How to Shop for Antique Chinese Cabinets

There are literally thousands of styles of antique cabinets available. They have multiple uses, styles, colors, sizes, shapes, woods, carvings, and functions. What are you looking to use your Chinese cabinet for? Do you want an antique cabinet just for show or do you want it to serve a purpose? Think about which room of your house you plan to put the Chinese cabinet. What is the main color scheme of that room? These are things to think of before you begin shopping for antique cabinetry.

First, let's talk about colors. Many Chinese cabinets, and Asian antiques in general, come in a multitude of colors because they have been painted. Some Asian antique cabinetry is going to come in a deep reddish wooden color because of the color of the wood that has been used to make it. Usually Asian antiques are made from Elm. Sometimes reproduction antiques are made from different woods but then lacquered to give them an antique look. Ask yourself what colors you are looking for in a cabinet.

Next, what purpose do you want the cabinet to serve? There are a multitude of different types of antique cabinets out there. Some include: Antique armoires, filing cabinets, curio cabinets, drawer cabinets, glass plated cabinets, and more. If you are going to put the cabinet into a bedroom, you probably want to go with an armoire style, so that you can easily store clothes in it. A kitchen or dining room would most benefit from a curio or glass plated cabinet for dishes or other items at the ready. You could put a filing cabinet into an office space.

Now you must take a look at your budget. How much money do you have to spend on your Chinese cabinet or cabinets? If you have an unlimited budget, you can look into authentic Asian antiques online or in specialty antique stores. If you are working with a limited budget, you might consider a reproduction antique piece. These are pieces that are made to look like Chinese antiques but are actually made in the present day. They are given a time-worn appearance, and special paints and lacquers are used to give them an old feel. Whether you decide to go with authentic or reproduction pieces, take the time to assess how and where you will be using your Chinese cabinet before you make the purchase.