Today’s journey is all about putting a new spin on a classic piece–cabinets with glass doors. Etageres are making a huge statement in the design industry at the moment, and when I came across this beauty, I instantly knew that, with the right modern styling, this cabinet could be seamlessly integrated into our home. Follow along for a few simple tips on how to style your cabinet with glass doors to achieve a professional, modern finish.
Finding the Perfect Cabinet with Glass Doors
I didn’t even know I was in the market for a new cabinet! I was at HomeGoods, and this beauty caught my eye. I immediately loved everything about it: the wood finish, the arched top. So, naturally, I walked away.
Then, as soon as I got home, I ran back to the store, hoping it would still be there! Since it was a HomeGoods find, I can’t share the exact cabinet with you, but I have rounded up my favorite glass-door cabinets, perfect for any style.
Shop My Favorite Cabinets with Glass Doors
Upcycle Your Accessories
Buying accessories can add up quickly!! Before you go out and start purchasing ‘chachkies’ for your new glass door cabinet, let’s look at what we already have. I am known for upcycling accessories throughout my home. The pieces that are on rotation are the ones I love and could never part with; these are the pieces you want to showcase when styling your bookcase.
Color Tones
When sourcing objects for your cabinet with glass doors, keep your overall home color palette in mind. To learn more about how you can create your home color palette, click here. You want to keep your accessories consistent in both color hues and design aesthetics, matching your overall style. I opted to use a variety of whites, blacks, and neutral mixed metals–nothing bright and flashy–creating a very organic vibe.
Pro Tip: When utilizing metals, it is fine to add different finishes and tones. But if you are mixing, you want to make sure to incorporate at least 2-3 of each to create a cohesive look.
The Accessories I Use Over and Over
Know Your Space
Before you start gathering your pieces to add to your cabinet, you need to know your space- this is especially true if you are purchasing items. Measure the shelf height, depth, and width. Having these measurements will not only ensure you get objects that fit your shelf.
The last piece before I send you off shopping is this–buy more than you think you need. You will almost always need more, plus it gives you options when you start styling. Just leave all tags on until you have your finished, polished bookcase, and you can return.
Books and More Books
My goal in styling this cabinet was not to purchase any new accessories. When it came to “source” books for this piece, I simply had to visit Nick’s “library,” hopefully, he doesn’t notice.
I always start the styling process for a bookshelf by adding the base layer, which for me is books. While it is nice to have larger coffee-table books, such as this Tom Ford book, in your space, not every book has to be the same. I prefer them to be different heights and widths, with color variation in the page tone—creating additional depth.
To create a cohesive look, I selected books with complementary colored hardcovers—settling on blacks, dark blues, and ivories.
Shop My Go-To Styling Books
Visual Interest
Create the Triangle
Now let’s get styling! The goal is to create visual interest and keep the eye moving from the top to the bottom of your cabinet, forming cohesion. The triangle method can also guide you when creating your clusters on each shelf: group in odd numbers. It also reminds you to add height. Adding height is vital to achieve a polished, styled etagere. Let me show you!
Pro Tip: Even though I am using a neutral color pallet, you want to distribute the colors evenly. Ensuring you have a cohesive and coordinated look. Using the triangle model helps you see if your pops of color are evenly distributed.
Rethink Positions
Some of the best styling comes when you think outside of the box. To create additional depth and interest, rethink how you position your books. Try some lying flat and stacked, others vertical, and have some facing pages outwards.
Pro Tip: When positioning your flat-lying books, make sure they are centered in your area, but instead of aligning their fronts, stagger each book as you reach the top to enhance visual interest.
The crystal bookends were pieces I wanted to add, but I wasn’t crazy about the green coloring; by rethinking them and turning them around, they made a perfect fit. The same can be done for a candle, etc.
Substantial Pieces
Don’t be afraid to add large items to your cabinet with glass doors. Larger pieces will not only anchor the bookcase but also bring a sense of drama. Go big and bold when adding, ensuring it captures the eye and provides overall balance to your cabinet. Learn more tips and tricks to styling the perfect bookcase.
Pro Tip: If you are styling a cabinet with doors, you want to take into consideration the space where the doors meet when they are closed. They are thus creating a dead or blank space that you won’t see. Where Art and functionality marry (meet): dual-opening doors.
Shop Show-Stopping Items for your Bookcase
My final touch when styling a cabinet with glass doors is to take a step back for one last edit. At this point, instead of just using my eyes, I will snap a quick picture–while the naked eye is great–a photo will help you see items that may stand out, and not in a good way or help you see something that isn’t aligning just right.
I am in love with our new cabinet with glass doors! A renewed take on styling a classic cabinet with doors and adding a modern flair. I do not doubt that if you follow these simple tips, you too will create the perfectly polished styled bookshelves!
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