but it carries the same design discipline and craftsmanship as larger pieces within the Chinese furniture tradition. At Shimu, these tables are approached with the same care given to cabinets, tables, and chests, drawing on established forms refined through everyday use. Proportion, balance, and practicality guide their design, resulting in pieces that sit naturally within a room and continue to serve their purpose long after fashions have moved on.
The Origins of the Chinese Style Small Side Table
The Chinese style small side table has its roots in domestic interiors where flexibility mattered. In classical Chinese homes, furniture was often arranged and rearranged according to occasion, season, or ceremony. Small side tables served as surfaces for lamps, tea ware, or personal objects, and were expected to move easily from one position to another without ever feeling insubstantial.
What distinguishes these tables from many later interpretations is their balance. Proportions are carefully judged so that the table sits comfortably beside a chair or bed without drawing undue attention to itself. The form is quiet, the lines measured, and the function clear. These qualities explain why the Chinese style small side table still feels relevant in modern interiors, whether placed in a sitting room, bedroom, or hallway.
Materials That Define an Oriental Wooden Side Table
A true oriental wooden side table begins with the right material. Shimu’s classical pieces are made predominantly from reclaimed elm, a timber used for centuries in furniture making across northern China. This wood is dense, stable, and visually expressive, with a grain that develops character as it ages.
Reclaimed elm brings another advantage. Having already seasoned over decades, it is far less prone to dramatic movement once it reaches a UK home. This stability allows our craftsmen to focus on fine proportions and precise joinery, rather than compensating for unreliable material. The result is an oriental wooden side table that feels solid, honest, and built for long-term use rather than short-term display.
Shimu’s side tables are made using construction methods that predate modern machinery. Mortise-and-tenon joints are employed wherever possible, allowing the frame to hold together through structure rather than glue alone. This approach gives the table strength without unnecessary bulk and ensures that it can cope with daily use.
Each stage of production, from cutting and assembly to sanding and finishing, is carried out by hand in the workshop. This is not done for effect. It is simply the most reliable way to maintain control over proportion and finish. When you place a Shimu oriental side table beside an armchair or bed, it sits squarely, feels balanced to the touch, and behaves exactly as a well-made piece should.
Lacquered Oriental Occasional Table Finishes
A lacquered oriental occasional table introduces colour and surface protection without compromising the underlying form. In traditional Chinese furniture, lacquer was valued for its durability as much as its appearance. At Shimu, finishes are applied in muted tones that suit contemporary interiors while remaining faithful to their origins.
The lacquer is built up gradually, then carefully rubbed back to achieve a soft, lived-in finish rather than a high-gloss shine. This process protects the wood from everyday wear while allowing the table to sit comfortably alongside both modern and traditional furnishings. A lacquered oriental occasional table works particularly well where a little visual contrast is needed without overwhelming the room.
An oriental side table earns its place through usefulness. Its height is designed to sit naturally beside seating or a bed, and its surface area is generous enough for practical use without dominating the space. These proportions have been refined over centuries and require little adjustment for modern living.
In today’s home, these tables are often used beside sofas, as bedside tables, or as occasional surfaces in hallways and studies. Their simplicity allows them to adapt easily, and their construction ensures they remain dependable even when moved regularly.
Shimu Collections Featuring Oriental Side Tables
Oriental side tables appear across several Shimu ranges, particularly within the Chinese Classical Furniture collection, where traditional forms and reclaimed elm are central. Lacquered examples can also be found in the Beijing Blue Collection, which pairs classical shapes with distinctive, time-worn finishes.
For interiors that favour a more relaxed feel, selected pieces within the Farmhouse Elm Furniture collection offer the same craftsmanship with a slightly softer presence. Across all collections, the underlying approach remains consistent: sound construction, appropriate materials, and forms that have already stood the test of time.
About Shimu
Since 2003, Shimu has been the trusted name for authentic Chinese furniture in the UK. Our commitment to craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and attentive service has earned us a loyal following among collectors and interior designers alike. We work directly with expert restorers and workshops in China to source each item responsibly and ensure it arrives in exceptional condition.
From our Yorkshire showroom, we help customers discover antique furniture that suits their individual spaces and tastes. Whether you are searching for an antique side table, a one-of-a-kind cabinet, or a custom-made piece inspired by Ming designs, Shimu provides the assurance of authenticity, quality, and care at every step.
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