If you think a china cabinet is a vintage piece of furniture, you’re greatly mistaken. Beautiful dinnerware sets and luxurious figurines are still in style, which means the demand for such furniture remains high. Artos Inc. offers china cabinets in both classic and modern styles.
History of the Built-In China Cabinet
The secret of Chinese porcelain remained undisclosed for a long time, which made it extremely expensive. Naturally, those who owned such a treasure didn’t want to hide it in ordinary cabinets. That’s why specialized Chinese cabinets for porcelain became popular. They served as display cases to showcase wealth and impeccable taste.
In the 18th century, these pieces became more decorative. They were crafted from exotic woods, adorned with intricate carvings, fine inlays, and moldings. Such cabinets were installed in formal dining rooms, where both the furniture and the porcelain served as decorative elements.
In the 19th century, when the secret of porcelain-making was revealed and production moved to Europe, these cabinets became part of middle-class home interiors. They were still used to display and store dishware, as well as to hold figurines, vases, works of art, and photographs.
In the 20th century, porcelain furniture design continued to evolve. For example, the 1920s and 30s embraced the Art Deco style, with sleek lines and geometric shapes. In the 1950s, furniture became more functional — featuring built-in lighting, sections for glassware, silver flatware, and other accessories.
Today, these pieces are still found in many homes. Their styles and designs are not limited — both classic and contemporary options are welcomed.
Comparing China Cabinets and Display Cabinets
The terms “display cabinet” and “china cabinet” are often used interchangeably. However, they serve different purposes and differ in design.
Display cabinets are used to showcase figurines, souvenirs, and family heirlooms. They usually have glass walls on all sides, allowing the contents to be viewed from any angle. These cabinets are light and decorative.
China cabinets, on the other hand, are designed not only for display but also for storing dishware. They are typically installed in dining rooms and kitchens. These pieces are made from a combination of wood and glass: the base is enclosed, and the sides are solid. They are used for storing porcelain and other table-setting items.
Display cabinets can also be used to store a porcelain collection, but in that case, the dishes are meant solely for decorative purposes. If the porcelain is used regularly, a wooden cabinet is a more practical choice.
Built-In vs. Freestanding Cabinet — Which to Choose?
Choosing the right cabinet is easier when you understand the benefits of both types:
Construction:
A freestanding cabinet is a standalone furniture piece that can be moved anywhere. It usually has a solid back and rests on legs or a base. A built-in cabinet is fixed directly to the wall, cannot be moved, and blends in with the decor and other furnishings.
Installation:
A freestanding cabinet can be placed in any room and in any suitable spot. It doesn’t require attachment to the wall or floor, making it easy to relocate. A built-in version, however, requires careful planning of its installation spot. It’s mounted to the wall or fitted into a niche and typically requires professional installation.
Versatility:
A freestanding cabinet is more versatile in terms of placement. It can be easily relocated or even repurposed. Style, color, and material options are nearly unlimited. A built-in cabinet, however, is often designed to match a specific interior.
Both options are equally good and have their own benefits. The final choice depends on personal preference, available space, and the room’s style. Freestanding cabinets are more flexible and offer more design options, while built-in ones save space and integrate seamlessly into any interior.
Benefits of a Built-In China Cabinet
A built-in china cabinet is a popular choice among homeowners seeking an elegant and practical way to store beautiful dishware and decorative items — while also showcasing their collection to guests.
Here are some of the main benefits:
- Increased storage space:Built-in furniture helps free up space for less-used kitchen items and keeps things organized.
- Customization:Customers can choose the size, shape, style, and special features based on their needs, space, and décor. This allows for a personalized solution that meets both the homeowner’s needs and the kitchen’s specifics.
- Enhancing the interior design:With proper lighting, glass panels, and decorative details, the cabinet can become a focal point of the interior — adding elegance and warmth.
- Property value boost:Especially if the cabinet is well-crafted and blends harmoniously with the decor. It’s a smart investment, particularly if you plan to sell the home in the future.
Features of a Built-In China Cabinet
Custom-built cabinets can include features that reflect the customer’s needs and preferences. Here are some options to consider:
- Lighting:Shelf lighting highlights the displayed dishware and enhances its elegance, while also creating a cozy ambiance. This can be done with LED strips, spotlights, or under-shelf lighting.
- Glass:Glass doors make the furniture a bold visual feature. You can choose classic clear glass, frosted, textured, matte, or smoky glass — each adding a unique touch.
- Shelves:It’s best to have extra shelves to accommodate a growing collection. Shelves can be adjustable or fixed and made from wood, glass, or other materials.
- Mirrored back panel:Adds depth and enhances the appearance of the items on display. A vintage mirror can serve as a striking focal point.
- Drawers:Useful for storing table linens, napkins, or silverware — both practical and convenient.
- Finishing touches:Decorative moldings, trim, and hardware chosen to match the interior are excellent for elevating the look.
- Hidden compartments:These can be used to store valuable items like sterling silver or serving sets.
These are just a few possibilities. The configuration can be highly varied. The furniture can be fully customized to match the home’s style, specific needs, and budget.
Custom Built-In China Cabinets
Creating a built-in china cabinet from scratch is a complex task — especially in a small space or a room with a unique layout. For example, traditional models might not fit. But with the right design, materials, and concept, the result can be perfectly tailored to the client. Buying from a trusted manufacturer speeds up implementation.
Our company produces furniture, including cabinets for Chinese porcelain. We know how to find the right solution for any space.
Three Steps to the Perfect Built-In China Cabinet
If you already know how your cabinet should look, we suggest gathering photos to help our designers understand your vision. It’s also important to consider the space and how it’s used. To make sure nothing is overlooked, the design process is divided into three stages:
1. Measure the space and create a plan
The room is the canvas the designer works from. Before making final decisions about the style, the room’s dimensions and available space around the furniture are assessed. We determine how the cabinet will fit into the interior.
Measurements are taken to define size, capacity, number of shelves, and the most suitable materials.
2. Offer optimal space solutions
Dimensions aren’t everything — interior features matter too. For instance, drawers and shelves made of natural wood, glass or wooden doors, overhead compartments. Some models include open shelving to make the space feel brighter and more spacious.
To create functional and unique furniture, we consider the client’s lifestyle and the room’s design. Our wide product selection allows us to bring any idea to life. We can create furniture from scratch or modify a standard design — adding different doors, shelves, or lighting.
3. Sign the contract
All work and obligations are specified in the contract. The furniture will be built exactly to the design and within the agreed timeframe.
There are many ways to upgrade a space. We offer solutions tailored to your interiors and preferences. It’s not always simple — but we know how to win your heart.
Contact us for a consultation — we’ll show you what we can do!