Even as wedding registries shift and honeymoon funds replace fine china, antique case pieces and modern iterations of china cabinets are on the rise again—dovetailing with modern maximalism’s emphasis on playing up your home’s personality and the design world’s recent sweet spot for nostalgia. Country star Orville Peck has one in his Los Angeles home’s kitchen to house dinnerware, while AD100 designer Neal Beckstedt showcases a more traditional open unit in his Sag Harbor home. A display or curio cabinet showcases your favorite dinnerware and serving pieces; it doesn’t lock them away in a buffet or sideboard (although we do love those pieces too). Traditional china cabinets, like the kinds you may have spotted in your grandma’s house, often skew formal or stuffy, but these modern iterations can suit even minimalists and their pared-back lifestyle. Now equipped with open shelving or glass doors, the new display pieces are lighter and brighter. Whether you’re looking for bookcase-style shelves or a set of drawers for all of your table linens, we’ve gathered the best china cabinets to elevate your dining room storage.
Our Top Picks
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For the Modernist
Sleek and dramatic, Birch Lane’s Doheny display case brings the historic storage cabinet into the 21st century. The slim legs help give this piece some visual levity, while the black wood frame still creates a statement that won’t fade into your dining room walls. There’s ample space for all of your fine china across three wide shelves, and a set of drawers beneath allows you to also store table linens neatly.
For Farmhouse Style
Simple yet deceptively spacious, the Heath cabinet from McGee & Co. offers a handcrafted, Americana-style piece for your kitchen or dining room. Three shelves and eight drawers made from solid wood and oak veneer provide space for every piece of serveware you may have, even the themed ones you only pull out once a year. Rounded bun feet and an antique latch give this piece quite a charming vibe.
For a Modern Heirloom
For those who prefer to keep things out of sight (and out of mind), choose a china cabinet that abandons glass doors in favor of wood. This antique-like option boasts delicate, hand-painted branches that transform the heavy-case good into a storybook-esque piece of furniture. The hardware is almost nonexistent—minute door pulls and hinged latches only accentuate the vintage-inspired form. Inside, adjustable shelves in both the upper and lower sections offer flexibility for centerpiece vases and dinner plates alike.
For the Maximalist
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China cabinets are not limited to wood tones in their construction. For those looking to infuse their space with a bit more character, look to this two-tone upholstered option from Anthropologie. Wrapped in a durable striped canvas, this case piece is designed to be the star of the show. Your eye will immediately be drawn to the tan and white frame and your collection of wedding china filling the open shelves. Don’t worry, there is still the option of closed storage beneath for hiding away your less aesthetic party supplies and paper plates.
For Midcentury Style
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If you prefer a more modern look with clean lines and minimal frills, look to Article’s Mysen glass cabinet for a style-agnostic pick. Full-length glass doors give this piece a more seamless look, while the three drawers and spacious shelves can easily house your cookbooks, collection of cloth napkins, and seasonal barware. Reviews tout the soft-closing drawers that add functionality and the high-quality feel of the solid walnut. The dark stain is versatile for those who prefer something that leans midcentury, but are more concerned with timelessness when purchasing this kind of investment piece.
For a Designer-Approved Pick
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Glass display cabinets can often loom over a space with their tall stature and typical dark wood frame. Jeremiah Brent’s iteration for Crate & Barrel deviates from tradition with a version that allows all the light to pass through. The display piece features a completely glass-display section where all of your sentimental wares can really be spotlighted. Float it in an open floor plan environment to help divide your dining area from your living room.
Best for Small Spaces
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You don’t need a grand dining room to store your dinnerware. This storage solution from Mustard Made is roughly the size of an entryway cabinet or console table, but equipped with closed storage for your favorite tabletop accessories. The frosted glass allows those dinner plates and martini glasses to be disguised a bit, but you can still see what you’re storing. Plus, an array of vibrant color options offers a playful departure from its more formal peers.
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