What Should I Consider When Buying a Glass Cabinet?

Cabinets that are composed partially or completely with glass are great ways to add storage as well as display space in your home. Because there are so many different types of wood and glass cabinet combinations available, choosing the right one for your space can be tricky. Fortunately, you can select the right cabinet by keeping a few simple factors in mind.

One of your first considerations is the primary function you have in mind for the unit. Perhaps a wall cabinet for the kitchen is what you have in mind, suspended over the countertop and featuring glass paneled doors. You may be thinking more along the lines of a corner style curio cabinet to grace a corner of the den or living room. Your vision may include a glass curio cabinet that is large enough to cover a section of wall and provide the perfect display for a collection of some sort. Knowing how you intend to use the cabinet will make it much easier to focus in on sizes and designs that are right for your needs.

The nature of the glass is another matter to take into consideration. Along with clear glass panels that are thick enough to support the weight of various items, you can also select from various tints and textures. You may find that milk glass would work well in the room. Frosted glass is another alternative. Even smoked glass may be an option, especially if the décor for the space is more contemporary.

For texture, think in terms of etched glass. The images or designs etched into the facing of the glass should work with the general theme of your space. Preferably, the etchings will be somewhat subtle, so they are not the first feature people notice when looking at the glass cabinet. Instead, they should notice the items on the shelves, then notice the added detail on the glass that makes up the shelves or frame of the cabinet.

There is also the matter of what type of other materials you want included in the glass cabinet. What you may really want is a wooden cabinet with glass accents, such as glass-paneled doors and glass shelves. The wood cabinet can be stained to show off the natural grain of the wood, or painted to blend in with the general color scheme of the space. If the idea is for the wood and glass cabinet to be multifunctional, you may opt for one that is mainly glass shelving and framing on top, but rests on a wood base that serves as a storage cabinet.

Metal is also an option with many glass cabinet designs. You can find wall and corner cabinet units that are constructed with stainless steel frames, which would work well in a room with more of an industrial feel. Copper or steel coated with baked enamel are two other decorating options you can consider for the cabinet, especially if you are going for a more contemporary look.

As with any furniture purchase, it is a good idea to take your time and look at glass cabinet options in several different retail outlets. The variety in design, size, and price will provide you with a good idea of what is out there, and how much you are likely to spend. Keep in mind that it is usually better to save a little extra money to purchase what you really want, rather than settling for something that you will not enjoy.