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A Curio or Display Cabinet is a Perfect Way to Show Off Your Stuff

If you have a collection of items you love, you probably need a display cabinet. From books and memorabilia to sculpture or glassware — and everything in between — a curio or display cabinet lets you safely store as well as show off your favorite items at all times. These pieces of furniture aren’t quite the same china cabinets because they are designed specifically for display and they can easily be used in any room.

Curio or Display Cabinet

Curios and display cabinets come in every decor style. While most will have glass doors on the front to protect your treasures, there are styles that have open shelving and are great for less fragile items. And speaking of glass, different types are used in display cabinets, ranging from tempered glass, which is best for valuable or fragile items, to regular glass that’s fine for more inexpensive collections. More decorative styles are also available, such as those with beveled glass, which lends the display cabinet a more formal air. Many styles also feature glass sides that let you see the items from the side as well as allow more light into the cabinet.

You’ll probably want the shelves in your curio to also be made from glass because this allows more light to filter throughout the interior. Wood is a fine choice as long as there’s enough lighting to highlight the items on each shelf. And, when it comes to lighting, it’s important to consider what kind of illumination is best for your particular collection: downlighting or uplighting. Some display cabinets with wooden shelves have underlighting for each shelf and others feature backlighting throughout.

So, once you’ve decided on the type of curio or display cabinet you need for your own collection, it’s time to go shopping. We’ve rounded up some of the best display cabinets out there, so check out our list:

1. Sanctuary Lighted Display Stand

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

For a display cabinet that is as attention-getting as your collection, look to the Sanctuary Lighted Display Stand. This tall cabinet has a neutral, creamy finish called Dune that sports a distressed look that is chic yet casual, making it ideal for a wide range of decor styles. This cabinet can display anything from smaller collectibles to taller serving pieces thanks to the five adjustable glass shelves that have a wooden frame. It’s striking as a single cabinet but makes a stunning statement when used in multiples.

Constructed with solid hardwoods and oak veneers, the sturdy cabinet has a reversible back panel so that you can have a matching finish or a darker contrasting color. The front doors feature glass panels with a slight wave to them, which does minimally affect the image of what’s inside. Each glass panel embellished with diamond pattern with a central accent. The sides of the cabinet are solid and the UL-listed lighting inside is located at the top and operated with a touch sensor. Some assembly is required and the piece is covered by a one-year limited warranty. Every reviewer gave the Sanctuary Lighted Display Stand a four-or five-star review and raves about its quality and good looks.

2. Braham Lighted Display Stand

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

An elegant arched top distinguishes the Braham Lighted Display Stand. The hinged two front doors follow the arch of the silhouette and feature a large expanse of glass which really puts the contents on view. A gun barrel latch closes the doors securely. The exterior of the cabinet has an aged, wire-brushed brown java finish accented with a choice of brown or gray elements. Made from manufactured wood and hardwood veneers, the substantial piece has stately ball feet with adjustable levelers.

On the interior of the cabinet, four extra thick glass shelves and three mullions made from solid wood create five levels of display. Three of the shelves can be adjusted to accommodate taller items and lock into place with pad-lock cushioned metal shelf clips. They also feature plate grooves allowing for vertical display and each of the shelves can hold up to 25 pounds of distributed weight. A single interior incandescent lighting fixture is located at the top of the arch and is controlled via a roller switch that is conveniently located on the back of the cabinet. The Braham Lighted Display Stand requires no assembly and is hailed as a very beautiful piece of furniture by reviewers.

3. Watertown Display Stand

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

Classic lines with a rustic touch come together in the Watertown Display Stand, which is a great piece for any interior focused on easy living. It exudes a hand-crafted, heirloom vibe that is simple yet high quality. Constructed from solid walnut and hickory wood, the distressed surface is waxed and polished to a luxe finish. The facade of the cabinet has two wood-framed doors that are fitted with seeded glass and a fretwork overlay. Rustic metal-bar hardware with bolts on the ends has an oil-rubbed bronze finish. Altogether, it’s a very commanding silhouette.

The interior of the cabinet has three adjustable glass shelves that are wood-framed, and the cabinet can hold up to 250 pounds in total. A single light source is located at the top of the cabinet to illuminate the items inside. The Watertown Display Stand comes with a tipover restraint device and a one-year limited warranty. Assembly is required.

4. Carrizal Lighted Curio Cabinet

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

Of you have a lot of items to display but not a lot of space, the Carrizal Lighted Curio Cabinet is a great option because it fits right into a corner.  Made from solid wood and veneers, the finish is wire-brushed to create the appearance of reclaimed wood. A beveled glass door adds an element of formality while the glass mirrored back dramatically shows off your collection. Besides putting your treasures on display, it is a fabulous piece to enliven an empty corner.

