Curio Buying Guide

Beginning your search

With so many different curio cabinets to choose from, finding the one that is just right for you can seem like an intimidating task.

What do you plan to display?

Begin your search by considering the amount of space you want your curio cabinet to occupy. Choose from traditional floor standing curios, corner curios, consoles, and wall mounted models to fit your available space. The next step is to take into account the size of the collection you want to display. After you determine the ideal balance between available floor space and optimum size for your display, you can move on to finding specific curio cabinet styles to complement your collection and match your taste and existing home décor.

Complement your existing furnishings

To nicely coordinate with your home furnishings and your collection, choose curio cabinets that exemplify the styles developed during many of the world's major art movements, from the Renaissance up to the Modern periods and nearly every period in between. The diversity of curio cabinets includes both conservative and more adventurous styles, so you can choose with confidence. The finest stylistic details are usually found in the pediment, base, side columns, and hardware.

The best curio cabinets are constructed from select hardwoods and veneers. Choose from among a variety of woods and finishes to get the color that best complements your decor.

Choosing your ideal display area

Deciding which features appeal to you is simply a matter of personal taste. If your collection is one that you plan to rearrange or change entirely from time to time, you may want a curio cabinet that offers easy access to the display area. Take into account the size and shape of either front or side opening doors and the number of shelves is important if you have many items in your collection. Shelves that can be adjusted easily make for flexible display options. If you have collector's plates you would like to exhibit, permanent vertical plate grooves are essential.

Showing off your collection

The amount of light in the display area will influence the appearance of your display greatly. If your curio cabinet doesn't allow ample natural light to properly showcase the display, interior curio cabinet illumination is available in flattering incandescent light and brighter, whiter, longer lasting halogen. Side windows combined with mirrored back panels provide an impressive panoramic view of your treasured items.

Safety and security

Many curio cabinets are equipped with a locking door, which is particularly sensible for homes with small children. Other cabinets feature semi-hidden drawers and secret compartments for added security. Again, the particular needs of your display and your environment will be a great influence you when you are selecting the ideal curio cabinet.

If you're still not sure what type of curio cabinet you're looking for, the biggest help is to start browsing. You are bound to come across a piece that appeals to your design aesthetics and captures your attention. After all, arousing curiosity is exactly what curio cabinets were created to do.

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