You don’t have to stick to a completely traditional home decor style just to take advantage of classic pieces. There are many options to bring a little history and elegance to even the newest designs. Curio cabinets are a great choice because they serve a functional purpose as well as enhance the look of any living room, kitchen, or bedroom.
You can display family heirlooms, treasured collections, or favorite works of art without having to worry about the risk of damage or constant dust. Some modern curio cabinets include features such as built-in lighting and UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the items you store inside. You’ll find plenty of options for this type of closed storage cabinet here at Ashley.
Frequently asked questions about the curio cabinet
Curio cabinets have a long history of use, beginning around the 16th century. They can often fill entire rooms, but today’s glass-doored curio cabinet will take up much less space. Display cabinets often offer a clinical or industrial look, while curio cabinets feature fine woodwork and other aesthetic details to help them blend into the room. Exploring these frequently asked questions about this type of furniture will guide you in determining if this is the right type of accent cabinet for your home.
What is an antique cabinet?
The curio cabinet is a freestanding, upright display cabinet. Most are made of a combination of wood and glass, while less decorative display cabinets are made of metal or all glass instead. The use of wood shelves and frames provides a slightly softer look that helps the piece blend in with almost any part of the home. If you choose a lighted curio cabinet, you are also creating the perfect display area to display your collectibles or art pieces.
While curio cabinets are often used to protect and display a collection of fine china, there is no need to restrict their use to just this purpose. Today’s cabinets are more likely to display jewelry, movie memorabilia, collectible figurines, or other important items. You can add a number of risers and small shelving units to make the most of the protected space. Mirrored backdrops are common within a display space to further accentuate the effect, but are an optional feature. Some homeowners prefer designs with simple backgrounds of polished wood or clear glass to allow the wall color to show through the piece.
How to decorate an antique cabinet?
Begin your efforts to decorate your new glass curio cabinet by choosing just two or three types of items to display. For example, you can choose:
Fine china, silverware, crystal glassware, and other dining sets related to table settings such as candle holders, serving trays, chargers, centerpieces, vases, planters, and other flower-related displays such as attractive watering cans, antique bottles, and filled jars With interesting items, small decorative boxes, framed photos of family members and friends, folded table linens or just a decorative cloth in colors and patterns. Your favorite family memorabilia such as pocket watches, jewelry and photo albums Sculptures, figurines and art pieces created by family members Collectibles of any kind
Find a place for the curio cabinet where its contents can be enjoyed without causing flow problems. If you choose a very tall curio cabinet, make sure you have enough ceiling space for it. You want about 2 feet or more of wall space between the top of the curio cabinet and the ceiling in most home designs. If you are placing the cabinet in your dining room to hold tablecloths and dishes, consider placing it at one end of the table so that it is within easy reach when setting the table.
Where to buy antique cabinets?
For traditional curio cabinets for sale with a lot of vintage style, you’ll need to turn to antique stores and estate sales. There are plenty of cherry and mahogany pieces that will easily last another 100 years with minimal refinishing or maintenance. If you’re interested in a more contemporary style, you can find modern antiques sold at most furniture stores, including here at Ashley. Today’s new curio cabinets tend to offer a more streamlined look and interesting finish options such as textured wood or aged wood.
You can find antique cabinets that need refinishing at garage sales, flea markets, and used furniture stores. While these pieces won’t be ready to go straight into your living room or dining room, they do provide you with the opportunity to create a unique design that suits your home. However, you will need some carpentry and finishing skills before attempting to tackle a project like this.
Are antique cabinets old-fashioned?
Many people concerned about protecting an antique display cabinet worry that this type of furniture is becoming outdated. It’s true that the large, bulky closets of the past only worked well with traditional decor. But today’s cabinets are available in a variety of transitional and modern designs that definitely fit the trend. It doesn’t feel like you have to settle for one look or type of cabinets when there are so many options to choose from.
There has been a recent focus on functional furnishings that offer more than just aesthetics to a room. An antique cabinet fits this trend perfectly because it combines a stylish piece with enclosed storage space that protects your most valuable possessions. Even today, no dining room or living area is complete without some sort of antique or hutch to organize the space.
Finding the right living room furniture to create a unique look for your home means taking inspiration from the future and the past. Curio cabinets may have a long history behind them, but there are plenty of options that aren’t old or outdated. Organize and display your collections with the help of furniture designed with preservation in mind. In addition to these cabinets, you may want to consider closed shelves that match the theme to continue your display.
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