Many people feel that glass cabinets are for display, not storage. Yet with so many glass-front doors working their way into kitchen remodels, they’re becoming both. 

Storage or décor, or décor alone, there are ways to include them without looking a mess. Today, we’re discussing the ins and outs of decorating inside glass cabinets.

The 60/40 rule for decorating inside glass cabinets

The 60/40 rule gives even daily-use items designer-level style. It’s a clutter-prevention principle you can use to style countertops, open shelving, and more. 

Keep the area you populate 40% visually blank. Sixty percent of the visual space is for stuff. 

Pair the 60/40 principle with these tips, and you’re already a cabinet stylist:

  • Stack items like dishes vertically instead of in smaller, shorter piles. 

  • Keep taller items toward the back of the cabinet.

  • Leave a few inches between each stack or grouping.

  • Vary the height of each group by stacking a different number of items each time.

BONUS: The insider trick that helps you get around this “rule”

There’s always an exception. If you’re storing clear glass behind clear glass, you’re not cluttering the visual space. Keeping the glassware clean and neatly arranged is all you need to do. 

 

Glass cabinet styling rules: What to display and what to put away

What’s display-worthy is a bit more of a firm rule than the 60/40. Not every cabinet needs to be magazine-quality. But you’ll prefer the results if you weed out certain items.

On display:

Hide away:

Curated collections, like vintage dishes

Tupperware or other plastic containers

Matching sets of dishes and mugs

Mismatched daily items, like coffee mugs

Attractive items with color and texture

Very small items like salt shakers

Heirlooms and keepsakes with height

Items all the same size, shape, and color

Special items used occasionally, like a cake stand or antique vase

Pots, pans, and metal bakeware 

Pro tip: Think about visual perspective

One of the most popular locations for glass cabinets is the upper level. If you wish to display items in ceiling-height cabinets, make sure they have enough height to be visible. Interesting shapes are good here, too.

 

Lighting tips for cabinet displays

What is the point of decorating inside glass cabinets if it can’t be seen very well? Some spaces have enough natural light that we don’t need so much interior wattage. However, cabinet lighting is one of our favorite ways to add an accent to a layered lighting strategy.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Lights mounted directly above the display area will cast a shadow and make dust more visible.

  • Backlighting is more forgiving of dust and water spots. It may even make your glass glow.

  • If you choose an LED strip, go for a warm tone and do not exceed 3000K. Cool light will show fingerprints.

  • If you’ve styled and organized glass cabinets but aren’t necessarily trying to display, skip the lighting. Use under-cabinet lighting instead.

 

The 30-second clutter test for styling glass cabinets

How can one be an impartial judge of their own interior? If you’ve applied a few glass cabinet styling rules and want to assess your work fairly, here’s how.

1. Stand six feet away from the cabinets and face them head-on. 

2. Look for gaps, odd shapes, and too many different colors. These can indicate clutter. Clear the shelf, remove a few objects, group by shape, and add one tall object.

3. Count the shapes on each shelf. Two to three different types of shapes look styled and intentional.

4. Count the colors on each shelf. One or two different color families are good; many are not.

Bottom line: The overall, unfocused impression from across the room should be a few different shapes, not a big collection of tiny things. 

 

Find the perfect cabinet layout, materials, hardware, & more with The Designery.

Whether you want to make your kitchen look more spacious or need a spot to display your wedding dishes, The Designery can help. We don’t just plan and visualize the perfect remodel. We’re also a direct source of high-quality cabinetry of every style and color. We’ll help you get it down to the finest detail, so your space looks professionally styled every day.

“You walk in with ideas, and somehow they help you see what’s actually possible. It’s not just design; it’s creating a space where real life happens. You can feel the care, the attention to detail, and the pride they take in what they do. If you’re thinking about updating your home, I highly recommend stopping in.”

Justin, The Designery client

Come visit us this week, or book a free design consultation.