A display cabinet in the dining room showcases dinnerware, glasses, or collectibles while expanding storage space. To ensure it harmonizes with the room and remains practical for everyday use, you need to carefully plan its distance from the dining table. Equally crucial is the choice of door hinge: if the doors open to the wrong side, they can block passages or hit walls or furniture. In this guide, you will learn about proven dimensions and what to consider when positioning your display cabinet.
Minimum Distance Between Display Cabinet and Dining Table
There should be at least 90 cm between the display cabinet and the edge of the table. This distance allows a chair to be fully pulled out and comfortably sat in without the backrest hitting the display cabinet. Account for a chair depth of approximately 50 cm, plus an additional 40 cm for standing up and passing by. If the display cabinet is on a main thoroughfare side of the room, increase the distance to 100 to 110 cm so that two people can pass each other while someone is seated at the table.
In smaller dining rooms, the distance can be reduced to 80 cm, provided the display cabinet is not in a main walkway and you push the chairs completely under the table after eating. Before purchasing, measure the actual depth of your chairs, including upholstery, to avoid bottlenecks.
Choosing the Right Door Hinge
The door hinge determines which side the display cabinet doors open to. For models with two hinged doors, they typically open outwards from the center. If the display cabinet is to the right of the dining table, the doors should swing to the right or towards the center of the room, not towards the table. Otherwise, an open door will block access and can hit chair edges.
Also, check the distance to the wall: a 90-degree opening requires about 45 cm of free space next to the display cabinet, for door widths around 40 cm. Sliding doors are an option if there is no side space for hinged doors. They do not require swing space but always cover half of the interior.
Room Impact and Proportions
A display cabinet should match the room's height without appearing overwhelming. In rooms with a ceiling height of 240 cm, models between 180 and 210 cm in height are recommended. Taller display cabinets, 220 to 240 cm, are suitable for older buildings with 280 cm or more. The width depends on the table length: a display cabinet 100 to 120 cm wide harmonizes with tables 180 to 220 cm, while wider display cabinets from 150 cm fit tables 240 cm or more.
Deep display cabinets, 45 to 50 cm, offer ample storage space but require corresponding room space. Shallower models, 35 to 40 cm deep, appear lighter and can also be placed in narrower rooms. Ensure that the display cabinet is not wider than the table to maintain a balanced overall appearance.
Lighting and Sightlines
Integrated LED lighting effectively showcases exhibits and should radiate from the inside out without glaring. Position the display cabinet so that daylight does not fall directly on the glass front and cause reflections. A location on the long wall, offset to the side of the window, has proven effective