Designing for display
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With display cabinets, minimalist designs are in vogue, writes Hema Vijay
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There are several types of display cabinets to be found in homes, each having its own special place in the house, serving either a specific or general use.
There are two basic types - the enclosed and the open types. However, fully enclosed versions are becoming passé now and minimalist designs are in vogue.
They come in different shapes and sizes depending on the uses and places they are put into. These cabinets can range from small corner units to large wall-covering behemoths. These cabinets are usually shallow compared to wardrobes and vary in depth from 10” (for housing decorative stuff), up to 15” (for book cases) and up to 18” (for cutlery).
The breadth and height of the cabinets can be fashioned as per the placement and requirement.
Design matters
Being basically decorative pieces of furniture, design is crucial here. Enclosed display cabinets often have their glass-panelled doors carved or intricately decorated, and fitted with designed glass like leaded and bevel edged glass, sometimes with wavy edges, in the case of open displays.
The glass-fronted panels and doors should be designed to show their contents to best effect.
Lighting
Halogen lamps of 12 volts or 50 watts serve internal lighting well in display units. For concealed light fittings, leave overhead dummy space for about 3” in the cabinet space. The other option is the open, ceiling mounted light fittings.
Display cabinets may be fashioned out of high quality, dark wood like rose wood, Burma teak, polished walnut, imported vengai, or Ghana teak.
Cheaper cabinets may be designed with the doors and panels made from hardwood veneered chipboard or medium density fibreboard (MDF), and plain glass, and still display their contents to maximum effect, with interior lights fitted as in the more expensive units.
Price factor
A very decorative display cabinet with intricate workmanship can cost between Rs. 900 and Rs. 1050/sq. foot with the decorative glass itself costing between Rs. 150 and Rs. 450/sq. foot. Simpler ledge type designs and cabinets made from hardwood veneered chipboard, laminated plywood and MDF can cost between Rs. 450 and Rs. 600/sq. foot.
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