Heath E Combs -- Furniture Today, September 16, 2011
HIGH POINT - When it comes to the curio cabinet, size - and shape - do matter.
Whether that means a size suitable for fitting into corners or a large piece that can hold a plethora of items, customers are looking for something that's either going to get a lot of attention or showcase items in a subtle way.
WHAT'S HOT: Pulaski No. 20544 golden oak curio cabinet
FEATURES: Built of hardwood solids and veneers, the style features a golden oak finish and stepped moldings, two-way, felt-lined sliding door with lock, mirrored back, halogen lighting, adjustable glass shelves and adjustable glides for leveling.
PRICE: $1,365
WHY IT'S SELLING: Katie Douglas, sales manager for online retailer The Home Gallery of Richmond, Va., said oak display cabinets can be hard to find. Customers also like this unit's spaciousness and capacity to fit many items.
"I think it's probably one of the better ones because there's not a whole lot of oak out there right now. Most things are in the cherry finishes, and it's in a good size," she said. The item has been in Pulaski's line for about four years. | |
 | WHAT'S HOT: Howard Miller Townsend 680-235 Village collectors cabinet
FEATURES: The cabinet features acanthus leaf molding that accents the pediment along with reeded columns at the sides, thick adjustable shelves, an adjustable power receptacle cord that runs down an interior corner for lighted collectibles at every shelf level, and a sliding glass door.
PRICE: $1,299
WHY IT'S SELLING: Doug Correia, owner of Woodchucks Furniture and Clocks, Jacksonville, Fla., said that while he believes the Townsend was developed originally for Department 56 miniature Christmas villages, it has proven a solid seller.
Woodchucks has carried the cabinet for about a decade and both the cherry and oak versions sell well, Correia said. The item is distinctive for its larger than typical size and its sliding door, he added.
"It's taller than average at 80 inches, it's wider than average and it also is deep and has a power source inside.... It just has a nice display size," he said. "It's something that's done well and continues to do well." |
WHAT'S HOT: Chintaly 6633 curio cabinet
FEATURES: The cabinet features a floating shelf design, white gloss finish and aluminum and steel construction. Also features a door lock, mirrored interior and tempered glass shelves.
PRICE: $499
WHY IT'S SELLING: Marlon Davila, junior buyer for Miami Gardens, Fla.-based El Dorado Furniture, said customers are leaning toward more modern looks and glass and metal, and Chintaly Imports' line of curios suits that preference.
Davila said traditionally styled curios did better in years past, but consumer preferences are changing.
"I think they're doing well because primarily now, the modern furniture is selling a lot more than traditional. Maybe the popularity of modern is primarily what is the basic push behind Chintaly," she said. |  |
| WHAT'S HOT: Wildon Home Kennedy mahogany lighted corner curio cabinet
FEATURES: The cabinet has lighting and mirrors to enhance display and is made of solid birch and MDF with birch veneer. It also has a mahogany finish and tempered glass shelves and side panels.
PRICE: $339
WHY IT'S SELLING: Joshua D. MacArthur, senior category manager for accent furniture and decor at Boston-based online retailer Wayfair, said the Wildon piece is attractive because it can easily fit into room corners and not overwhelm space. Wayfair has carried the Wildon Home curio, sold under the retailer's trademarked house brand, for about 18 months.
"This piece is elegant and has a very similar look to curios that are double or even triple the price. We are also seeing a trend towards furniture for smaller spaces," MacArthur said. |
