Cabinets and chests are not only great options for storing your belongings but are also an easy way to spice up your home. They are incredibly versatile, with a wide range of styles, shapes, and features to choose from.
However, having so many choices can be a bit overwhelming, so we've compiled some expert tips to help you choose the perfect cabinets or chest for your home!
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This should be the first thing you consider before buying a cabinet or chest. You'll need to know exactly what function you want it to fulfill within your home, and where you'll want it to stand.
Prefer to keep it simple? => Chest of drawers
A chest of drawers is the perfect option if you have quite a lot of items you want to put away, and don't mind them being hidden from view.
It can fit practically into any place in the home, whether that's the living room, a hallway, a bedroom, or even a bathroom.
This option is very versatile as you'll have a huge range of colors and finishes to choose from - you'll be able to find anything from natural wood to bright pink and glossy!
A chest of drawers is usually the cheapest storage option you can find.
Love displaying your items? => Display cabinet
Display cabinets usually have glass panes in their doors to allow you to see what's inside.
These are very popular among collectors of various items ranging from vinyl figurines to old books.
They can also sometimes be found in kitchens or dining areas, displaying vast collections of plates and bowls.
Display cabinets are quite tall and large, so you'll need to make sure there's enough space for them in your home.
This option can get very expensive, especially if you prefer real wood over plywood, so keep that in mind if you have a tighter budget.
Need something multifunctional? => TV cabinet
As you can tell by the name, TV cabinets act both as storage units and as TV stands, which can be very handy if you have limited floor space.
TV cabinets can sometimes have removable back panels, which can help you store TV cables out of sight without having to disconnect them.
Not all cabinets will be sturdy enough to sustain the weight of a TV, so make sure you purchase one made specifically for this purpose, or out of a strong material like real wood.
It can sometimes be cheaper to buy a sturdier cabinet that isn't specifically listed as a TV cabinet, so pay attention to that if you're on a tight budget.
This is a crucial step in choosing a cabinet for your home. While you may want the cabinet to be a bit of a statement piece, you don't want it to be a completely random choice as it may clash with other pieces of furniture. Below are some of the more popular styles that will be available to you -- make sure to pick wisely!
Like to keep it simple? => Scandinavian style
The Scandinavian style is all about straight, vertical and horizontal lines to create a clean look.
These cabinets have zero ornamentation as their focus is on practicality rather than fashion, although they do come in a huge range of colors.
Many people have become familiar with this style because of the brand Ikea, which specializes in this style of furniture.
This is one of the cheapest options for cabinets, though that is because they're usually made out of particleboard or plywood rather than real wood.
Want an air of elegance and sophistication? => French provincial style
Also known as vintage style, this is the most expensive style of cabinets and chests, and rightly so!
Cabinets made in the French provincial style are always made from real, sturdy wood with metal and glass accents.
They come in a range of colors, from natural dark wood to painted white with gold detailing.
These cabinets can last several lifetimes as they're incredibly sturdy, and often get passed down through generations.
Enjoy a cozy, cottage-like atmosphere? => Rustic style
Cabinets made in a rustic style are deliberately left slightly unfinished or made to look worn down.
This is because this style is centered around trying to display the materials used in their most natural state.
These cabinets are usually a natural wood color but may have chipped white, gray, or green paint.
Just like vintage style cabinets, rustic cabinets are made to last several lifetimes as they're made from real, unprocessed wood.
Many people don't give much thought to the material of their cabinet; they just assume it'll be sturdy enough to last however long they need it. While that usually is the case, it's still quite important to be aware of what you're buying so that you're not faced with a nasty surprise when you're forced to replace your cabinets after just 2 years.
Need your cabinet to last for years? => Solid wood
Most people will agree that solid wood is the superior cabinet material as it's sturdy and very durable.
Most of the more popular styles of cabinets prefer to use solid wood, although that can make them quite expensive.
If you're looking for something that will be a worthwhile, long-term investment, definitely choose a solid wood cabinet.
Just want something cheap? => Particleboard
Particleboard is an engineered wood alternative, made from wood particles and chips that are held together by an adhesive.
It is the cheapest option for cabinets, mostly because it's quite fragile.
Although not recommended for the longer term, particleboard cabinets are great if you need something temporary.
Want a compromise on price and quality? => Plywood
Plywood is the perfect middle ground of cabinet materials - it's relatively cheap and can last a few years if taken care of properly.
It's great for first time buyers who may not have a set aesthetic in mind as it's easily replaceable and won't break the bank.
