Storing Your Bone China and Glass Ware
When it comes to storing your cherished bone china and glassware, the question of whether to display them or hide them away in cupboards is quite significant. These items often carry with them immense sentimental value or may have been hefty investments.
Displaying bone china and glassware offers an opportunity to showcase their intrinsic aesthetic qualities and can enhance the decor of a room. However, displaying them can also increase the risk of exposure to dust, accidental nicks, or breakage. It's crucial to find a balance between celebrating their beauty and protecting their condition.
Inside cupboards
Traditionally, many people choose to store their bone china and glassware inside cupboards to keep them safe from the elements and daily wear and tear.
Cupboards, whether they are part of a kitchen suite or a standalone unit, provide a safe environment that can limit the exposure of these delicate items to potential damage. For those with less kitchen space, a display cabinet with glass doors offers a compromise, allowing items to be seen, but still protected.
On Display
The modern preference, however, leans towards having an open display, particularly for those items adorned with intricate designs like ceramic decals. Ceramic decals add a personalized touch to bone china, often depicting delicate florals, elaborate landscapes, or family crests, and make these pieces a focal point in home decor.
Similarly, glass decals, which are decorative layers adhered to glass— can add elegance and personality to glassware pieces. Displaying these items allows for a continuous appreciation of artistry and craftsmanship while adding character to the space.
Away from direct sunlight,
That said, if you choose to display these items rather than store them in cupboards, it is essential to consider their placement carefully. Choose a spot away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours on ceramic and glass decals over time.
Furthermore, areas with heavy traffic should be avoided to minimize the risk of accidental bumps or touches. If you have young children or pets, it might be prudent to invest in closed displays that prevent easy access.
Kitchen and dining areas
It's important to note that storage choices can also depend greatly on the layout and design preferences within your home. Some contemporary kitchens and dining areas now incorporate open shelving, which is a trendy way to display fine china and glassware.
While this design choice caters to a modern aesthetic, it requires a commitment to regular dusting and more careful handling of items, as they are more exposed to everyday activity.
Special occasions and family gatherings
In terms of common practices, the storage of bone china and glassware is dictated as much by tradition as by necessity. In many cultures, these pieces form a part of heirloom collections, only brought out for special occasions or family gatherings, hence often kept hidden away and treasured.
Yet in more modern households, there's an appreciation for using these items more regularly, as they become part of the daily dining experience rather than being saved for occasional splendour. Ultimately, the decision lies in balancing safety, accessibility, and aesthetic value.
Grace within your living space
Whether you choose to store your bone china and glassware in cupboards or display them proudly, considering factors such as safety, exposure, and design will ultimately guide your decision.
The presence of ceramic and glass decals further emphasizes their beauty and value, making these pieces timeless treasures that reflect your personal taste and heritage. Storing them thoughtfully ensures not just their longevity, but also the continuity of tradition, style, and grace within your living space.
