Once relegated to the formal dining rooms of the past, the ’90s display cabinet is experiencing a revival — and this time, it’s sleeker, smarter, and far more versatile. With designers and homeowners alike embracing nostalgic elements that feel personal and storied, this once-forgotten furniture piece is reemerging as a contemporary classic. Here’s how the humble cabinet is finding new life in modern interiors — and how to style it with intention and flair.
Why the display cabinet is trending again
Interior design in 2025 is shifting from stark minimalism to spaces that embrace warmth, personality, and meaning. At the heart of this trend is a renewed appreciation for traditional furniture with a modern twist — and the display cabinet is leading the way. Once used strictly to house formal china and heirlooms, today’s cabinets blend vintage charm with clean lines and updated materials like metal, walnut, and glass.
“Armoires, bespoke joinery, and freestanding cabinets are being worked into interiors to bring a sense of the traditional to the space,” says interior designer Steve Cordony, author of Moments at Home: Interior Inspiration for Every Room. These pieces now serve dual purposes: offering stylish storage while acting as statement decor themselves. They’re not just furniture — they’re focal points.
Beyond the dining room
The modern display cabinet is no longer confined to the dining room. Designers are placing them in living rooms, bathrooms, hallways, and even creative spaces, redefining what they’re meant to showcase. From soft linens to personal collections, the cabinet is becoming a personalized snapshot of its owner’s life and style.
“Display cabinets work not only to showcase and store beautiful objects, but they also act as a focal point furniture piece within any room,” Cordony explains. Think of them as curated showcases — part gallery, part storage solution — that tell your unique story through the things you love.
What to display and how
Not sure what belongs behind the glass? The beauty of today’s display cabinet lies in its flexibility. Here are some inspired ideas to make yours feel both functional and beautiful.
Books:
A cabinet full of books instantly adds charm. Stack larger volumes horizontally to act as pedestals for art or decor, and stand others upright for height variation. Pay attention to color — a cohesive palette keeps things calm and curated.
Linens:
Folded towels and throws bring softness and practicality, especially when styled with care. Use baskets or decorative boxes to contain smaller items, and don’t be afraid to add sculptural pieces or candles for balance.
Travel Keepsakes:
Souvenirs from your journeys — like pottery, small paintings, or seashells — create an intimate, globally inspired display. These mementos bring authenticity and nostalgia, all while reflecting your personal story.
Collections:
From vintage magazines to favorite vinyl records or ceramics, display cabinets are perfect for showcasing what you’re passionate about. Group items by type or theme to keep things visually cohesive.
Craft Supplies:
In a studio or craft room, a display cabinet can become both storage and inspiration. Use clear jars, baskets, and trays to hold everything from beads to fabric. The key is to keep it organized yet creative.
Artwork:
Leaning small framed pieces against the back of the shelves adds instant depth. Layer multiple sizes, or use an easel to highlight a single standout work — even your children’s art can become a feature.
Family Heirlooms:
Vintage books, china, or treasured baby shoes gain new life behind protective glass. These pieces carry emotional weight and add a sense of legacy to the space.
Holiday Decor:
Don’t pack away the festive spirit. Rotate seasonal items into the cabinet — a bowl of vintage ornaments, small holiday-themed artwork, or greeting cards from years past add a joyful, ever-changing layer to your home.
Tips for styling like a pro
Making your display cabinet look intentional — rather than cluttered — is all in the styling. Cordony offers a few design-forward tips to help transform any cabinet into a curated masterpiece.
Group Objects Thoughtfully:
“Group objects and create vignettes as you would if you were styling a coffee table or bedside,” says Cordony. Think in odd numbers and vary shapes and heights. Even everyday items can shine when placed with care.
Stick to a Color Palette:
A modern look is easier to achieve with a limited color scheme. “Use color to create a monochromatic installation,” Cordony advises. Let texture and form create the interest rather than overwhelming the space with hues.
Play with Height:
Varying the height of your items adds visual rhythm. Layer tall vases with squat bowls, lean frames behind smaller objects, and allow negative space to breathe between groupings.
Mix Sizes and Textures:
Avoid a shelf full of similarly sized knickknacks — it can read as clutter. Balance small pieces with large anchors like books or trays, and introduce contrasting materials like wood, ceramic, and glass for depth.
Old meets new in the best way
Whether inherited, thrifted, or bought new, display cabinets are proving their timeless appeal in the modern home. Their resurgence signals a shift toward interiors that are rich in memory, layered with meaning, and filled with objects that matter.
By mixing the old with the new, and styling with thoughtful intention, the display cabinet becomes much more than a throwback to the ’90s — it becomes a storytelling tool. And in a design world that increasingly values individuality, that’s a trend worth embracing.
