How to Measure a China Cabinet

Measuring a china cabinet isn't just about ensuring it will fit in your chosen spot. It's also crucial for space planning. Before you decide where to place your cabinet, look at the room's layout. Think about how people move through the space. You want to avoid placing your cabinet in high-traffic areas where it might get bumped or block pathways.

Leave enough space for the doors to open fully without hitting other furniture or walls. This is especially important if you're considering a larger model with swinging doors rather than sliding ones.

When selecting a china cabinet, its style should blend seamlessly with your room’s decor. Whether you prefer something traditional, like the Chateau De Ville Hutch And Buffet from Acme, or more modern like AICO's Glimmering Heights China Cabinet, the design plays a significant role in enhancing your space's overall aesthetic.

A metal measuring tape is your best friend for this task. It's crucial because it gives you precise numbers. Make sure the tape doesn't bend or twist. This ensures accuracy.

Measure each dimension of the cabinet twice. This double-checking method catches any mistakes early on. It’s like having a second set of eyes on your work.

Right after measuring, write down those numbers. A notepad is essential here. If you trust your memory alone, you might mix up the figures.

List each measurement: height, width, depth. Separate them clearly to avoid confusion later during installation or when buying accessories.

Draw a simple diagram of the china cabinet on your notepad, too. Place the measurements where they belong on this sketch. It helps visualize the space needed and aids in planning where to put it in your home.

To accurately measure the height of your china cabinet, start from the ground and extend your measuring tape to the highest point. This might seem straightforward, but there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind.

First, take into account the ceiling height where you plan to place the cabinet. You don’t want it so tall that it nearly touches or scrapes against the ceiling.

Also, remember any decorative elements that could be on top of the cabinet, like finials or carved designs, which add inches to your measurement, such as in this Charmond Dining Buffet And China from Ashley Furniture.

You’ll need to measure across the widest part of your china cabinet. Often, this includes molding or trim that extends beyond the main frame of the cabinet. Consider clearance on either side for easy access and airflow around the cabinet. This ensures doors can open freely without obstruction.

After measuring your cabinet's dimensions, focus on the internal storage capacity. This is crucial for fitting all your china safely. Think about how many plates, cups, and larger items you need to store.

Adjustable shelves offer great flexibility. You can change the space between them as needed. This makes it easier to fit various sizes of dishes or seasonal decorations.

Depth matters too. Make sure your cabinet is deep enough for large plates and serving dishes. If they don't fit comfortably, you risk damaging them.

The number of shelves in your cabinet affects how much you can store. More shelves mean more space, but remember to check if they're adjustable.

Spacing between shelves is key for storing tall items like vases or pitchers without having to lay them down. Also, consider the shelf strength and support system since heavy porcelain or glassware needs sturdy shelving.

Measuring a china cabinet starts with understanding your space. Walls might not always be as straight as they seem. Use a level tool to check if walls are perfectly vertical. This step is crucial for corner curios.

Sometimes, you'll find walls that are angled or curved. If this is the case, adjust your measurements accordingly. It ensures the cabinet fits snugly without any gaps.

Remember to factor in the wall angle when planning where to put your cabinet. This helps avoid surprises during installation.

Next, focus on the door opening size of the china cabinet. Measure this separately from the overall width of the piece.

It's important that doors can open freely without hitting other furniture or walls. This detail matters the most in tight spaces.

For smaller rooms, consider folding or sliding doors for your china cabinet, like Pulaski Furniture's oak china cabinet. They save space and prevent potential damage from swinging doors.