Are you ready to hear some modern China cabinet ideas? Have you heard about how these cabinets add classic elegance to your home but can be dressed up with a modern style?
We’ll walk you through what to do with a China cabinet and what to look for when you buy one. We’ll also give you our top recommendations for the best modern China cabinet ideas based on their overall style, cost, and quality of construction. Are you curious? Let’s dive in!
Top Three Choices
Before we talk about anything else, we think it’s a good idea to give you our top 3 choices for the best modern China cabinets to start with. Out of all the China cabinets we think make for the best home aesthetic, these 3 take the cake.
- Best Overall: Ameriwood Home Aaron Lane Bookcase with Sliding Glass Doors
- Best Design: Home Source Corner Bar Unit
- Best Bargain: Walker Edison 4 Tier Shelf
What is a China Cabinet?
Similar to a bookshelf, a China cabinet is a piece of furniture used as a display for other items. China cabinets got their name because originally, they were used to display, well, fine China (or porcelain plates, cups, and other things.)
China cabinets are usually tall structures with glass windows and glass doors. Sometimes they are made of wood, but in modern times, not always.
What Makes a China Cabinet Modern?
There are many ways a China cabinet can be modern! Here are some things to consider for a modernized China cabinet:
- What material is the cabinet made from?
- What items are going to be on display?
China cabinets can be made from wood, but they can also be made from stainless steel and have LED lights. You can display fine China in a China cabinet, but if you’re going for a more modern feel, you may want to display modern items.
What Do Your Store in a China Cabinet?
You can store anything in a China cabinet-it doesn’t have to be full of fine China! To give your China cabinet a modern style, consider displaying:
- Modern dinnerware made of previously unconventional materials, like steel
- Figurines or other collectible items like cards, dolls, toys, or electronics
- A collage of color-coordinated items and decorations you like
Where Do You Display in a China Cabinet?
You can put a China Cabinet anywhere, but since they are a piece of furniture used as a display, you might want to put it where people can see it. We recommend placing your China cabinet in the living room or kitchen. These are places where guests can see what items you wanted to put on a display.
Things to Consider When Buying a Modern China Cabinet
Okay, now that we’ve got a handle on what China cabinets are and what to do with them, these are some points to consider when buying one. You want your own modern China cabinet to fit seamlessly with the rest of your home and be the quality you want. For that, here are some things to keep in mind:
Style
The style of your China cabinet affects whether or not it appears modern. For a more modern style, consider China cabinets that look sleek and polished.
Color
Consider how the color of your China cabinet fits with the rest of the furniture pieces in the room you want to put it in. For example, if your kitchen table is glass and you have stainless steel cooking appliance, a rustic wooden cabinet might look out of place.
If your living room has cool tones, try to find a cool-tone China cabinet. If your kitchen has warm tones, you can buy a warm-tone China cabinet that still retains a modern aesthetic.
Design
Glass, steel, and other shiny materials make for a very modern China cabinet. Large geometric shapes, as opposed to many intricate details, will make for a modern-looking China cabinet, too. Wood can also be modern, such as wooden cabinets with a minimalistic style.
Finish
There are many different finishes you can have for a modern China cabinet. For China cabinets that are made of wood, some of your choices include:
- Matte
- Satin
- Textured
- Smooth
Wood can also be painted for a pop of color. Consider the finishes of other items around your home so you can match that to your new China cabinet.
Construction
You always want your China cabinet to be constructed in a way that matches your aesthetic. Do you like harsh, sharp corners or more rounded edges? Also, do you like the overall shape of the China cabinet?
Size
If your living room is tight on space but you want to place a modern China cabinet in it, you’ll want to go with a smaller China cabinet. If you’re not sure if the China cabinet you want will fit in the space you have, look online to find that cabinet’s dimensions. Then, you can measure the space you want to put it in to see if it fits comfortably.
