Tips and ideas for making the most of your outdoor space

Our outdoor spaces have played a more important role than ever as refuges and retreats over these last few months. Many of us who are lucky enough to have gardens have been spending time getting on top of the weeds, planting seeds and getting the lawn looking perfect. The beautiful weather we've been having has meant more time playing outside with the children or just getting some much needed downtime, reading and relaxing on a garden seat with favourite scatter cushions and throws. Many of us have learnt to appreciate our outdoor spaces more than ever, and the benefits in terms of well-being and mental health that being outdoors can bring.

At Shimu we've recently extended our range of outdoor accessories to help you add those finishing touches to your garden, creating a relaxing haven in preparation for the summer months ahead. 

Candle light instantly sets the mood for a calming ambience. Our elegant, Jio Garden Lanterns (above right) are great for the summer evenings, giving out a soft glow of candle light through a glass bowl holder that is finished with a lovely hammered effect.  Made with a sturdy iron base, the lanterns can be placed directly into wooden decking, lawns or slide into a favourite, large flower pot for a fabulous look on a patio or seated balcony area.

Our wonderful selection of beautiful clay and ceramic pots and planters, like the new affiti planters shown here, will add depth and decor to any outside space. Fill them with an array of beautiful flowers and plants to furnish your patio or balcony or use them inside, bringing the great outdoors in!

We all love to eat alfresco, especially when our jobs involve being indoors all day. It's a delight watching the children have fun carrying wooden platters, boards and bowls full of culinary delights to the garden table whilst dad boasts about his barbecuing skills! We recommend setting the mood with our stylish Kabu wooden lanterns, carved from mango wood and with a glass cylinder inside to hold a candle.

Above: Kabu Lanterns, Nalbari Platters, Chunni Chopping Boards, Sia Lanterns 

Lastly, to add a cosy touch to your outdoor furniture and to help enjoy the long summer evenings even when the sun goes down, we've added a new range of cushions and soft, cotton throws in a wide range of colours. Cuddle up around one of our kadai firepits and enjoy the calm, atmospheric nights.

Above: Moss Stitch Cotton Throws, Iron Kadai Firepit, Tussi Cushions

Continue to stay safe and enjoy your outdoor spaces as we look forward to being able to share more time with family and friends, hopefully in the not too distant future.