If the living room area allows, then many people place in it, in addition to the traditional sofa with a TV, also a wardrobe for storing dishes. It is worth giving preference to an elegant and multi-functional design so as not to overload the room and wisely use the available free space.
Types of designs
There are three main types of utensils: a cupboard, a sideboard and a display cabinet. The buffet is a classic model equipped with three tiers. The bottom, as a rule, is closed with wooden doors or is a combination of several drawers. At the very top, glass partitions are installed to protect existing dishes from dust. Between the upper and lower tiers there is a free niche in which you can place a vase, figurines or other decor.
A cupboard variety of sideboard consists of two tiers: the upper and lower. Glass panels are installed at the top of the facade and from both side walls. Sideboards are installed when it is decided to place a large number of expensive and beautiful dishes inside, including exquisite sets, crystal glasses and salad bowls. The lower tier of the structure is closed and is used to store tablecloths, cutlery and fabric napkins. Such a cabinet is usually made low so that the owners do not have any difficulties with its cleaning and moving dishes.
A display cabinet is easily distinguished by the presence of all-glass doors and, in most cases, a mirror panel at the back. Its acquisition makes sense again in the case when the existing dishes have an attractive appearance. Some designers, by the way, use display cases not only for direct storage, but also as partitions for zoning the living room into separate components.
Besides, a hanging cupboard is often found in the living room. This design is suitable for small spaces or interiors, designed in the style of minimalism. Since the hanging cabinet can withstand less weight than the floor, of course, you should not overload it with stacks of plates, but a neat tea set or a set of glasses will fit perfectly into the space. Sometimes a neat hanging cabinet is combined with a floor chest of drawers. If the suspension structure is angular, then its doors open either up or down, or in one of the sides. Often, everything is additionally highlighted for a more effective demonstration of dishes.
However, corner cabinet can be a traditional floor. The design fits seamlessly into the most uncomfortable part of the room and thereby saves space. The capacity of such a cabinet is quite large, and the dishes can be seen from all sides of the room. It is necessary to mention that if the room has a niche or an incomprehensible recess, then it makes sense to organize a built-in closet on this place. This design will cost less than a full buffet or sideboard, and will also get rid of a room defect. Also, a built-in wardrobe often becomes part of a large furniture wall.
Materials of manufacture
For the manufacture of cabinets today, different materials are used, which allows each buyer to make the best choice in accordance with their own preferences and financial capabilities. Of course, an array of natural wood, for example, walnut, oak or pine, looks most spectacular. In addition to a beautiful appearance, this material has strength and a long service life. MDF is a budget option that looks no less attractive, but costs significantly less. Particleboard is considered even cheaper material, however, its operational characteristics leave much to be desired.
Exposure to liquids can lead to delamination of the panels; therefore, for additional protection, at least a varnished coating is required. The use of veneer implies that thin panels of solid wood are fixed on the chipboard. This option looks good, but not very durable. A plastic cupboard is quite rare, but still found in living rooms decorated in one of the modern styles. Such material is quite practical, not afraid of moisture and mechanical stress, and also easy to clean.
The cupboard can be completely glass or use glass only for the facade or individual parts. In addition to the usual transparent material, color models, as well as equipped with mirrors, are also popular. For the decor of glass structures, it is customary to use sandblasting images that are applied either externally or internally.
If the general style allows, then you can use and rhinestones, and metal, and even stones. Spotlights or colored lights make it possible to showcase the contents of the buffet.
Color scheme and design
A modern cabinet for storing dishes can be made absolutely in any colors and styles, taking into account only the general design of the interior. For example, in small rooms or those in which there is not a sufficient amount of natural light, it is recommended to purchase designs of a white shade, additionally coated with varnish. The same applies to living rooms decorated in a white shade or in a minimalist style.