Storage Capacity
Here’s the fun part: what are you going to display and how big is your collection? Different China cabinets have different sizes and storage capacities. We recommend:
- Grouping everything you want to display in your China cabinet in one place
- Having your collection in front of you will help you visualize how much space you’ll need
- Look at the dimensions of China cabinets online
- Determine if you can have a small China cabinet for a smaller collection, or if you need a larger one
Price
China cabinets can be pricy because they are large furniture pieces. Since China cabinets are oftentimes bigger and more decorative than plain glass displays, you’ll usually have to spend around $100, at least. Some China cabinets can go for $400-$500 or more.
Warranty
China cabinets are generally large, gorgeous, and can be pricy. Since they’re made of glass, they can also be quite breakable. You’d hate to buy a gorgeous China cabinet with a modern design just to have it break by accident. For your own peace of mind, we suggest contacting the seller about their warranties.
Glass Doors and Windows
Think about how much of your China cabinet you’d like to be glass. The doors on all China cabinets will be made of glass so you can see inside the display, but the windows won’t always. Some people prefer there to be glass windows on the sides so you can see displayed items from all directions, but some like wood or other materials to make up the sides.
The Best Modern China Cabinet Ideas
We’ve searched and searched for the best modern China cabinet ideas to bring to you! After our searching, we found China cabinets that reign superior in terms of price, overall design, and functionality. Are you ready to see what China cabinets we have in store for you?
Ameriwood Home Aaron Lane Bookcase with Sliding Glass Doors
Best Overall
About
This is a sleek black China cabinet with silver handles and glass doors. You won’t be able to see the display from the sides of the cabinet, but the doors offer plenty of display room for the top 2/3 of the cabinet. The doors are sliding glass. You’ll be able to adjust the top 2 shelves to adjust their height.
- Material: Engineered wood
- Price Range: $180-$220
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Best feature: Best combination of features and style
Care
Use warm, soapy water and a cloth to clean your China cabinet. Rinse with water and another cloth. Dry with paper towels. You can use furniture polish on engineered wood, which will keep your cabinet shiny.
Pros:
- Chic, modern design
- Inexpensive
- Adjustable shelves
Cons:
- The bottom 1/3 of the cabinet can’t be used as a display
SIMPLIHOME Artisan Solid Wood 38-Inch-Wide Contemporary Medium Storage Cabinet
Best for Short Construction
About
This is a wide, russet brown China cabinet made of wood. There are other color choices available, such as red, white, and black. Since this is a wide cabinet, it is also shorter. There are 6 shelving spaces in total inside this China cabinet, and it measures 16.1” D X 38” W X 40.6” H. With the angled tabletop, you can set decorations on top of this cabinet, too.
- Material: Engineered wood and pine wood
- Price Range: $250-$310
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best feature: Being short, you can set things on top of the display, too
Care
Grab a cloth and warm soapy water when it’s time to clean this China cabinet. After you’ve washed the cabinet with soapy water, use another rag to rinse it with warm water. Once it’s been rinsed, you can dry it with paper towels.
Pros:
- Lots of display space
- Won’t take up too much room
- Lots of sharp edges give it a modern feel
Cons:
- Engineered wood isn’t as good quality as other wood types
Walker Edison 4 Tier Shelf Living Room Storage Tall Bookshelf
Best Price
About
This is a tall and skinny China cabinet with its dimensions being 41” H X 18” L X 8” W. The color of this cabinet is traditional brown, but it can also be bought in black, driftwood, or espresso. You’ll be able to store your collections on strong shelves that can hold up to 250 lbs. This cabinet has a laminated finish.
- Material: Wood and glass
- Price Range: $70-$100
- Warranty: 30-day manufacturer defect warranty
- Best feature: Low price
Care
Use warm soapy water and a cloth to clean this China cabinet when it gets dirty. Rinse it with another wet cloth and dry it with paper towels. To keep the glass windows smudge-free, trying using a glass cleaning product and paper towels.
