Chinese Curio Cabinets

Chloe Hughes Interior Design Expert

Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.

Updated 17/04/2021

Chinese curio cabinets are an ornate and lovely way to showcase your favorite collectables in style and give them their appropriate respect. These pieces are always very well made by master Chinese furniture makers and come in plenty of styles and sizes to match your space constraints and the vastness of your collection. If you are looking for an elegant way to accent your home, a Chinese curio cabinet is a good choice.

Buying Guide

For those who love Asian style, decorating with Chinese curio cabinets is the optimal way of showcasing collectibles, dinnerware, and other items worth preserving in a beautiful area. When there are blank walls available in the dining room or living room, the addition of the cabinets like these is an excellent way of housing your most prized possessions, memorabilia, and souvenirs. Because there is such a broad range of choices available, we’re going to help narrow your focus here.

What are the standard measurements of Chinese curio cabinets?

Under most circumstances, you'll find the following standard measurements for older, more traditionally-styled Chinese curio cabinets:

two-glass cabinets: 36" wide and 16" deep
three glass cabinets: 45" wide and 17" deep

Because Chinese curio cabinets are available in a plethora of styles, shapes, and sizes, these two options are meant merely as a guideline. When looking at the space you’re going to place the cabinet, be sure to measure the cabinet, the area it will go in, as well as the areas it will move through.

What are Chinese curio cabinets typically made of?

Chinese curio cabinets are generally constructed of wood with glass, mirror, and (or) metal accents and (or) ornamentation. For example, a cabinet may have a wooden construction, feature glass shelving, a mirrored backing, and metal hardware for handles, knobs, and corner ornaments.

Wood: not only is this material easy to maintain, but its durability will last a lifetime because these cabinets are typically made from hardwoods like ash, maple, and walnut. If the cabinet features intricate painting or carving, you'll need to take extra care to ensure chipping doesn't occur.
Glass: older Chinese curio cabinets will not feature tempered glass, so be sure you're extra careful when placing items on these shelves and during cleaning.
Metal: the cabinets featuring metal accents, knobs, handles, and bases add a modern appeal to the piece while simultaneously strengthening the construction.

How to style with Chinese curio cabinets?

One of the best things about adding Chinese curio cabinets to your home’s décor is they’re available in a variety of styles. Ranging from cabinets featuring sleek lines, modern finishes, and underplayed features, it's possible to successfully add them to modern and contemporary rooms without the cabinet becoming obtrusive. For rooms that feature a traditional style, select a cabinet with a mirrored back, glass shelves, and doors on the bottom depicting ornamental carvings. If you're going for a bohemian style, opt for a Chinese curio cabinet featuring intricately carved details, curving arches, and sliding doors.

What additional features to look for in Chinese curio cabinets?

Some curio cabinets have additional features that help showcase your collectibles and memorabilia. For example, would you like the addition of a light to help make your possessions more visible? Some Chinese curio cabinets are also available with adjustable shelves to help accommodate the size of various items. It may also become necessary for you to purchase a curio cabinet that locks to help protect your most precious possessions. Remember that, in addition to being a functional piece of furniture in your home, your Chinese curio cabinet is also serving as a piece of art.