Vintage Curio Cabinets

Souvenirs, figurines, vintage books, stones, heirlooms, jewelry, glassware… Why scatter them all over the place when you can display them neatly in vintage curio cabinets?

While they’re a natural match for retro and antique interiors, nowadays you can find streamlined designs that won’t look out of place in your contemporary home either.

And, if you’re really excited about getting a curio cabinet but worried about space, you’ll find a few compact options in our list, too.

Before getting inspired, though, start by thinking about what exactly you’re planning on placing in yours. We also recommend running a little inventory to get a good idea of how many shelves you’ll need.

As for styles, get ready to fall in love with the following ones.

Chloe Hughes Interior Design Expert Updated 24/08/2021

Vintage curio cabinet for more contemporary interiors

Since this term originated as early as the 18th century and these pieces came back in popularity during the 20th, curio cabinets will always maintain an antique or vintage feel.

However, if you have traditional, transitional, or contemporary interiors, it’d be wiser to look for monochrome designs in a neutral color (like black, gray, or white) and relying on simpler, cleaner lines.

Narrow curio cabinets

Many vintage curio cabinets follow a double-door design: this is great news if you have an endless collection to showcase, but not so much if space is one of your main concerns.

In that case, choose narrower but taller models relying on a few extra shelves.

Not only will they automatically result in a slenderer look, but they’ll make it easier to divide smaller selections of different types of items.

Lighted antique curio cabinets for sale

Do you really want to put your items in the spotlight (quite literally)? Then consider a vintage curio cabinet with lighting features.

This will work especially well with jewelry, minerals, and other items that will automatically create aesthetically pleasing sparkles and shadows.

Plus, it’ll be another handy light to have on together with your table lamps whenever you wish to switch off the main overhead light to create a dimmer, special ambiance.

$1369.99 ~~$1642~~

Rustic curio cabinet vintage

Farmhouse or cottage decor? A vintage curio cabinet can add to its natural and rustic feel if you choose an aged wood finish or a painted design with a lightly distressed look.

This will work particularly well if you’re thinking of showcasing items that reinforce this familiar inspiration (such as crockery or beautifully bound books) and alternating them with a few decorative elements from the countryside, like dried flowers or wheat compositions.

Old curio cabinet with a retro or mid century modern feel

With their abundance of details, vintage curio cabinets are a great match for interiors that draw inspiration from the trends of the 50s and 60s.

To further reinforce this style, look for warmer wood finishes like cherry, walnut, or oak. Outward-pointing legs are another immediately recognizable element from this decor.

Ornate antique curio cabinet

Perhaps what you love the most about these pieces of furniture is their tie to the most majestic period-based interiors? In that case, treat yourself to an extremely ornate design.

Wood carvings, harmonious legs, and darker wood finishes tend to be the best way of boasting the elegance behind these cabinets.

Antique curio cabinet in a lighter finish

Darker antique curio cabinets are a safe choice in the largest rooms. However, there are a few instances where lighter finishes would be a much wiser move.

First of all, if space is a problem: don’t forget that darker finishes would make your room look even more cramped.

Also, if you already have lots of pieces of furniture in darker wood, a curio cabinet in a light finish will prevent a heavy feel.

$5699.99

Wall mounted curio cabinet for small rooms

Not all vintage curio cabinets must mean sacrificing your precious floor real estate!

If you’re already running low on available space in your living room, a smaller wall-mounted cabinet will solve that problem.

Of course, you’ll also have fewer shelves, so be realistic with the type and number of items you wish to display.

Corner curio cabinet antique

Another space-saving alternative that’s especially a godsend in smaller apartments consists of corner models.

These vintage curio cabinets will allow you to make the most of that odd corner where no other traditional pieces of furniture would fit.

Thanks to the depth created by the two walls, you’ll gain extra display space without giving up too much of that floor area.

$175.99

Extra large antique curio cabinets

If, on the contrary, space is the least of your concerns, this is your chance to go big. Perhaps your new curio cabinet antique could take up most of your living room wall?

While double-door models tend to offer more than enough space for most people, a four-door design will allow you to showcase an even bigger collection while also avoiding a cramped look.

Our advice Buying Guide

Displaying your favorite items in a vintage curio cabinet is a classy way to show off your ornaments. Generally made from hardwood with glass panels allowing items to be displayed easily, these cabinets are ideal for traditional homes or contemporary houses which are looking for antique or vintage furniture. Let's look at some of the various styles which are for sale, and which ones might be suitable for your home.

What are the different designs of vintage curio cabinets?

The most popular designs of vintage curio displays include:

Decorative glass panels

Plain glass panels look suitable in homes which already have a lot of furniture, but if you are buying a vintage curio cabinet as a feature piece for your home, decorative glass panels could prove to be a beautiful addition. There are swirls which are either hand painted or molded from wood or metal onto the panels. This often mirrors the swirls and curves which are positioned along the bottom of the curio cabinet.

Mounted wall curio cabinet

A vintage curio cabinet doesn't have to take up a lot of space in your home. If you only have a few items that you would like to display, consider a mounted wall curio cabinet. These can be found with a vintage style too, but the ability to fix it to your wall means you can save space in the home as well as showing off a slightly different style of cabinet.

Curio cabinet without glass

Not everyone likes the glass panels on their vintage curio cabinets, but thankfully there are other options and styles to consider. The vintage cabinets without glass panels are equally as good at displaying your favorite items, and you don't have to suffer the glare from the reflective glass surface. Often in a shabby chic design with weathered wood paint in white or grey, this timeless style often has floral curtains on either side or some small hand painted decorative flowers along the edges.

