china cabinet

Ok so I will start off by saying I need to dust. I also live in a tiny tiny townhouse right now so everything is crammed in to where ever I can find a spot. We recently changed cable service and I still haven't reorganized and rehung the tv and cable boxes so ignore all the wires. LOL.

Now I have this old china or curio cabinet. It's about 5 feet tall and 1 foot deep maybe 3 feet wide or a little more. The glass had to be replaced in one side. You can tell the difference cause the original glass has a wavy effect. It doesn't seem to show in the picture. Was curious if anyone knows how old it might be. It has a lock and key but the outer part of the hardware fell off. I have it... somewhere.

I used this cabinet for my painted ponies collection but right now it has been taken over by depression glass cause as mentioned I am low on space. The clutter looks worse than it really is. I swear. I just haven't organized this area yet. ;-) it's a quick phone pic but maybe it's enough to tell the age and style. It was given to me by my grandmother years ago I don't know where she got it.

 

Decent little Edwardian oak glass fronted cabinet, I'd think. Early 20th C.

 

Edwardian. Thanks that is exactly what I wanted to know.

 

It's not "clutter" - it's stuff!

 

Agree, Edwardian. I would call this a book case unless overly deep. Usually, a china cabinet has glass sides.

 

I was also thinking it looks like a bookcase. And one I like!

 

I never thought about it being a bookcase because of the doors and glass but I guess that would make sense with it being only about a foot deep. I knew it was not a typical china cabinet but couldn't think of what else to call it. So I guess when I move to a bigger place I should use it for books instead of ponies.

 

Nope. If you have a sufficient collection of rare or valuable books, keeping them under glass and protected by lock and key makes sense. Otherwise...not so much.

Shelves that are a foot deep are way too large for the average book. Besides which, keeping one's china (or horses) under glass does make sense. One can clap books together to dislodge dust, not a method that can be used in the case of the soup tureen.

Incidentally, one of my all-time favorite bookshelves was a serendipitous find at a tag sale. Originally it had been built to accommodate a large collection of dressage trophies. Each shelf was about five inches deep (except the wider bottom one, which was actually the top of a long chest of drawers). EUREKA! It took my huge collection of paperback mysteries -- all of Agatha Christie, all of Ngaio Marsh, all of G. K. Chesterton, etc., etc. !

 

A foot deep is pretty standard for a generous bookcase. A lot of modern books are much smaller and don't require that kind of space. Use it how it suits you. I tend to mix books with other things on a shelf for a more interesting look. Rows and rows of modern books just aren't all that attractive.

 

Rows and rows of books -- any kind, almost -- spell home, comfort and wealth to me!

 

I knew I was doing something wrong in my cleaning! Just couldn't figure out what it was!
Don

 

Madam - if you DARED to clap ANY books together in my home you would be summarily shown the door, probably followed by the Flying Edwardian Rosenthal soup tureen.................

 

LOL! Mansons: I do not clap the dark green leather-bound set of the Bronte sisters, but Marcia Davenport's "My Brother's Keeper," and Dr. Spock's, "Baby and Child Care" -- make a most gratifying and solid thunk!

 

...exit Silverthwait, stage left, pursued by winged tureen...

 

Well, in truth, you could drop kick Dr. Spock's, "Baby and Child Care" and I'd not raise an eyebrow (maybe give you a bit of subtle applause) but every other tome should be held in a white gloved left hand while gently stroking the volume with a seven haired sable brush exactly 27 strokes per each 1/32" in consecutive order..........................on the other hand a Hoover works just as well....................

 

You guys have got to stop this discussion! My bladder control isn't what it used to be!

 

You guys are a riot.

 

I kind of like the fandango tassel on the key. It dresses up the staid, Edwardian furniture with a little flair.

 

Thanks for the giggles!

 

Hi Bev,
I have tassels hanging on all my keyed drawers as well as pulls for the lamps with chains and the knobs on my lawyers book cases. Okay I know I am a bit weird but I bought a bag of over 1 thousand tassels all mixed some antique some new, my favorite ones where 24" long and navy blue over yellow on the handle.
greg