Display Cabinets : The Toolkit For Residential Use

The Display Cabinets, Residential Toolkit

Introduction:

The Display Cabinets For Residential Use Toolkit is designed to help you as a homeowner furnish your home with the right display cabinets to suit your style, space, and showcasing needs. Whether you possess a traditional taste in furniture, or you enjoy a more modern look to your residence, a display cabinet can be the perfect accent! Throughout this helpful handbook, we will discuss the different styles, types, and uses of display cabinets, as well as the most current trends and exciting features. You will be able to see exactly what features are available to choose from to truly showcase the beauty of each collectible, as well as enhance a room.

We hope you find this Display Cabinet Survival Kit helpful and will use it to your benefit. Part 1 of our Display Cabinet Series features display cabinets that are geared toward homeowners and are designed for residential use. Subsequent editions will include display cases that will help to promote and sell merchandise and retail goods in a commercial or retail environment. The following products have been tested for effectiveness in many residential environments. The benefits of purchasing the right display cases and cabinets for your home are immeasurable. We know there are many ways to set your home apart from that of your neighbor's, buying a display cabinet and using it in the most efficient way is just one of them. We intend to give you the knowledge and tools to show you how and why a display cabinet is an ideal investment to make for your home. We are sure that purchasing the right display cabinet will make your life as a homeowner easier and more beautiful.

Copyrighted © images have been provided courtesy of George Patton Associates - leading national manufacturer and
distributer of displays.

Section 1: A Short History

Let us first start by introducing the display cabinet in its earliest form, the curio cabinet. The term "curio" is derived from the word "curious". The term "curio cabinet" refers to a case or cabinet where "curious objects" are displayed. Today, a curio cabinet is most commonly defined as a piece of furniture meant for showcasing objects of beauty, collectibles, awards, treasured memorabilia, retail merchandise and much more.

Curio cabinets date back about 500 years to the time period referred to as the Renaissance. This was a time period most known for revolutionary thought, innovative design, and acute attention to beauty and detail. These classic display cabinets were used to showcase beautiful pieces of art, like that of a modern day museum or art gallery.

Today, most modern display cabinets, display cases and curio cabinets, are much more functional. Some are illuminated, have mirrored backs, and extra detailed styling, like curved front designs or hexagonal shapes. Compartments have been expanded, and have more storage capabilities than the original cases once had. Some have sliding, locking doors for theft prevention and protection against breakage. We will go in to further detail in the following pages.

Section 2: Function

A display cabinet stores, protects, and presents valuable or treasured memorabilia. Some of the items typically displayed in display cabinets include collectibles, antiques, fine china, sports memorabilia, trophies, plaques, awards, picture frames, dolls, figurines, flags, fine art, trains, small models of classic cars, veteran and war memorabilia, and much more. A display cabinet is a much better alternative than hiding your prized possessions and precious collections in your attic, left alone to collect dust. By showcasing your treasures in display cases, not only will they remain dust free, they will be visible for guests to admire and for you to adore.

Another important function of a display cabinet or curio cabinet is to enhance the decor of a room. In homes all over the world, display cabinets can be found enhancing kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, studies, bathrooms, libraries, and even hallways. With so many types and styles to choose from, there is a display cabinet to match every decorating scheme from traditional to contemporary, and everywhere in between.

Section 3: Style

Traditional vs Contemporary

Traditional

A traditional display cabinet, in many cases, is built with a solid hardwood construction. Traditional display cabinets, like curio cabinets and collector's cases, are most often than not, designed with impeccable quality to be passed down from generation to generation , as family heirlooms. They generally come in several different wood stains or finishes and can be seen in many country homes with a rustic or antique styled decor. The simple, yet elegant wood grain designs of these curio displays present a homey, comfortable feel.

Many are handcrafted with detailed moldings, including different styles of crown moldings, dentil molding, reeded side columns, and beveled glass. Many include antique keys with antique styled key holes to add yet another intricate detail to your case. These decorative accents make the piece of furniture a work of art in and of itself. A traditional collector's cabinet can be an integral component to the design of any traditionally styled home. When you are looking to display valuable antiques, and priceless memorabilia, you don't want to take away from the items. Traditionally styled cabinets will only add to the items value.