Circular curio cabinet

If you don't want straight edges or a rectangular shaped cabinet in your home, why not consider the circular curio cabinets? These are in a cylinder shape and boast a softer look than the straighter and more defined cabinet. You can position this style of cabinet in the center of a room too, rather than being confined to positioning it against the wall. Some variations of this curio cabinet will rotate on a handy mechanism, making it ideal if you need a cabinet for a shop or stall. Inside the home though, you can still make use of a rotating cylinder curio cabinet, particularly if you have many different items to display.

Curio cabinets with drawers

While most of them have shelving, there are vintage curio cabinets available either exclusively with drawers or with shelves alongside some drawers. The ideal choice for those who want a variety of storage types, and perhaps have books, magazines and other paperwork which could be stowed away in the drawers and kept out of sight. Brass handles match the brass legs of the cabinet for consistency.

PRODUCTS & IDEAS Best Ideas

Antique oak curio china display cabinet 1855 1899
Antique design for an old-fashioned curio display cabinet made out of dark oak wood with a set of five shelves hidden behind glass doors with a lock and a key, so the cabinet can be kept safe and private anywhere.

Antique Vintage Miniature Bow Front Curio Display Cabinet
Semi-circular, miniature vintage case. It has desktop, frame and shelves made of dark, mahogany wood. Doors are covered with glass. It can be used to storage frippery - this cabinet will play its role perfectly in office or living room.

Antique Themed Cabinet
It is an antiqued themed cabinet that has got a durable construction and is crafted from premium quality materials. It looks absolutely beautiful and is a perfect addition to your stylish home.

This extraordinary Victorian-style cabinet is an exceptionally stylish piece of furniture for a stylish interior. Beautifully glazed doors, various shelves, and subtle decorations are all captivating details.

Mysterious, magical potions, blends of exotic spices and grandma's preserves - they will find their place in an old wooden alchemist's antique curio cabinet. Lockable on two sides, whose door is covered with delicate mesh.

Living room displays are a great place to store decorations and souvenirs. The vintage curio cabinet presented here epitomizes the natural charm of poplar and oak wood, finished with lacquering varnish. It has a semi-oval and glass front.

Antique styled, vintage cabinet with four strong legs and a durable wooden construction in brown color. This cabinet includes glass walls and doors that play protective and display roles. The whole cabinet is functional and decorative in many types of indoors.

Curio cabinet with mirrored back and glass doors. Frame is made of wood. Suitable for storing books, display decorations and more. Elegant design for each home according to taste.

This antique curio cabinet, in its intended purpose is a wardrobe for exposing Chinese porcelain. Its oak, arched form comes from Asia, has a glassed-in site. To emphasize its tradition features carved figures of lion heads.

A vintage take on a corner curio cabinet made out of cherry wood with an elegant, dark brown tint which gives the piece a classy appearance. The shelf has 5 glass shelves on the inside and a mirrored back wall, which makes the piece seem even more spacious.

This vintage curio display cabinet is, probably, as beautiful as the collectibles you want to place in it. The frame is crafted of wood, with charming carvings and flute legs, and surrounded by clear glass panels. The inside holds 2 adjustable shelves, also made of clear glass.

Parker House Furniture Grand Manor Granada Collector's Cabinet

This incredibly stylish cabinet is a combination of class and design. Interesting decorative motifs on glass doors, solid wood construction and functional drawers and glass shelves create an extraordinary whole.

Curio cabinet in Vintage style. Frame is made of high quality wood and covered with clear glass. Includes 3 shelves for display dinnerware, decorations and more. Stylish addition for each room.

China Cabinet. Like The lines/ Queen Ann legs. Prefer the wood to be stained instead of white paint.

Curio cabinet with antique finish. It is mounted on wooden frame and covered with glass. It consists of 5 shelves arranged vertically. Perfect for storing tableware or display decorations.

Vintage Walnut Queen Anne Curio Display Cabinet B34 photo

Oak Wood Glass Vintage Curio Cabinet China Closet

An authentic vintage china cabinet with a weathered white finish. It has 2 curved front legs, a full rear support, a white back, 3 shelves, glazed curved side panels and a hinged front door. Side panels are screened with ribboned flowery curtains.

Could dress up the interior of my cabinets like this. So pretty, changes everything.

The French vintage design of this enchanting curio cabinet makes the living room or bedroom a whole new dimension. Beautiful color in the shade of blue, glass door and slender legs create a unique whole.

This retro-style French Curio Cabinet made of wood and glass is the perfect option if you are looking for something stylish for your room. It provides big amount of storage and brings the unique atmosphere to your interior.

Just reduced!!! Vintage Hanging Wall/Curio Cabinet

A fabulous bar cabinet that is characterized by slim, shapely legs and a cool, distressed finish, which gives it a rustic character. It offers a lot of storage space for bottles and other stuff. The inner part of the doors is mirrored.

Lovely etagere. So pretty for your curios. Looking very antique and old school, made from solid oak wood, seems to be a perfect curio cabinet that suits old fashion, classic interiors. I've got a very modern living room but it would suit it as well.

Cool old fashioned antique window cabinet. It is constructed from old dirty wood, that was painted in beautiful mint green color. It has couple of shalves behing the glass where you can keep your favourite things displayed.