When it comes to prioritising key furniture, cabinets can sometimes find themselves a little way down the list. However, a huge shift in focus to storage over the past year has meant that the humble cabinet has rightfully taken its place in the spotlight. The ultimate multitaskers, cabinets are the perfect mix of function and style and offer a chance to bring lots of character into the home, adorning shelves with trinkets and favourite reads – or on the flip side, keeping clutter firmly tucked away. But how to choose a practical style that stands the test of time?
First off, it’s a good idea to think about whether this piece is intended to display items or hide them from sight. It makes sense to opt for a cabinet with open or glass shelving if the purpose of it is to give pride of place to beautifully styled home accessories. On the other hand, if the cabinet will primarily be used for storage, opaque doors are often a better option for their functionality and “out of sight, out of mind” nature.
First off, it’s a good idea to think about whether this piece is intended to display items or hide them from sight. It makes sense to opt for a cabinet with open or glass shelving if the purpose of it is to give pride of place to beautifully styled home accessories. On the other hand, if the cabinet will primarily be used for storage, opaque doors are often a better option for their functionality and “out of sight, out of mind” nature.
Another question to consider is whether you want this to be a statement piece. If yes, you may think about bringing a completely new material or colour into the room to allow your cabinet to become a showstopper that pulls focus. However, if there are already some statement pieces in the space, then similar tones and materials will help it to slot seamlessly into the room without competing with other important furniture
On the more practical side, size is everything when it comes to finding the perfect cabinet. For taller cabinets especially, depth will be an important consideration. Depending on the size of the room it’ll be placed in, a cabinet that’s too deep can become imposing – especially when the doors are opened – so measure the space with this in mind. Additionally, give thought to the placement of shelving inside. Based on what will be taking up residence in the cabinet, there may be a need for a specific shelf height inside. Ensure that shelves can sit far enough apart to accommodate your treasures.
Finally, take some time to imagine the space around your new cabinet. Will it benefit from a rejig of some nearby items, or might it look a little lonely? We love simply adding a plant pot or basket to one side, or for entryways a rug placed in front feels warm and inviting. We also like to save a space for one of our special vases to dress the top of the surface.
Take a peek at our collection of new season cabinets, hand-picked by our team for their unique and functional styles.