Contemporary

Modern display cabinets designed for more contemporary tastes, come in 100's of types and styles with many innovative features. Some of the unique design elements include round or angled fronts, some are even completely round display cases. Other shapes include hexagonal or box-like designs in which products can be viewed from every angle.

Many modern, contemporary display cabinets are fabricated from aluminum and tempered glass, or feature laminate finishes in many colors to choose from. Many include mirrored backings and/or bright illumination with track lighting. All enhance your collectible art pieces, fine china, or priceless valuables. Contemporary display cases feature clean lines and simple designs to help create an elegant presentation display for a modern styled home.

Types

For every type of display cabinet, there are traditional models and contemporary versions to choose from, depending on your particular home's decorating scheme. Furthermore, there are various types of display cabinets available to accommodate for the many different layout and spacing needs of any residence. Below are the most common types of display cases to buy for presentation purposes in a residential home.

Stand Alone

These cabinets are free-standing, full vision narrow shelving units designed for living areas with a minimal floor plan. The narrow display towers can stand alone in the center of a room to save valuable wall space, without taking up too much floor space. They can be traditional wood cabinets, as well as contemporary glass display cases, but most are designed to show your collectibles from all angles.

Against The Wall

Wall cabinets are usually larger display cases designed to be positioned flush against a wall. They feature backings, like wood, laminate, or fabric and generally hold a great deal of your keepsakes. Against the wall cabinets are ideal to buy for presenting a collection in a large room with a great deal of space.

Wall Mounted

A display cabinet mounted to a wall is an excellent space saver. In addition to keeping floor space free and clear, wall mounted display cabinets open the room up, causing it to appear larger. Wall cases also bring displayed products and memorabilia up to eye level, so guests can get a better view of showcased items.

Corner Units

The curio cabinet, also known as a corner curio, is small enough to use minimal floor space, but large enough to be noticed and hold some of your most prized possessions. Corner curios are decorative furniture pieces that appear to be part of the wall, as they are designed to fit snugly in a room's corner.

Exciting Features & Current Trends

Modern display cabinets, whether they are traditionally styled or designed for use in a contemporary environment, all include an array of exciting and highly beneficial features. In addition to a wide range of wood stains and color laminates to choose from, display cabinets are sold with an array of versatile options, allowing you to purchase a display case that is personalized to match your specific needs. Some of these features include, but are not limited to :

Interior Lighting

Recessed halogen top lighting, or side track lighting

Creates a whiter, brighter, more natural looking way to showcase your items

Many include the option of selecting both top lights and side track lighting, to further illuminate displayed products in dimly lit areas.

Several cases also feature levels of lighting to accommodate for several shades of natural light.

Adjustable Floor Levelers

Ensure the case will be level even on thick carpeting, or uneven hardwoods

Tempered Glass

Doors and/or shelves

Tempered glass, also known as "safety glass", will not shatter as most glass does

Adjustable Shelves

Accommodate for trophies and collectibles of varying sizes

Plate Grooves

Built in grooves for vertically displaying plates, and fine china

Anodized Aluminum Framing

Adds extra durability and stability to the cabinets

Backing

Mirrored, Fabric, Laminate

Mirrored back - reflecting images further highlight displayed products
Fabric back - hook and loop VELCRO® brand-compatible, to hang plaques or awards

Shelf Clips

Cushioned metal, or rubber padded

Gives added stability to shelving

Light Switches

Provide easy access to lighting changes

Wheels

For easy mobility

Locking Doors w/ Keys

For breakage protection and theft prevention

Many contemporary cabinets include security plunger locks, whereas more traditionally styled cases feature antique-looking locks and keys.

Conclusion:

Display cabinets are essential for those seeking high quality, long-lasting pieces of furniture. A display cabinet for residential use is an excellent investment. Most are of heirloom-quality to withstand years of use, and are fabricated from only the finest hardwoods and glass hardware. Display cabinets, display cases, and curio cabinets reach a wide spectrum of people because they come in so many versatile shapes, sizes, and styles. End the clutter in your basements and attics! Buy a beautiful, highly functioning display cabinet to showcase your most precious collectibles, trophies and memorabilia.

Display Cabinets For Residential Use Toolkit