5 Ideas for Using an Antique China Cabinet
Suppose you are an antique collector like myself. In that case, you will love the 5 Ideas for Using an Antique China Cabinet I recently acquired that has these beautifully ornate patinaed designed details to display my collection of China & Ironstone dishes.
This post for Antique Furniture is in collaboration with my sweet friend Julie Ann over at Capturing Wonderland. Be sure to head over to her blog and her youtube channel where shares her beautiful antique washstand bedside table.
Being a lover & collector of antiques, I often find myself wanting to know more about the history, like my antique dresser and Victorian icebox, whenever I acquire an antique. For instance, I recently was gifted an antique China cabinet from my son. I have wanted a cabinet to display my collection of ironstone & china that I have accumulated over the years. I mean, why not display the pretty things you love, right? Not to mention it adds beauty & warmth to our home! However, you don’t have to use a china cabinet just for storing your China, I am sharing 5 Ideas for Using an Antique China Cabinet in your home.
It didn’t fit where I wanted the cabinet!
I initially wanted the cabinet to be in the living room by the front window, but it did not look right. It looked like there was too much bulky furniture by the TV stand. So I moved the pie safe that we use as a mini pantry into the kitchen from the dining room, and then we moved the China cabinet in place. Surprisingly it worked out, and I love how it showcases my china & ironstone.
When does a China cabinet become an antique?
It will show patina on the hardware, such as the drawer pulls, meaning the hardware’s finish will become duller & aged. Likewise, the finish on the cabinet will show cracking if moisture accumulated and if was in an area with direct light. Also, look at the cabinet feet; it will show scuffing, and a less shiny finish from the antique being moved around.
Where do the China cabinets originate?
China cabinets were invented in England and have been around since the 1600s, but if you find one, more than likely, it’s a replica. It’s unlikely that a china cabinet from that time period would still exist.
There are many components to check for the originality of a China Cabinet.
- Glass Doors
Most antique cabinets with glass are wavy and have jagged lines from being hand-rolled, but often the glass will break over time & be replaced with modern glass.
- Manufacture Label
Look for an aged label on your cabinet. This will include the make of where it was made & when it was constructed as well the name of the furniture company.
- Hardware
Antique furniture was built with square wood nails. You will also find that they are not shiny like modern nails used today.
- Drawer handles & Pulls.
When the cabinet becomes an antique, you will see the patina on the drawer handles & pulls that show scuffing signs; not as shiny.
- Staining
The polish stain or finish on the wood is duller on older china cabinets and not as shiny.
- Wood
The dark wood was the most prevalent material used in furniture during the early 1920s, such as cherry, teak, maple, walnut, and mahogany.
- Dovetails
Antique furniture made was constructed with a dovetail design.
How can I tell how old my China cabinet is?
Look for any labels or stamps that would be on your antique. Usually, it would be located in the back or under the antique furniture. The label is known as a maker’s mark. Antique China cabinets will often have a label that is painted, stamped, or a plaque mounted on it to show how the piece was manufactured, along with the name of the furniture company.
If you find a label attached to your antique furniture, do not remove it; leave it as it was placed there by the maker of your antique. For example, we found the original label on the back of the cabinet. It is worn, but that is ok. I will just leave it be.
Where was the China cabinet made?
This beautiful antique China cabinet was produced by Reaser Furniture Company in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1929. It has a beautiful, polished finish and curved design. I believe it’s made from walnut or maple wood; however, I could be wrong. The door’s glass may not be original. It has two shelves that would be wonderful for displaying China, iron, or any collectibles that you cherish.
Additionally, a substantial pull-out drawer holds extra linens that are a bit difficult to open & close. It just needs a bit of love to fix. But, overall, this cabinet is in fantastic condition for its age.
Antique China cabinets can be a beautiful addition to your home!
If you want to add some history to your home, a china cabinet would be a beautiful addition. So many have inherited it from family and have treasured it to display family heirlooms, china, etc.
In addition, my husband & grandson went to get the China cabinet. It was a beast and extremely heavy to move from the basement where it had been stored for many years. Also, it was difficult to transport because it did not separate into two pieces which made it very awkward.
Once the cabinet made it safely into our home, it needed a good cleaning. It had been stored in the basement, just collecting dust, as I stated before. How to Clean Antique Furniture is not hard at all, I gave it a good cleaning with my homemade furniture cleaner, which looked amazing.
Make a Statement With Your China Cabinet
Although a China cabinet is a great way to display your China, you can store your heart’s desire to make a statement! For example, family heirlooms, collections of your prized possessions, knick-knacks &, etc.
Here are 5 Ideas for Using an Antique China Cabinet
- Do you have antique books you want to display? A China cabinet stored in an office, living room, or media room would be a great idea.
- Need more storage in your bathroom? Use it to store towels in your bathroom. Plus it will give that beautiful added charm to the space.
- A China cabinet would be a perfect option for your craft room to store your crafts or fabrics.
- When you have a collection of liquor for hosting parties or you like your occasional cocktail, A China cabinet to use as a Liquor Cabinet would be a great option.
- If you have a collection of Trinkets & Figurines that tend to get dusty on an open shelf, why not display them in a china cabinet to minimize the dust!
Clean your items before adding them to the China cabinet.
Before you start storing your precious collections of whatever may be in the cabinet, you need to clean them thoroughly. You do not want the acids from grime on your China as it can damage them.
This antique China cabinet is absolutely gorgeous and looks beautiful in my dining room, displaying my ironstone & China.
Let me know in the comments what you think about this antique China cabinet!
Until next time friends!
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Beautiful cabinet! And lovely photographs as usual. I love the femininity of the China Cabinet – the luxury of having something to display your few precious pretty things is so charming!
Thank you so much, you are too kind 🙂