Classic interiors require wooden cabinets with the most natural colors. Hi-tech allows the use of stylish colors, for example, "under the metal" or sand-golden. The Scandinavian interior will look good and marine blue, and calm yellow, and plain white. From the inside, the appearance of the cupboard can also be different. For shelves, as a rule, strong transparent or darkened glass, or plastic or acrylic, is used. Heavy dishes are stored on strong shelves made of natural wood or MDF.
How to choose?
The main rule of choosing a cupboard in the hall is that it should correspond to the general interior of the room. As an option, a classically decorated living room will require a solid wood sideboard, the facade of which is decorated in the form of numerous windows, separated by wooden partitions. For minimalism, a translucent showcase of a simple form and without any accessories is more appropriate. In all cases, the thickness of the glass used should be at least 5 millimeters, and the material itself must be high quality - resistant to mechanical stress and tempered.
Even at the purchase stage, you will have to check the strength of the fasteners and moving parts. The size of the interior item is determined depending on the amount of utensils to be stored inside. The height of the cabinet can start from 60 centimeters and reach the ceiling.
In the spacious living room you can install a classic rectangular wardrobe, and for a small room it is better to choose a corner design.
Proper placement
It is customary to place a cupboard in a spacious living room either in the center of the room or not far from the existing table with chairs. In small rooms, of course, preference is given to the available free space that does not block the walkways. Ideally, a cupboard or display case is installed so that they receive as much natural light as possible. In addition, quite often a cupboard is also used for zoning - then it separates the rest area from the dining area.
If two small cabinets are selected, they can be placed on both sides of the TV cabinet.
Good examples in the interior
A large and spacious room, decorated in a classic style, even allows you to place a composition of several cupboards, different in size, but decorated in the same style. On the left is a two-tier sideboard, at the bottom of which there are two drawers, and above the glass shelves. Since the facade and both walls of the upper tier are decorated with glass panels, this allows you to view dishes from any angle. Next is a massive structure, which is a closed cabinet in the middle and shelves behind the glass on the sides. Its height is less than that of other elements of the composition, which adds to the overall picture of harmony and allows you to place decorative elements on the top panel.
Finally, on the right is a cabinet, the entire facade and side surfaces of which are decorated with glass. Inside there is a sufficient number of shelves for exhibiting dishes. All elements of furniture are made of natural wood, painted in a beautiful rich brown natural shade. A mirror in the frame is hung above the low cabinet in its entire width, in addition, between the individual elements are stands for plants in pots or vases.
The design of the living room in a modern style allows you to place an unusual cupboard with lighting in two colors. The design is made in such a way that at the top there are shelves behind the glass, and at the bottom there are closed niches for storing plates or tablecloths. The cabinet frame is made of white MDF, the shade of which matches the furniture in the room. In the cabinet there are 2 options of alternating illumination of violet and yellow.
It should be noted that despite the apparent compactness, the width of the shelves even allows you to place plates and tureens in 2 rows.
Another spacious living room, decorated in a classic style, makes it possible to place 2 varieties of cupboards. One of them is angular and almost completely closed - the only exception is the glass insert in the upper part. The convenient shape completely occupies the corner and thereby adds harmony to the room. A second cupboard is located next to the TV. At the bottom there is a small drawer, and above everything is closed by a door with a glass facade in a wooden "frame". Cabinets are made of solid wood, including the sides. As a coloring, a natural wooden shade was chosen, corresponding to other presented interior items.
If the living room is already crowded with furniture, then a cabinet for dishes is better to take a small size. For example, it may be a white sideboard, the lower tier of which is closed by white doors, and the upper tier is decorated with glass. The shelves inside are also glass. The “highlight” of such a cabinet is its unusual shape with a narrower upper tier and a wider lower tier, as well as golden rounded jewelry and accessories. Since the cabinet height is small, decorative elements of bright shades, for example, vases, are placed at the top of it.
It is necessary to mention that the combination of white color and plenty of glass creates the effect of lightness and airiness required in a crowded room.
An overview of a luxurious classic sideboard cabinet made of inexpensive materials can be found in the next video.
