White Curio Corner Cabinet

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 04/05/2021

For you corner space, if you have a largely white decorating scheme, we suggest for all your delicate collectables, our white curio corner cabinet. Now that space that is so hard to use can be part of the overall decor, and your fragile chachkies can have a wonderful home to be displayed for all to see. Take a look in this collection and pick one for your home.

Buying Guide

A White curio corner cabinet can instantly transform an underused space into an aesthetic vignette. One that grabs attention and is equally functional. It’s a win-win!

White will never go out of style and you get to use the corner to show off some of your finest collectibles and family heirlooms. If you are racking your brains trying to navigate through the multitude of configurations that curio cabinets come in, then here’s some help to soothe those frayed nerves.

By the end of this guide, you will be armed with enough information to waltz into a store blindfolded and come out with a white curio corner cabinet that fits perfectly into your house.

What's the difference between curio and china cabinets?

The terms curio cabinet and china cabinet are often used interchangeably to describe decorative cabinets. The difference is that curio cabinets have glass sides, because they are designed to showcase their contents from every possible angle.

China cabinets on the other hand double up as a protective storage space for your fine china and usually have enclosed sides. Corner curio cabinets though, may or may not have glass panels/doors. They can be open shelved and really compact allowing them to fit easily into awkward corners.

A curio cabinet can be used as a china cabinet. But a China cabinet does not fit the description of a curio.

How to measure for a corner curio cabinet?

Think of the corner like an inverted ‘A’ with the two connecting walls and a straight line that will be the face/front side of the curio.
Measure both the walls to know the ideal depth for the cabinet that you select.
Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling.
Ensure that there are no heat vents, thermostats or electrical switches getting blocked.

When you are selecting a rectangular cabinet, you normally have the luxury to select one depending on the size and the volume of the items that you will be storing in it. But you are limited by the availability of space in the corner when it comes to corner curio cabinets.

What styles of corner curio cabinets are there?

Curio cabinets are usually found in classic, vintage designs with ornate features like inlays, pediments, crown moldings and pilasters. But that does not mean that you cannot find one that fits into a home with contemporary décor. Modern curio cabinets have clean lines, minimalistic features and uncluttered aesthetics. The use of metallic accents adds character to the white background.

What features to look for in a corner curio cabinet?

The desirable features will depend on the intended function of the cabinet. Is it purely an aesthetic fixture? Or do you intend to use it to store and protect some cherished valuables? If it's aesthetic, then you can always opt for a curio with open shelves. Open shelving makes it easier to clean and also access the items.

But if you are using it to store heirlooms, then a glass door with a secure lock will keep it protected from dust, fingerprints and prying hands. Look for adjustable shelves with levelers. If you add an item to your collection that doesn’t fit in the shelf space, you can always adjust it.

Traditional and country-styled curios had a mirrored back. But it's maintenance heavy and you can always opt for one without a mirror if need be. Internal LED lighting will bring the curio cabinets to life in the dark.