Creating a perfectly styled China cabinet is an art. The ideal hutch will be beautifully layered yet balanced, according to House of Kustom. But since the China hutch is often your largest piece of dining room furniture, this balancing act might seem like no small order. Here, this Fairbanks, AK, furniture store has shared four tips for styling your China cabinet.

Home Furniture Styling Advice: The China Cabinet

1. Decide on a Theme

Create a cohesive look by choosing a theme that matches your dishware and fits the design aesthetic of your dining room. A neutral color scheme is often the easiest route: Think whites, blacks, and neutrals. This provides an easy backdrop to showcase dishes with floral, geometric, banded, and Oriental patterns. White China also looks instantly more elegant when paired with contrasting tones.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Edit

Iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel once famously said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.” This piece of wisdom is just as relevant to interior design as it is to the fashion world. Avoid the urge to overcrowd shelves. Choose one impactful piece to act as a visual anchor and provide structure for each shelf vignette. Once you have decided on your focal points, use smaller objects and dishes to fill in the surrounding space.

3. Keep Balance In Mind

As you design each shelf, keep balance and scale in mind.  To establish the scale for your finished vignette, consider starting with your tallest piece, such as a pitcher or vase. These larger dishes will add visual weight to your hutch, and figuring out their location first will help you place the remaining pieces.

Every so often, pause to take a step back and look at the hutch as a whole. Do you need to add more color in one area or redistribute small items that are cluttering one shelf? There are no right or wrong answers, so go with what you feel looks best.

4. Don’t Limit Yourself to China

The contents of your cabinet are not limited to dishes, pitchers, and platters. Create visual interest by weaving in elements such as small pieces of art, beautiful book stacks, and potted plants. Flower-filled vases and unscented candles can serve a dual purpose when transferred to the dining room table for an easy centerpiece.  

If your plates and cups are currently collecting dust in storage, it’s time to give them a new life. You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect China cabinet at House of Kustom. This furniture store has been outfitting Fairbanks homes with the finest pieces since 1972. Browse their selection of heirloom-quality bedroom and dining room furniture online. To inquire about a specific piece or speak with a member of their team, give them a call today at (907) 456-5321.