China Cabinet Bookcase

Too many books? Not enough crystal? A china cabinet bookcase is the perfect solution for anyone who has lots of books and not enough china and crystal to fill a traditional dining hutch. First we’ll explore what kind of furniture is perfect for this purpose, and then we’ll look at the kinds of things that can go inside.

Furniture choice:

Type – Whether it’s a bookcase, china hutch, or built-in cabinets is not important. Any storage cabinet with glass doors will work.

Glass Doors – The glass doors enable you to see the pretty books, decor, and crystal glassware stored within. They also keep dust off your glasses so that they’re ready to go when you need them. And hopefully you need them somewhat frequently!

Note: There are lots of services and tutorials online for converting cabinet doors to glass. There are also tutorials available for painting/refinishing cabinets if you’re a crafty person.

Convert Wood Cabinet Doors to Glass Tutorial

Where to get china, crystal, and books: 

The best place to start is within your own family. A lot of the things in my china cabinet bookcase are hand-me-down. The Weimar porcelain tea set belonged to my grandparents. My champagne glass collection came from my aunt, and the martini glasses were my mothers. Due to my family’s generosity, or need to purge, I’ve acquired an eclectic set of things to show off.

Used book stores can be a good place to find well priced books. Another place to look is your local library, they sometimes have a small shop of donated books that the library sells for a profit. A few times a year they have brown bag sales where you can get a bag full of books for a few dollars.

Estate and garage sales are the best place to look for bargains on china and crystal. Antique stores will have them too, but be careful not to over pay. Most of us have smartphones in our pockets and can do quick research on whether or not something is a good deal.

Tips for Decorating:

Use felt under pieces that may rattle as you walk by.

Keep frequently used wine glasses in an easily accessible place.

Solid wood furniture benefits by being oiled once a year.

The glass will also look best if dusted and cleaned once every few months. Glass doors near the kitchen may need to be cleaned more often.

Keep a theme in mind: A porcelain tea set may look best next to classic novels, creating an English garden feel. Similarly, martini glasses would go great with mystery novels and crime fiction. My Greek/Roman shelf is my favorite, with champagne flutes lined up like columns.

For more ideas, check out these tips for decorating bookcases.

Notes on China Cabinet Bookcase:

This is one of my favorite ideas for home design harmony, because it combines classic home elements in a functional way. The books make the perfect backdrop and space filler for fancy glassware or cherished china sets. It all starts with the right display cabinet and finishes with innovative decor.

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