Everyone needs a little cabinet of curiosities, right? If you haven’t owned one at some point I am willing to bet you know someone who does! I remember the old fashioned curios that we’re really popular in the late 80s early 90s. My mom had one filled with angels she used to collect. Glass cabinet styling back then meant you placed your most prized possessions behind the glass doors and then truly they became dust collectors that no one was allowed to touch.
I was recently gifted an old-fashioned oak curio from my aunt and I was excited to get my hands on it! First of all, I found soooo many tutorials on painting and refinishing these glass cabinets but there was so much to sift through. I was not really looking to refinished the one I was gifted right away, just simply wanted to put my eyes on a few inspiratoinal ideas for styling those glass shelves.
This is a collection of my very favorite pieces, whether repainted or kept in their original glory, I think you will find each of these glass displays inspiring when it comes to your own cabinets.
Let’s take a look.
This antique beauty is full of some of my very favorite styling pieces. Old books add interest and added height to the beautiful pottery and artwork.
I am loving the minimalist look here in this green cabinet. Greens are coming more and more popular in modern decor. It would be a great color choice if you are looking to modernize the one you have had for so many years.
A classic chippy white cabinet is always a good idea. Shorter, more broad cabinets tuck welk into the awkward space underneath staircases, like this one. Layer your heavier/bulkier pieces at the bottom for good balance. Folded blankets can also bring texture to the shelves, which is especially helpful when styled next to a cozy chair.
This rounded style is very similar to the one I was gifted, and it may be more common in households from the 80s. I adore the crisp grey color paired with a fresh white background. White on white gives an instantly classy farmhouse vibe.
This is my cabinet I mentioned before. A classic, common curio from the late 80s, early 90s. I left it the original wood color for now but I plan to use one of my favorite wood bleaching techniques once this room gets a fresh coat of alabaster paint. I enjoy the natural wood tones paired with whites and creams. That is the look I hope to achieve with this cabinet. You can see the full reveal of my old fashioned curio here.
It’s not secret that a glass cabinet can add a wow factor to a room but did you think about adding one to the bathroom? I sure didn’t. After seeing the statement this black beauty makes styled with bathroom necessities, I may just have to go on the search for another cabinet! Simply stunning and very functional too!
Again, leaning into the black as a color choice. This glass beauty has all the European farmhouse vibes. Dark, moody and paired with artwork and brass accents. A shorter cabinet like this one can also double as a stand for plants or a display for older pottery.
This crisp clean white cabinet is showstopper. Pottery, books, scales, greenery…it literally has all my favorite things when it comes to shelf styling. Note the wallpaper in the background. This would be a great way to update old panel backing!
Again, another shorter style but that doesn’t mean it can be any less of a statement piece. Use it to store your kitchen china, a prized collection and even display our larger prints on top!
Are you looking for some accent pieces or greenery to fill your own glass cabinet? I would love to help you find the perfect pieces from my home decor boutique!