Console Curio Cabinets
Buy the best console curio cabinets selected and recommended by interior designers. By Chloe Hughes.
Console curio cabinets are a medium ground for when you need a way to display your wares, but you don't want a large traditional curio cabinet design. Console cabinets have a shorter height than standard curios with fewer shelves. They also usually have a wider stance that still provides adequate storage of your precious items.
Console Curio Cabinets
Buying Guide
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.
A curio cabinet displays a collection of objects. Glass shelves within a glass front and sides create a view of the contents. Designed to fit in with a home's decor, console curio cabinets make a focal point of your prized possessions.
- Natural Wood - Solid wood is the most prominent material used for console curio cabinets. Common woods include oak, walnut, cherry and maple. Heirloom quality will keep these cabinets preserved for many generations when cared for.
- Manufactured Wood - Not as substantial as solid wood, manufactured wood regains a quality look for many years. Veneers and wood, like ash, are manufactured to deliver a presence of real wood. Less expensive than solid wood, but able to make a stunning display.
- Glass - Quality glass shelving can be clear with smoothed edges. More elegant pieces may have a bronze tint and be beveled on the edges. Some shelves are adjustable. Exterior glass often has a tinted coating to prevent glare.
- Mirrors - Console curio cabinets may possess a mirrored backing to add clarification to each piece.
- Lighting - The presentation of objects stand out in glory when upper lighting is added inside the cabinet. Held in the top frame to avoid being seen, one or more display bulbs are set with an electrical switch to operate.
- Hardware - Brass, brushed metal or pewter knobs or handles are typically found on elegant curio cabinets.
The main feature of a curio cabinet is what is on display. However, different sizes and styles have to be considered when choosing the best one for your decor.
- 1 and 2 Shelf - Console curio cabinets that are 30-inches tall normally have a bottom shelf and one glass shelf at mid-height. These models are good for showing off larger objects such as vases, dishes or any taller collectibles.
- 5 and 6 Shelf - These units can stand as tall as 84-inches. Depending on the length of the cabinet, they may be able to hold larger items. Measure your collection before ordering a cabinet to create a good balance on each shelf. There should be at least a 2-inch gap from the top of the collectible to the floor of the next shelf. Avoid overcrowding items. They should be visible from 2 or 3 sides in order to appreciate their beauty.
- Traditional to Country - There is a stately presence in traditional console curio cabinets. Deep natural wood outlines the case with ornate molding and a slight period style. There are also models that keep a similar style, but are created from light wood to distressed wood for a particular decor.
Find a location where your cabinet will extend the most attention. Keep it away from traffic areas to avoid contents getting bumped and rattled. Use low-hanging pictures for 30 inch high cabinets. Separate higher cabinets from furnishings. Beside doorways, in spacious corners or between rooms are a few ideas for tall and thin console curio cabinets.