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Display cases: 10 models bring charm to the dining room

Check out inspirations for a glass cabinet and how to use it to bring charm and sophistication to your dining room

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Mar 29, 2025, 1:31 PM

Mais de 10 min de leitura
Project by Blaia and Moura Architects.

Project by Blaia and Moura Architects. (Rafael Renzo)

The display cabinet is a classic piece of furniture that exudes sophistication and personality. With a design that blends tradition and modernity, it has become a key element in the decoration of many projects, especially in the dining room.

In addition to being a functional element, the display cabinet can transform the project, giving a touch of elegance and warmth. It allows for better organization of glasses and dishes, and also complements the visual, leaving everything in harmony.

What is a display cabinet


Arthur Guimarães - Lounge Commander Rolim Amaro, project of CASACOR São Paulo 2021.

Lounge Comandante Rolim Amaro. Arthur Guimarães - CASACOR São Paulo 2021 (Salvador Cordaro/CASACOR)

A display cabinet is a piece of furniture with glass doors, usually used to store and display objects such as crystals, porcelain, glasses, and other valuable items or those that deserve special attention. Over time, display cabinets have gained more modern and functional versions, adapting to new needs and tastes.

Originally, it was intended for the exhibition of crystals, but today it can accommodate a myriad of decorative and utilitarian items.

1960s apartment features modernist decor full of design. Project by Beta Architecture. In the photo, dining room with a display cabinet and table.

Projeto de Beta Arquitetura. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

Besides the practical function of organization, a display cabinet is an excellent piece to enhance the decor of the dining room. Its design, which can vary from the most classic to the most contemporary, brings an extra charm to the project and makes the room more inviting and stylish.

What to put in the display cabinet


Lívia Quintella signs a house with a bamboo pergola and area with futons. In the picture, a black display cabinet and a brick wall.

Projeto de Lívia Quintella. (Gustavo Bresciani/CASACOR)

When it comes to choosing what to put in the display cabinet, the variety of options is vast, but it is important to consider both functionality and the decorating style of your project. Below are some ideas for you to be inspired:

  • Crystals and porcelain: as the name suggests, the display cabinet is ideal for showcasing crystals, glasses, and porcelain, especially rare pieces or those of great sentimental value. These objects, in addition to being beautiful, can be decorative and functional, like a set of wine glasses or a collection of antique plates.

  • Decorative items: if you enjoy collecting decorative items, the display cabinet can be the perfect place to showcase pieces like vases, statuettes, candles, books, and even paintings or small artworks. The secret is to create a harmonious composition by mixing items of different heights, colors, and shapes.

Contemporary industrial décor marks a 120 m² project in Botafogo. Project by o+Lab Juntos Arquitetura. In the photo, brick wall, display cabinet, and bar.

Projeto de o+Lab Juntos Arquitetura. (Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

  • Everyday dinnerware: although it is common to use it for valuable or decorative items, the display cabinet can also serve to organize everyday dinnerware. Plates, glasses, and kitchen utensils can be arranged on the lower part of the furniture, while finer pieces are displayed on the upper part.

  • Plants: one option that is gaining space is the use of display cabinets to hold plants. Small plant pots, such as succulents or cacti, can be placed on the shelves, creating a composition that brings life to the project.

  • Bars and cellars: in a modern dining room, a display cabinet can be used as an improvised bar. With wine glasses, wine bottles, glasses, and cocktail utensils, it can be an excellent piece for moments of gathering.

What materials are used for display cabinets


Multipurpose shelf divides the social area of this 90 m² apartment. In the photo, wooden shelf with niches for objects, books, and a bar. Glass door china cabinet.

Projeto de João Panaggio. (Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

Just like other standout furniture in decoration, display cabinets can be made from a variety of materials, which directly influence their style and durability. Below are the main materials for display cabinets:

Wood

[caption id="attachment_191016" align="alignnone" width="2000"]500 m² apartment has a poker room, sculptural cellar, and secret passages. Project by Cilene Lupi. In the photo, bar with display cabinet and stone wall.[/caption>

One of the most traditional materials for display cabinets, wood brings a warm and timeless touch to the dining room. It can be found in various finishes, such as natural, painted, or varnished, and matches well with various styles of decoration, from classic to rustic. The most commonly used woods include mahogany, oak, and pine.

Glass

[caption id="attachment_147178" align="alignnone" width="1333"]Julia Penkal and Maristela Penkal - Dining Room And Glassware. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2023. In the photo, dining room with wooden table, shelves, and plants.[/caption>

Glass is the essential material in the doors of the display cabinet, allowing for the display of the stored objects. However, the use of glass can also be extended to the body of the furniture, creating a more sophisticated and modern piece. Tempered glass is a common choice due to its strength and durability.

Stainless steel or aluminum

For a more contemporary and minimalist look, display cabinets made with stainless steel or aluminum are an excellent option. These materials give the furniture a clean and modern appearance, as well as being quite durable.

MDF and wood veneer

The MDF is a more affordable option that also allows for sophisticated finishes. Wood veneers applied to the MDF give it the appearance of solid wood without the high cost.

Metals and other finishes

Some models of display cabinets may have details in other materials, such as painted metal or bronze, which adds a touch of luxury to the piece. This type of display cabinet is ideal for those seeking a more sophisticated and elegant project.

Organization tips


[caption id="attachment_112765" align="alignnone" width="1600"]Kitchen 21 Rubiana Teixeira CASACOR Goiás 2021 decoration design carpentry[/caption>

Organizing a display cabinet may seem like a simple task, but it's important to think about the arrangement of objects in a functional and aesthetic way. Here are some tips for organizing the display cabinet with charm and practicality:

Plan the arrangement

Before you start placing items, think about the layout of the display cabinet. The idea is for it to be visually interesting and harmonious. Start by organizing the larger objects on the lower shelves and the smaller ones on the upper ones. This creates a sense of balance and makes the items easier to visualize.

Create groups

Grouping similar items is a great way to bring organization and flow to the display cabinet. For example, place all the glasses together or create a section with decorative pieces of a specific style or color. This helps avoid visual overload and makes the cabinet cleaner and more pleasant to the eyes.

CASACOR Santa Catarina 2016. Living Bar - Tufi Mousse. Do you remember the conversation rooms of small hotels and residences from the 1960s and 1970s? They are the key to entering the mood of this space, which begins with the slender sofa. On the sides, two cabinets serving as a bar and display case. The granite walls have been preserved, and the others are covered with wallpaper with technology that allows them to breathe.

CASACOR Santa Catarina 2016. Living Bar - Tufi Mousse. (Divulgação/CASACOR)

Balance colors and shapes

For a more sophisticated decor, it is important to balance colors and shapes. If you have many colorful objects, for example, you can choose a neutral background so that the colors stand out without clashing with each other. Additionally, varying the height of the pieces and mixing rounded and straight shapes creates a more dynamic and interesting look.

Leave space for emptiness

Do not feel the need to fill every space in the display cabinet. Sometimes, an empty space or a freer shelf can help highlight more important pieces and create a more elegant and airy look.

Illuminate the display cabinet

If you want to add an even more special touch, you can invest in internal lighting. Directed lights for the shelves can enhance the displayed objects and create a cozy atmosphere, especially at night.

CASACOR Publisher is an agent that creates exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.