Inside, the curio cabinet has seven glass shelves that are secured with pad-lock cushioned metal shelf clips. Each of these shelves is adjustable to accommodate the different heights of the pieces in your collection. An interior incandescent light is located at the top of the unit but is conveniently controlled with a no-reach switch located on the cabinet back.  The bottom of the curio has adjustable levelers under each corner for better stability on floors that are uneven or carpeted. The Carrizal Lighted Curio Cabinet comes fully assemble and all you have to do is place the shelves inside. It is covered by a warranty of unspecified duration. Buyers love the way this curio highlights the items inside.

5. Biali Lighted Corner Curio Cabinet

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

Make the most of a corner space with the Biali Lighted Corner Curio Cabinet. Display your favorite memorabilia or treasures in the talk, faceted display cabinet. Made from manufactured wood, the classically styled curio comes in three different finishes: oak, cherry or walnut. While the Biali Cabinet has a more traditional look, it is still quite versatile in that it can be incorporated into a number of decor styles. The glass doors, which have magnetic catches,  and side front panels are all tempered glass, as are the mirrors on the two angled back panels.

Roomier than a triangular cabinet, the five glass shelves provide plenty of space for your collection, collectively up to 66 pounds. At the top of the interior, a UL-listed light fixture can use a regular or LED bulb and emits plenty of light to show off the contents of the curio. Assembly is required for this curio and many reviewers noted they are very pleased with how the unit looks and that assembly was not particularly problematic.

6. Cardiff Display Stand

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

For a smaller space or a smaller collection, the Cardiff Display Stand is just the ticket. A sophisticated transitional style of display cabinet, it has room to display items on three shelves and a closed portion at the bottom to stash your odds and sends or pieces that you want to take out of rotation in the display above. Made from manufactured and solid wood, the sleek dark finish is great for mixing in with existing decor pieces. Accents like the turned bun feet, crown molding top and decorative fretwork over the glass make it very distinctive.

Open the two doors and inside are the open shelves as well as the bottom storage unit. Two of the shelves are adjustable to accommodate the varied sizes of your items, and each can hold up to 35 pounds.  The interior of this display cabinet does not have a light. Although the cabinet has a no-tip base, it also comes with a tipover restraint device. Assembly is required for the Cardiff Display Stand. Happy reviewers love the high style and compact size of this unit.

7. Neibert Lighted Curio Cabinet

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

Fans of traditional furniture design will like the Neibert Lighted Curio Cabinet — curated by Kelly Clarkson — not just for its styling, but also for how much can be displayed inside. The generous four-shelf unit is made from a combination of solid wood and wood veneer that has a distressed barnwood finish. The piece gets its antique look from the wood scoring and rub through techniques applied to the finish. A wide crown molding at the top and a beveled base are quality features and the windowpane glass doors add to its traditional farmhouse aesthetic.

Inside, your collection is also highlighted from the sides thanks to the framed glass end panels. In addition, two accent lights at the top of the unit add extra illumination and are controlled via a touch switch. Four shelves, three of which are adjustable, are all glass that’s framed with wood and feature a plate groove in case you want to vertically display plates. Although the Neibert Lighted Curio Cabinet ships as one piece, there are elements that require assembly. With 98 percent four- and five-star reviews, this display cabinet is praised for its high quality at a reasonable price.

8. Hedon Lighted Curio Cabinet

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

The Hedon Lighted Curio Cabinet has loads of traditional style with a more formal flair. The sculpted, arched top of the tall cabinet create a stately silhouette that will be a commanding accent in any room. Whether you display antiques, modern sculptures or a variety of collectibles, the tall glass doors and side panels give a full and unfettered view of the contents inside. Crafted from solid and manufactured wood with solid oak veneers, the Hedon cabinet is finished in a weathered look that was obtained using rub through techniques and random scoring of the wood.

Behind the two glass panel doors are the three glass shelves within. A built-in light at the top of the cabinet lights up your prized items in the shelves below and the mirrored back makes it even brighter inside. This curio cabinet requires partial assembly. Comments about the Hedon Cabinet are that it’s beautiful, sturdy and well made — a real compliment generator.

9. Gorman Lighted Display Stand

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

The Gorman Lighted Display Stand straddles the line between a display stand and a more traditional china cabinet or hutch because it does include some closed storage at the bottom. Put your collection on show in the top glass-enclosed section and keep other items safely in the drawers below any time you want to change the display, your other pieces are right at hand. This piece is ideal in almost any ro0om, with its gorgeous, on-trend gray finish that is a neutral addition to your existing decor. Distressed wood and a rub-through finish give the solid oak wood cabinet a homey, warm vibe.