Pros:
- Low price
- Lots of storage space
- Variety of colors to choose from
Cons:
- Glass could break if something hits it
Home Source Corner Bar Unit White
Best Design
About
This is a unique China cabinet because the top part of the display and smaller and separated from the bottom half. This is a very modern design and is meant to sit in the corner. You can access the bottom shelf from the glass doors while the top shelves are exposed. Mirrors hang on the top shelves, too.
- Material: Wood and glass
- Price Range: $400-$440
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best feature: Exposed top shelves with mirrors
Care
Use a glass cleaner and paper towels to clean smudges marks off the doors and mirrors. Spray glass cleaner onto the paper towel instead of the China cabinet itself to prevent smearing marks. A duster can be used to remove dust and other particles.
Pros:
- Gorgeous design
- Lots of shelf space
- 2 mirrors
Cons:
- The priciest on the list
Winsome Wood Holden Media / Entertainment, Antique Walnut
Best for Small Collections
About
This China cabinet is made with dark walnut wood, giving it a beautiful color. This cabinet is relatively small compared to some of the others with its dimensions being 22” W X 9.2” D X 44” H. The 4 shelves that come with this product are adjustable, so you’ll be able to decide which height you’d like them to be at.
- Material: Solid wood, composite wood, and glass
- Price Range: $110-$140
- Warranty: You can receive replacement parts within 60 days of purchase
- Best feature: Compact size
Care
Clean this China cabinet with a cloth, dish soap, and warm water. Use the soapy cloth to clean the cabinet, then rinse the cabinet with a new wet cloth. Thoroughly dry it with paper towels. You can use paper towels and a gentle glass cleaner to clean the glass doors.
Pros:
- Compact size will fit in any home
- Beautiful walnut wood
- Sleek, minimalistic design
Cons:
- Not suitable for holding large collections
Atlantic Windowpane Adjustable Media Cabinet
Best for Books and DVDs
About
This is a sleek China cabinet with sliding doors and silver handles. This model comes in the color espresso. Compared to some of the other China cabinets on the list, this China cabinet is larger with its dimensions being 32” L X 9.5” W X 49.25” H. With this, you’ll have lots of storage room for books, DVDs, electronics, and more.
- Material: Wood and tempered glass
- Price Range: $180-$120
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best feature: Lots of storage space
Care
Clean the glass with a mild glass cleaner and a paper towel. Make sure to spray the glass cleaner on the paper towel instead of the China cabinet itself so you won’t have any leftover streak marks. Wash this China cabinet with warm soapy water and a cloth. Dry with paper towels.
Pros:
- Lots of room for storage
- Sleek design
- Sliding glass doors
Cons:
- Some people don’t like the look of sliding glass doors
FAQs
Question: Are China Cabinets Outdated?
Answer: China cabinets are absolutely not outdated! China cabinets remain relevant because of what they’re used as-a display that can hold anything you want. While some designs may be outdated, many modern manufacturers create China cabinets with a modern home in mind.
Question: Are Old China Cabinets Worth Anything?
Answer: Old China cabinets can be worth a lot depending on their construction, quality, and how well they’ve been preserved over time. We recommend checking in with antique experts if you’re trying to sell an old China cabinet.
Question: What Can I Put in a Modern China Cabinet?
Answer: You can put anything your heart desires in a modern China cabinet, and it doesn’t have to be fine in China. For a modern aesthetic, try putting collectibles, electronics, or modern dishware up for display in your China cabinet. You can customize, color-coordinate, and do anything you want with a China cabinet.
Closing the Doors
Do you feel like a modern China cabinet expert, yet? You should! You’ve learned all about what you can do with a China cabinet, what to look for when buying one. You’ve also seen our top recommendations for the best modern China cabinets you can order right now.
Personally, I think the Home Source Bar Unit is the best choice because of its design and versatility.
Do you have more modern China cabinet ideas, or do you still have questions about what to do with yours? Let us know below in the comments! For even more great ideas for your home, check out our guide to the best mid-century modern recliners!
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