How to Style a Display Cabinet

While putting things into a cupboard might seem like an easy task, the act of styling a cabinet is actually something of an art. To create an impactful, tasteful, and aesthetically-pleasing space in your home, the items in your cabinet need to be arranged in a particular way. 

We share some tips on styling a display cabinet so you can bring the best design to your home. 

Consider the Composition

The composition of your cabinet shelving is what makes or breaks how good it will look. A lot of this will be down to intuition, but you will need to consider the placement of each item to keep the view visually balanced and interesting to the eye.

One way to do this is to avoid placing similar items together. For example, placing three large vases next to each other will appear too bulky, while multiple items of the same colour or texture together can be overwhelming to the eye. 

Instead, arrange the items asymmetrically, with similar items spread across the whole cabinet, rather than bunched together. This keeps your eye moving across the whole cabinet, taking in the full display. 

Choose Contrasting Colours

If you have a black cabinet and line your shelves with darker items, they are just going to blend in and not offer a standout point in your room. Choose items in colours and textures that are in contrast with your cabinet.

For example, if you have a black cabinet, style it with lighter items that will stand out, like white dishes and terracotta vases. Likewise, a lighter cabinet would work well with darker decorations. 

In addition to considering colour, the contrast of texture can also be utilised to style your cabinet. For example, placing textured items, such as wicker decor, textured pottery, and wooden objects, into a sleek glass or shiny metal display cabinet can bring the perfect balance. 

Stick to a Colour Theme

When selecting the colours you’re using for your cabinet styling, try to pick a theme and limit yourself to only a handful of shades. For example, primarily using items that are in shades of light brown, mid brown, and burnt orange can bring a consistency to your cabinet that helps to carry your eye across the display. 

Use an Accent Colour

If you have a glass-fronted cabinet, then you could consider painting an accent colour over the shelves within. This way, you are instantly bringing a particular feel to the cabinet, making it suit an aesthetic or interior style. 

Painting the internal shelves and back of the cabinet a bolder colour can be a great way to create contrast with neutral items or bring an overall colour scheme together. For example, placing white items in a white cabinet would look washed out, but by painting the internal cabinet blue, the white dishes would stand out, and your decor would gain a modern feel. 

Make Use of Height and Depth

Using height throughout your display cabinet brings movement and keeps the shelves from looking flat. Add height with large vases, jugs, stacks of bowls or books. Pair this with items that lay flat on the shelf, like a tray with glasses on.  

Having everything lined up in a row will also make the cabinet feel flat, so add depth and interest to the view by layering items. For example, having a dish or tray resting against the back of the cabinet or by placing piles of linen or dishes in the foreground of your shelves can instantly bring depth. 

Looking for a cabinet to style with your favourite things? Check out our industrial cabinet inspirations above, or browse our full range of furniture to find the perfect new addition to your home.