A Vintage China Cabinet Belongs In Your Entryway: Here's Why

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Tackling the layout of your entryway can be a huge undertaking, particularly if you want the space to be organized, functional, and stylish. From piles of shoes with no place to go to decor that provides an inviting and welcoming aesthetic, entryway design is about capturing the balance. While there are plenty of storage solutions for this space, not all of them are ultra-unique or appealing. For example, a classic shoe rack is utilitarian, but also puts your filthiest sneakers on display. Therefore, some folks have turned to more eclectic and stylish storage pieces, like fine china cabinets, when searching for that entryway must-have. 

A china cabinet may not be the first solution that comes to mind, but it can actually be a great choice for your entryway. Not only are they a larger storage solution than a sideboard or credenza, but china cabinets often come with glass-front doors to show off your best trinkets.

If you're searching for beautiful entryway designs to make a stunning first impression, a fine china cabinet could be a good addition to your space. They come in various styles to suit your aesthetic, and some modern iterations have frosted glass-front doors if you aren't interested in displaying any decorative items. However, smaller entryways may not be able to accommodate big furniture, making a china cabinet less ideal. Further, if you opt to use it as a purely decorative feature, you may lose out on precious real estate for shoe or coat storage.

Some folks might question whether china display cabinets are outdated or if there is a way to keep them modern. Much of it comes down to the style of the piece. For example, a more modern and timeless alternative to a vintage china cabinet could be the Costway storage cabinet from Walmart, which features frosted glass and sleek white wood detailing. Once you have your piece, it's time to turn the old china cabinet into useful storage for things other than dishes.

One clever idea is to show off a personal collection to set the tone for your home. Whether you collect playing cards, precious gems, vintage books, or gorgeous handbags, you can show off your collection in a cabinet with glass-front panels. You may also consider using the display case for seasonal items, such as setting up a miniature winter town for Christmas or a stack of pumpkins surrounding a cauldron for Halloween. Another way to use your china cabinet in the entryway is as a mini greenhouse for sprouts or plants. Just be aware of moisture levels and the plants' access to sunlight. 

When it comes to storage, you can use the lower part of a china cabinet to stash seasonal outerwear when not in use. Or, use the closed storage for shoes. Frosted or opaque panels can hide scarves, bags, and coats. Alternatively, you could install hooks to make your bags, keys, and on-the-go must-haves easy to grab on the way out the door.