Four separate shelving areas in the glass-fronted section are illuminated by a UL-listed light fixture at the top of the unit. In addition, the top of the piece includes a wine glass rack should you decide to display some prized stemware. At the bottom, four drawers have enough room for just about anything else you might need to stash. A tipover restraint device is included with the Gorman Lighted Display Stand, which does not require any assembly.  With all reviews for this display cabinet being four and five stars, you can’t go wrong.

10. Lloyd Lighted China Cabinet

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

Another china cabinet style piece with a focus on display is the Lloyd Lighted China Cabinet. It has a casual colonial style and a weathered, distressed finish that gives it a vintage feel. Made from rubberwood solids with rich birch veneers in French and English dovetail construction, the display cabinet is a substantial size. The two glass doors with their lack of embellishment in the front give a full and clear view of the items on display inside.

Clean lines and simple details make the Lloyd Cabinet ideal for today’s rustic, transitional or farmhouse decor. Turned bun feet give the cabinet a little design oomph without making it feel fussy. The bottom section has five drawers to stash items out of view, with the top one being felt-lined for more delicate items. Built-in lighting at the top of the cabinet highlights all the things displayed inside, where there are three shelves, two of which are wood-framed and adjustable. the light is controlled by a touch switch on the exterior of the display cabinet. A tipover restraint device is included and it does require some assembly for the moldings, glass shelves and bun feet. Happy buyers say that the Lloyd Lighted China Cabinet is high quality, beautiful and sturdy.

11. Purvoche Lighted Curio Cabinet

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

Instead of a regular console, choose the Purvoche Lighted Curio Cabinet and you’ll be able to display your prized collection in style. This curio cabinet has a lower profile but no less style. In fact, it has a classy, formal silhouette that is ideal for your best selections. Made from manufactured wood and hardwood veneers, it is finished with your choice of cherry or golden oak.

Inside, an adjustable glass shelf is the perfect surface for display, especially with the built-in halogen lighting at the top of the unit. It can hold up to 25 pounds. Plenty of daylight light comes through the hinged front glass doors as well as the side panels, all reflected in the mirrored back panel. In addition, the cabinet doors can be locked for extra safety. No assembly is required for the Purvoche Lighted Curio Cabinet and it is covered by a 30-day warranty. Buyers love the versatile size and the heavy glass in the unit.

12. Aryanna Single Curio Cabinet

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

Some rococo-style flair makes the Aryanna Single Curio Cabinet a marvelous choice for displaying your finest collectibles. From prized heirlooms to more modern artistic pieces, this cabinet with glass fronts and sides turns them into a focal point in any room. Made from solid reclaimed pine, the display cabinet is distressed with a rub-through whitewashed finish, which gives it an aged charm. The two glass doors feature the curvy fretwork that’s really distinctive, as is the equally attractive hardware.

Behind the two glass doors with magnetic catches, the three adjustable wooden shelves provide plenty of space for china or memorabilia — anything you want to display. The Aryanna Curio Cabinet comes fully assembled so set up is a breeze. And, it comes with the hardware needed to anchor it to the wall for extra safety when children and pets are around.

13. Auberose Display Stand

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

The Auberose Display Stand is pure vintage French style with an imposing silhouette. The tall seeded glass doors feature a metal overlay with studs at each junction, which really adds a lot of interest to the piece. The old-school flair is also evident in the espresso colored distressed wood finish. The entire piece is crafted from solid wood for durability and longevity.

Inside, there are two adjustable wood-framed glass shelves that feature plate grooves, along with six drawers. The top two drawers have a drop-in felt liner for storing more delicate items or silver.  Inside the top of the display cabinet, a light fixture illuminates the upper space and puts the spotlight on your treasures. The lighting is controlled by a three-intensity touch switch that lets you adjust it to the desired level. the back of the cabinet has a hole to accommodate power cords and a tipover restraint device is included. The Auberose Display Stand comes with a one-year limited warranty.

14. Bridgeview Dining Hutch

Bridgeview Dining Hutch

If storage is as big a need as display capacity, the Bridgeview Dining Hutch is a great choice. This one has lots of coastal charm and cottage coziness. Distressed pine veneers with a white finished create really natural look that make this display cabinet really versatile. Made from manufactured wood with French and English dovetail construction, it features fretwork on the upper glass doors and panels detailing on the lower ones. The vintage feel is accented by the satin nickel cup pull hardware.

The lower portion has two top felt-lined drawers and a center shelf with a wine rack as well as a stemware holder. In the upper hutch area, an interior light puts the spotlight on your favorite pieces. Four wooden shelves have a capacity of 25 pounds each. Assembly is required for the Bridgeview Dining Hutch and a tipover restraint device is included for extra safety.

No matter which one of these display cabinets you end up choosing, it will show off your prized possessions in style and add function to your room.