5 Creative Ideas for Displaying China Collections

January 22, 2020

 

Since the occasions are rare that we actually pull out our fine china to use for entertaining, half the fun comes from keeping the collection on display.  When you have exquisite dishware, you want to show it off and be sure it gets seen. A china collection is an intrinsic element of decor, setting the room’s vibe entirely- depending on how you style it.  While the collection might be antique or an older style, there are many fun ways to make it feel modern still too through the way in which you display it.  There are many creative ways to show off your formal-ware and below we have listed some of our favorite china display ideas.  

Antique China Cabinet Display

Display your pieces within an antique china cabinet or hutch. Large enough to be the rooms statement piece, this display is sure to catch the eyes of your guests and draw attention to your prized china collection.  Be sure to pick a piece that has tall enough shelves that you can sit some of the pieces upright or leaning so that you can really see the beautiful painting on the fine China. It would also be wise to avoid a hutch that has lots of painted or colorful details as it can distract from the collection within. And keep in mind that the glass doors are clear enough to see through as well.

Mix & Match Display

Curate an eclectic display of dishes by mixing and matching the styles, placed behind glass cabinet doors. However, be sure to keep some type of color or theme going throughout in order to maintain a sense of order. For example, maybe different chinoiserie type patterns in varying colors; or all Wedgewood China with varying patterns. We would suggest keeping the cabinet or shelving area simpler so that there is not too much going on which could start to look messy.

All White Display

Brighten the room by displaying your white china dishes within all white, farmhouse-style cabinetry. This is a crisp look, especially when paired with dark hardwood floors and would feel perfectly on theme in an East Coast home. This option can be created as a modern china display too and fit into a more minimalist aesthetic. Since the dishes won’t have a ton of embellishment on their faces, this display can be more like stacks of dishes rather than leaning displays.  A collection like this could also look very cool stacked on open shelves in a kitchen for a more casual feel.

Vintage Display

One very creative way to display china doesn’t involve a cabinet or shelves at all! Embellish the walls by hanging your vintage collection of dishware among it. Tie it together with other vintage elements within the room, such as the chairs or table. Think of the designs on your china as just another pattern or color story to add to your eclectic room. Be sure to get very sturdy wall mounts and keep them out of the reach of children!

Timeless Display

Add a timeless touch to your place with the classic display of blue and white china pieces.  This can be anything from Wedgewood china, to Delft blue china or more casual blue and white splatterware. Within a wooden cabinet or placed upon a white wall, these pieces are sure to impress. 

Quick Tips for Displaying your Collections

• Pick your favorite pieces to stand upright and be most visible
• Stick to a color theme that suits your taste and your home
• Secure the china well with wall mounts or museum putty