Zooey Deschanel's cabinets balance transparency and opaqueness – for a rare result

When it comes to display units, dare we say that glass-fronted cabinets are the ultimate choice? A happy medium between transparency and opaqueness, the glass allows some visibility for objects while still keeping them safe behind a surface.

Case in point: Zooey Deschanel's mid-century modern-inspired, glass shelving unit, which appeared in a recently-shared Instagram reel on the actor's page. 

Glass display cabinets are a timeless home piece for a reason: they check pretty much all the boxes when it comes to functionality and style.

'Glass-front cabinets offer a range of benefits, including enhanced visibility, which not only allows you to locate items easier but also helps encourage tidiness,' says Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station. 'On top of their organizational quality, they also elude an open and airy feel, making them perfect for homes where space may be at a premium.' 

Vlatka Lake

Vlatka Lake is a storage expert at Space Station, a storage-solution service.

Lake loves glass-fronted cabinets for how individualized they can be. What goes inside these units is entirely up to their owner and can be dictated by personal interests or the room's aesthetic.

'These cabinets provide an opportunity for you to showcase your belongings in a way that a traditional opaque cabinet wouldn’t,' Lake explains. 'Whether it’s an assortment of delicate China or a more quirky and unconventional collection, investing in a glass-front cabinet is the ideal way to inject some personality into a room without sacrificing the fundamental organization of your home.'

While filling up these cabinets can be tempting, Lake explains that leaving some breathing room will result in a more visually pleasing experience for guests.

'It’s important to remember not to overcrowd it. By leaving some empty space between items you will prevent the display from feeling cluttered,' Lake says. 'If you’re looking to curate a visually appealing collection in your cabinet, you should also consider how you will organize items. Think about colors, themes, and styles and try grouping them together for an intentional and cohesive look.'

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We have rounded up some glass-fronted cabinets below to achieve the trend below.