Antique Display Cabinets, also known as the Antique China Cabinet is a type of cupboard with glazed panelled doors used to display choice pieces of ornaments and valuable fine China. They originated from the 18th Century bookcase as they were similar in form, but as it became fashionable to display your fine objects and decorative China in the 19th century, the traditional display cabinet became a piece of furniture on its own. Earlier 18th Century Georgian examples were built in figured Walnut veneer but are quite rare, so sought after by collectors. 19th Century Victorian and Edwardian display cabinets were often in woods such as Mahogany or Oak and became more common as most homes would have one. These beautiful pieces of furniture from this period have more decoration like fine exotic inlays or brass embellishments. Many earlier influences were used in their construction and design, like Sheraton and Chippendale. Some Victorian display cabinets have a mirrored back to reflect light into the room and make decorative objects stand out more, this is when the main form of lighting was candle light. The antique display cabinet is a very fine, delicate looking item of furniture but built to the highest of standards with interiors quite often lined in wonderful blue or red velvet materials. Have a look below at our lovely antique display cabinets for sale or to see our full collection click here.
Display Cabinets for sale
Below are some sold examples of display cabinets that we have previously had available for sale. if any look suitable please let us know and we will try to find a similar piece for you as we have new stock arriving daily.
Early forms are quite unusual, here you can see a Regency example with fine boxwood string inlay and a William IV Small Glazed Display of lovely neat proportions with pilasters with beautifully carved Corinthian corbels.
Victorian Display Cabinets
The Victorian Cabinet maker made display cabinets more ornate with more figured woods like Burr Walnut and Maple. Features such as the elegant barley twist decorative detail, which frame the doors to wonderful inlaid detailing and carvings were introduced along with adjustable shelves with fabric linings. Ideal for displaying books, Collectables or artefacts.
More simple styles were built towards the later part of the Victorian period.
Edwardian Display Cabinets
The Edwardian period loved bow fronted glazed panels, inlay decoration, the best with feathered mahogany timbers and fine box wood string inlays.
Carvings like the gadrooned edge, Cabriole leg, hairy lion paw carved feet and Walnut was the wood of Choice.
Features from Quality Chippendale and Hepplewhite was used in decoration and designs.
Related Reviews
- Gillows Figured Mahogany William IV Antique Chiffonier, Dear JamesThe chiffonier has been safely delivered - and very well wrapped I might say! - and it is absolutely beautiful! It fits perfectly in our dining room and we are delighted with it.Thank you so muchBest regardsMaggie
- Simon Knight,
I reasonately purchased an Edwardian mahogany sheet music cabinet from James and have to say it is even better than the photographs. I have asked him to find a console table which will blend with the cabinet and feel confident that in time the right piece will be found.
- Stewart,
Hi James,Just letting you know that the cabinet arrived safe and soundly, and is absolutely fantastic. Thank you so very much for being so accommodating and kind, I really appreciate it. Hopefully once I have finished my Masters I will be cashed up again and will definitely visit your website.Kind regards,Stewart