Curio Cabinet

A curio cabinet is a predominantly glass cabinet which has a metal or wood framework used to display collection of crystals or figurines that share a common theme. Majority of curios have glass on each side or a mirror at the back and glass levels to showcase the figurine or crystal collection. There are many ways of enhancing home décor, accent chairs and furniture curio cabinets are just one of the many ways of doing so. Curio cabinets may be designed to fit into any size or design in a room. A curio can be hanged in the wall or stand in a corner to display valuables and mementos.

In the house we have areas for comfort, for storage and for display. For comfort, a zero gravity recliner can be used or a set of chaise lounges. For storing books, we sometimes opt for stackable folding bookcases to save space, and for displaying our treasures for everyone to admire, nothing beats curio cabinets. Curio cabinets also protect and showcase fine collectibles.

The Flemish built display cabinets with hidden doors and drawers back in the 16^th century and this was when the concept for curios started. Dutch also had similar cabinets in the 17^th century. The terms curio and curio cabinet became synonymous with each other in the 18^th century when small cabinets began to be produced specifically to showcase curio.

Curios have common features. Almost all types of curios have adjustable shelves, plate grooves and padlock shelf clips which hold the shelves in place securely. Almost all curios also have mirrored backs for a 360-degree view of the valuables or collectibles. Many of the curio glass cabinets sold today also have lighting. This will allow you to put a spotlight on your collectibles. The light is plugged to a regular outlet from behind. There are also adjustable levelers on each cabinet which allows you to level the curio to any type of flooring.

• Wall Curios. These are fairly standard curio cabinets that are to be placed against almost any wall. They have typical design. They have a rectangular shape, glass doors and tall stature. However, there are some curios which are available in cylinder shape. These can be placed almost anywhere you like, they do not need to be necessarily placed in corners. There are smaller wall curio cabinets which can be mounted on walls. These are not only small in size; they are also different because they do not have to be placed on the ground. Wall mounted curio cabinets can be hanged on the wall right above another piece of furniture like a couch or a table. It can be set at eye level so it is the first thing your guests will notice when they walk into the room.
• Corner Curio Cabinets. If you fell that you do not have enough room for a regular furniture curio cabinet, then this is just perfect for you. This is the ideal solution because it has many of the same features of the other types of curios while utilizing the dead space in the family room or hallway. A curio cabinet not only provides a safe, dust-free environment in which to store your valuables, it also adds another element of style to the space. A nicely-designed corner curio cabinet can also be the perfect focal point in a room.

• Miniature Curios and Console Tables. These are smaller versions of standard wall curios, usually shorter. They tend to be better suited for compact or higher trafficked areas. Console tables are similar to miniature curio cabinets and they have a more traditional, four-legged table design.

As mentioned earlier, curio cabinets are used to display fine art, figurines, wine glasses, jewelry, silverware, china, porcelain, ceramics, photographs and other sentimental collectibles and memorabilia. However, there is no strict definition as to what you can put and cannot display in the curio cabinet. This depends from person to person, on what is valuable to him or her. Apart from chaise lounges, curio cabinets will add beauty to your house regardless if you decide to purchase the modern curio cabinets or traditional ones. Your valuables can be put in a safe place where everybody can enjoy and admire them.