Wooden display cabinet for the living room and dining room – how to choose the perfect one?

A display cabinet is one of those pieces of furniture that does more in the living room than you think. It hides things and at the same time allows you to show them: your favorite china, glasses, books, travel souvenirs. If chosen well, it organizes the interior and adds character to it. If chosen incorrectly, it quickly turns into a glass wardrobe for everything. Below we tell you what to look for when choosing wooden display cabinet for the living room or dining room, so you can enjoy it for years.

What is the difference between a display cabinet and a shelf and a chest of drawers?

The shelf is open, so everything on it collects dust. The chest of drawers hides things completely. display cabinet with glass is between: the contents are visible, but are covered by a door. That's why it's the best choice for items that we like to look at but don't want to vacuum them every week, for example glass, ceramics or collections.

In practice, the display cabinet combines well with the chest of drawers: the chest of drawers is where tablecloths, napkins and things "to be hidden" are placed, and the display cabinet is where everything that should be on display is placed. If you are planning both pieces of furniture, see ours wooden chests of drawers in the same finishes.

Narrow or wide display cabinet?

This is the first question worth starting with, because it depends on the place, not on taste.

• Narrow display cabinet (here approx 52 cm width) will fit in a recess, next to a window, next to a balcony door or between a sofa and a wall. Two narrow display cabinets on the sides of the TV or chest of drawers create a symmetrical, calm composition. See narrow wooden display cabinets.
• Wide display cabinet (approx 85 cm) is a piece of furniture that builds a wall on its own. It will work well in the dining room at the table or as the main piece of furniture in the living room. It can accommodate a dinner set, glasses and books at the same time. See wide wooden display cabinets.

Before purchasing, measure not only the wall, but also the space in front of the furniture. The display cabinet doors needs space to open, and a tall piece of furniture (193 cm) looks best when it has some "air" around it. Also check if you can bring it into the room, because our display cabinets arrive fully assembled, with no assembly required.

Where to place the display cabinet in the living room and dining room?

• In the dining room preferably close to the table to have plates and glasses at hand. This is a classic place for a crockery display cabinet.
• In the living room works well on the wall opposite the window, where the light reflects nicely in the glass, or next to the TV as a counterweight to the dark screen.
• In the hall or office a narrow display cabinet can be a home library that protects books from dust.

Avoid placing the display cabinet right next to a radiator and in a place where there is strong sunlight all day long. Solid wood is a natural material and feels best in stable conditions.

The display cabinet is high and quite deep (38 cm), so it is worth attaching it to the wall. Our furniture includes a mounting bracket. This is especially important when there are children at home.

Oak, pine or color? How to choose a finish

Oak display cabinet it's a choice for years. The oak is hard, has a clear, warm grain pattern and ages well. You have several shades to choose from:

• natural oak, warm and honey, suits Scandinavian and classic interiors,
• bleached oak, brighter and cooler, great for bright, minimalist living rooms,
• oak with black or black with oak, when you want a stronger accent and a modern contrast.

Pine display cabinet it is easier to handle and more affordable, while still being made of solid wood. Versions white, ash-gray and white with oak they blend well with light walls, so the piece of furniture does not dominate a small room.

If you already have furniture in a specific color at home, we can make the display cabinet in RAL or NCS color. We write more about when it pays off in the article about RAL/NCS colors in furniture and fronts.

A rule that almost always works: the display cabinet should "talk" to at least one piece of furniture in the room, for example the color of the wood of a table, chest of drawers or floor.

What should you pay attention to in the design of your display cabinet?

The display cabinet is opened many times a day, especially in the dining room. That's why details matter:

• Solid wood instead of board. It is more stable, easier to renovate and does not "swell" at the edges. If you are wondering about the difference, read our guide furniture made of solid wood or board.
• Adjustable shelves. They allow you to adjust the interior to tall carafes, low cups or books of various sizes.
• Drawer inside. It's useful for cutlery, napkins, placemats, or anything you don't want to keep in plain sight.
• Fittings with soft closing. We use hinges and guides in our display cabinets Blum, and the door opens until 155 degrees, so it is easy to reach deep into the shelf.
• Door opening side. Choose it according to the furniture arrangement: the door should open "from the wall" and not cover the passages.
• Finish. Semi-matt acrylic varnish protects the wood and at the same time does not shine like plastic.

What to put in your display cabinet to make it look good?

A display cabinet looks best when it's not packed to the brim. A few simple rules:

1. Leave some space on every shelf. Empty space makes objects more visible.
2. Group things by color or material, for example all glass on one shelf, ceramics on another.
3. Place heavier and larger items lower, and the lighter and finer ones higher.
4. Mix the forms: next to the stack of plates, put a vase, a few books or a plant in a small pot.
5. Change the display once a season. This is the cheapest way to refresh your living room.

How to care for a wooden display cabinet?

All you need is a dry or slightly damp, soft cloth for wood and a separate liquid for glass, which should not be sprayed directly on the furniture. Avoid strong cleaning agents and cloths with abrasive additives. Wipe up any spilled liquid immediately. This is enough to keep the varnished wood looking like new for a long time.

display cabinet with Nizio – what you get

Ours wooden display cabinets are made in Poland, in a family company with long traditions 1959 year. We make them to order from solid oak or pine wood, without visible screws and screws. We deliver them complete, ready to set up, with 10-year warranty on the structure. If you're looking for a starting point, check it out oak display cabinet 1S 57 Scandi for narrow places or wider display cabinet 1S 90 Scandi to the dining room.

Frequently asked questions

Which display cabinet for a small living room?
Preferably narrow, in a light color (white, bleached oak, ash gray). The glass door visually "slims" the furniture, so it does not overwhelm the interior like a full wardrobe.

Does the display cabinet need to be screwed to the wall?
Yes, we recommend this for any tall furniture. A wall mounting bracket is included with our display cabinets.

Display cabinet or bookcase?
If you want dust protection and a calmer look, choose a display cabinet. A shelf is better when you often reach for things and want to have quick access to them.

Can I order a display cabinet in an unusual size or color?
Yes. We make furniture to order, so you can specify an individual size and color from the RAL or NCS palette.