Display cabinets – showcase your collection in style
A display cabinet combines two functions in a single piece of furniture: it protects your favourite items from dust and prying eyes, whilst simultaneously showcasing what is close to your heart. Whether fine porcelain, carefully collected glassware, family heirlooms or modern design pieces – at Möbel Ehrmann you will find display cabinets and display units in a wide range of sizes, materials and styles. As a family-run business with over 30 years’ experience in the furniture trade, we offer personalised advice at our showrooms in the Palatinate, Baden and Trier – and we’ll support you every step of the way, from selecting your new display cabinet to installing it in your living or dining room.
What makes a good display cabinet?
You can recognise a high-quality display cabinet by several features that may not be immediately obvious but become apparent over the years. The body should be sturdily constructed and neatly glued at the joints, ensuring that even heavier collectibles remain securely in place over time. Adjustable shelves – ideally made of safety glass with a slight bevel – allow you to arrange your items flexibly according to size and height.
Another important consideration is the front glazing. Tempered safety glass is particularly recommended in households with children and pets, as it does not shatter into sharp shards in the event of an accident. Integrated LED lighting can also be a good choice if you wish to showcase your collection to its best advantage. LED lamps run cool, consume little electricity and show off fine porcelain or glassware to particular advantage.
If you also pay attention to the colour of the back panel, you can get even more out of your display cabinet. Light-coloured back panels make small objects shine, whilst dark back panels create a gallery-like setting for shiny or metallic items. Feel free to visit one of our furniture stores to see how display cabinets look so different with various interior colours.
An overview of display cabinet types – which design suits you best?
Display cabinets come in many designs, and each style has its own strengths. Which model is best suited to your living space depends on the space available, the size of your collection and how prominent you want the piece of furniture to be in the room.
Display cabinet
A display cabinet offers plenty of storage space and makes a statement in the room. The closed lower or middle section accommodates crockery, table linen or supplies, whilst the glass-fronted upper section showcases your favourite items. With heights ranging from 150 to 200 centimetres, a display cabinet makes efficient use of the room’s height and is particularly suitable for living and dining rooms with sufficient wall space.
Floor-standing display cabinet
The floor-standing display cabinet has a sleeker and more understated look. With widths ranging from 60 to 90 centimetres, it fits well even in smaller rooms and can be a good option as a room divider in open-plan layouts. If you only want to display a few collectibles, this compact design is ideal – it is also easier to move when you’re moving house or rearranging your home.
Wall-mounted display cabinet
If you want to save floor space, you can opt for a wall-mounted display cabinet. Mounted on the wall, it creates a light, modern look and puts smaller objects such as jewellery, coins or miniatures in the spotlight. Before installation, the load-bearing capacity of the wall should be checked – our own installation teams will be happy to advise you on the appropriate fixings and, if desired, carry out the professional installation.
Material, craftsmanship and the right size
The choice of material determines the look of your display cabinet and how long you will enjoy it. Solid wood options in oak, cherry or walnut have a warm, timeless feel and develop a pleasant patina over the years. Veneer on sturdy chipboard offers good value for money and is a good choice if you are looking for a specific wood tone without moving into the highest price bracket. Metal and glass display cabinets, on the other hand, have a more modern look and blend discreetly into minimalist interiors.
The right size for you depends on the available space and the size of your collection. A small to medium-sized display cabinet is ideal if you wish to showcase carefully selected pieces. For larger collections – such as porcelain, crystal or arts and crafts – a larger display cabinet is suitable. The height should be chosen so that you can comfortably see into the upper shelves; a comfortable eye level is generally between 120 and 150 centimetres from the floor.
When choosing a location, it’s worth taking a quick look at the surroundings. Avoid placing it near radiators or in direct sunlight, as temperature fluctuations and UV radiation can damage delicate items and certain surfaces. A quiet spot in the living room, dining room or hallway will show off your collection to its best advantage and ensure that the display cabinet acts as an eye-catcher without dominating the space.
Care, advice and service at Möbel Ehrmann
To ensure your display cabinet remains as beautiful as on the first day for many years to come, it should be cleaned regularly – but gently. Wipe the glass surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth; a mild glass cleaner should not be sprayed directly onto the glass, but applied to the cloth instead, to prevent any liquid from seeping into seals or crevices. Wooden surfaces should be treated once a year with a suitable care product to prevent drying out and the formation of stains. With this simple routine, you will enjoy your display cabinet for many years to come.
We’ll guide you through the selection process step by step. Our interior design consultants will listen to your needs, ask questions about your home and help you find the right model for you – whether in one of our local furniture stores or conveniently via our online shop afterwards. Our brand portfolio ranges from the premium segment to modern, value-for-money collections, ensuring that both discerning collectors and first-time buyers can find just the right piece. Delivery and assembly of your display cabinet are handled by our own installation teams—without the involvement of external contractors—so that you have a single point of contact from consultation right through to installation.
If you’re currently redecorating your living room or dining room, do take a look at our Sofas & Armchairs category – matching seating and a stylish display cabinet complement each other to create a harmonious room design. And if you’re also thinking about a new kitchen, we offer bespoke planning and expert advice all under one roof.
Whether it’s an elegant display cabinet made of solid wood, a delicate freestanding display cabinet with glass doors or a modern wall-mounted display cabinet for small treasures – at Möbel Ehrmann you’ll find the display cabinet that suits your home and your collection. Visit us at one of our furniture stores in the Palatinate, in Baden or in Trier, be inspired and discover for yourself which model appeals to you most. We look forward to advising you in person – so that your new display cabinet is not only practical, but also a little gem in your home.