There's nothing quite like the style of a bygone era to create a romantic look in your home. If you're in the market for a piece of furniture to display family heirlooms, consider the classic design of a traditional china cabinet. It's an easy way to add a little something special to the dining room or den.
A Wide Range of Traditional Styles
The words "traditional china cabinet" cover many styles, and before you buy, consider which design suits you and your home best. Here are just a few furniture styles that are considered traditional:
- Queen Anne- This spare and elegant English design features cabriole legs and limited, elegant ornamentation.
- Chippendale- Influenced by Chinese design, this style is characterized by ball and claw feet and detailed carved legs.
- Victorian- A rich English design comprised of dark woods and heavy, elaborate carvings.
- Empire- A French style with massive proportions and symmetrical carvings, often featuring bowed legs.
- Mission- Mission style features clean, unadorned lines and a homemade look, often with dovetail joints and quartersawn wood.
Clearly, a traditional china cabinet is a more complicated concept than it seems at first. There are hundreds of furniture designs available which are considered traditional. Be sure to research eras and styles before you begin the search for the perfect piece.
Elements of a Traditional China Cabinet
Whatever era you choose, there are a few features a traditional china cabinet should have. When it comes to the fine details, look for useful elements like:
No matter what direction your tastes lie, be sure to choose a traditional china cabinet that's just right for your home, as well as one that suits your collection. If you take the time to make the right choice, you can rest assured that your china cabinet will become as much of a family heirloom as the items you display inside.
