China cabinets were made first by the best furniture craftsmen in both America and Europe. These early cabinets were, and still are, considered to be an important creation. In their day, they became so popular that they quickly spread to both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, but people still think that china cabinets were first created in China.
History of the China Cabinet
China cabinets are a fairly new antique. They were fashioned first in England during the time of William and Mary, around the end of the 17th and at the beginning of the 18th centuries. William and Mary brought the furniture concept with them from the Netherlands in order to display the fine china that was popular during the time. Furniture makers started their craft in Britain, with shops opening around Europe and in America, mostly in the Northeast.
China Cabinets in America
Shops soon appeared in Philadelphia and New York, but furniture making was not exclusive to those large cities. Historians now believe that Virginia had a thriving china cabinet industry that rivaled the larger northern cities. Styles ranged from Chippendale, Queen Anne and the Vernacular styles. Some of the most popular china cabinet makers still exist today. E.A. Clore was one of the first furniture makers in the area and it is still in business today.
The influence of Europeans coming to America with their own styles cannot be underrated. German, British and French immigrants brought their own style and creative ideas to America. The addition of new creative ideas from Europe led to a wave of new china cabinet designs that sprang up in America around the early 1900s.
Today's China Cabinets
Today, manufacturers such as Howard Miller, Pulaski Furniture, and Basset Furniture have turned into top brands that are respected around the world. Most of these brands have their roots in Martinsville, Virginia, which was a hotbed for early furniture making. The love of china cabinets grew with the founding of Stanley Furniture when its owner became Governor of Virginia in 1954. The city of High Point, North Carolina is the American city which is most synonymous with china cabinets and American made furniture. The Howard Miller Company began by designing wall clocks and table clocks but began designing china cabinets and other furniture in 1989. Since then they have discontinued their clock manufacturing in favor of china cabinets.
The name may say "China" but we know that china cabinets have their origins through American and European craftsman.
FAQs
History of the China Cabinet
Where did the china cabinet come from? ›
The history of the china cabinet dates back to the 17th century in Europe, where it was used to store and display ceramics and other fine dishes.
What is the difference between a regular cabinet and a china cabinet? ›
The main distinction between the two is that china display cabinets generally feature a solid wood construction with glass in the front, while curio cabinets usually have glass panels along the sides as well as the front.
What is considered a china cabinet? ›
A china cabinet is a piece of furniture, usually with glass fronts and sides, used to hold and display porcelain ("china") or other ceramics. Typical china held in such cabinets often includes cups, plates, bowls, and glasses.
How can I tell if my china cabinet is an antique? ›
Identify authentic antique china cabinets by examining details like hardware, glass, dovetail joinery, and maker's marks. Select the perfect cabinet material, often darker woods like mahogany or walnut, for its aesthetics and value.
Are people still buying china cabinets? ›
If you happen to adore this particular piece of furniture, then you'll be happy to find out that you can carry on the décor-related tradition of china cabinets without the worry of having an outdated home. That's thanks to the fact that they are still a stylish option, according to Upgraded Home.
What is the difference between Chinese and American cabinets? ›
As a result, Chinese kitchen cabinets are often more durable and feel sturdier to the touch than American-made cabinets. That means that by sourcing your kitchen from China, you can benefit from superior material selection during the manufacturing process.
What cabinet style is more expensive? ›
Inset Cabinet Style
Although this style tends to be one of the most expensive on the market, it's a classic look that'll last for generations.
Do all china cabinets come apart? ›
Most china cabinets have two parts that you can separate from each other: the bottom part of the cabinet and the hutch that sits on top. Separating these parts from each other will make the cabinet lighter and easier to move.
Can you put a china cabinet in the living room? ›
A china cabinet is often best displayed in the corner of a living room or dining room.
I don't think china cabinets in general will ever be out of style. I'll never not have them and armoires. I have two vintage traditional china cabinets (in office and in den) and one Mexican pine armoire (in bedroom) after downsizing a few years ago.
Are china cabinets heavy? ›
China cabinets can be very heavy. A furniture dolly makes it much easier for you and any helpers to move the cabinet without straining your backs or risking injury. It allows you to roll the cabinet instead of lifting it, reducing the risk of dropping it.
How do I know if my china set is valuable? ›
In general, the value of fine china depends on the brand, condition, location, and age. This may go without saying, but an older, antique piece of china will command a higher price than newer pieces. The location or origin can also help determine its value.
How can I tell how old my china is? ›
Backstamps provide a clue as to the date of china, because historically, manufacturers changed stamps frequently. Using a magnifying glass, you can see the writing on the mark. Or use your phone to take a picture and enlarge it on your computer.
How do I identify my cabinets? ›
There should be a code or the cabinetry name in the middle of the sticker. For example, on the Bertch Kitchen + Door, the code is BCM. The KCMA website has a tool that you can use to find a manufacturer. Once you have identified the brand, you can check the cabinet manufacturer's website to find your local dealer.
What is the origin of the presidential cabinet? ›
George Washington, the first president of the United States, organized his principal officers into a Cabinet, and it has been part of the executive branch structure ever since.
What is the origin of the kitchen cabinet? ›
The term was originally used by political opponents of President of the United States Andrew Jackson to describe his ginger group, the collection of unofficial advisors he consulted in parallel to the United States Cabinet (the "parlor cabinet") following his purge of the cabinet at the end of the Eaton affair and his ...
Where did the dish cabinet come from? ›
While recorded history of the idea goes back as far as 1876 with a patent application by an American inventor Chandler Vashti, the concept was popularised in Finland in the 1940s by Maiju Gebhard, the head of the household department at the Finnish Work Efficiency Institute.
What country invented cabinets? ›
Cabinets were first used in Italy during the late Renaissance. In many parts of Europe, cabinets became the most sumptuous pieces of furniture, with great displays of marquetry, carving, inlay, and gilding. Some cabinets were placed on stands, others on chests.
