Get Inspired
Accent Furniture: What is an Accent Cabinet?
Professional and amateur interior design enthusiasts alike often turn to accent furniture not just to add function to a space, but to complement a room’s aesthetic and increase visual interest. Accent cabinets stand out among these furnishings due to their versatility and the storage they provide, even in smaller spaces. How can you use accent cabinets in your décor? Learn more about these useful pieces and the best spots to place them in your home.
What is an Accent Cabinet?
The defining characteristic of an accent cabinet is that unlike other storage solutions, it’s meant to stand out. You’ll find choices in a variety of shapes and sizes with eye-catching designs that mirror your overall décor or even create a focal point in a room. Inside, however, these cabinets are all about function.
Take the sliding door accent cabinet pictured below, for example. Its barn door styling and wood grain finish offer farmhouse charm. And, its three drawers let you stash everyday supplies with ease. Open the sliding door for access to two shelves for books, games and puzzles or other items. And with openings for cords, you can just as easily use the cabinet to house office equipment, like a printer, or create a launch pad in your entryway complete with a charging station.
Accent cabinets are as diverse as they are stylish, so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. Many come with drawers as well as doors, and some options include a large, open storage area instead of shelves. You’ll even find options designed to hold your barware or other specific components. Whichever you choose, you’ll give your room an instant style update and the storage needed to avoid unsightly clutter.
Placing Accent Furniture: Where Can I Use an Accent Cabinet?
As with most accent furniture, there is no wrong way to use accent cabinets. They are a welcome addition in almost any area of the home and can be remixed into other spaces as you change your design scheme throughout the years. However, there are a few common uses for accent cabinets that might help get your inspiration flowing.
Add Storage in the Bathroom or Guest Room
No matter how well designed, bathrooms often don’t have enough storage. This problem only seems to increase as your family grows and you welcome guests into your home. With an accent cabinet, it’s easy to accommodate the overflow from your linen and medicine cabinets without crowding the vanity.
Shannon Ggem of Ggem Design Co. explains, “Some bathrooms have a spot that’s not quite big enough for a built-in cabinet, but too big for nothing. And you need storage! So, that’s where a small accent cabinet can be a lifesaver. Put it in that bathroom and you’ve added texture, dimension, and interest. And you’ve got a place to keep the TP.”
With its gleaming mirrored doors and clean finish, the accent cabinet pictured below offers a stylish way to increase storage without compromising on the look of your bathroom or guest suite. Two wide shelves provide plenty of room for towels, clean sheets and other linens, as well as facial tissue, toiletries and cosmetics. Place hairstyling tools in stylish canisters on the top, or stack extra towels, a fluffy bathrobe and comfortable slippers to welcome a loved one after a long journey.
Free Up Counters by Creating a Bar in the Dining Room or Living Room
You love to entertain, but you don’t love giving up valuable kitchen counter space to host wine bottles – or asking guests to search through your cabinets and drawers to find glasses and bar tools. Yet you might not have space for a full-size bar, especially if you live in a smaller home. However, a compact accent cabinet makes a wonderful bar. They are the perfect size for organizing wine, spirits and mixers. Not to mention, they’re also a great spot to shake up cocktails and chat away from the flow of traffic to food and other areas.
“As far as I’m concerned, designated spaces are the new luxury: and what’s better than one designed especially for adult libations?!” says interior designer, Michel Smith Boyd. He adds, “I make it a practice to integrate bar cabinets into our clients’ homes. Even for the occasional or social drinker, an organized space makes entertaining much easier, thereby more fun for the host. Cheers to the upside of adulting.”
Need some tips on setting up your home bar? For a contemporary look, the bar cabinet pictured below is a sleek option. It features criss-cross wine bottle storage for up to 20 bottles, and a gray smoked glass door partially obscuring the storage cabinet with one adjustable shelf.
Use Accent Cabinets as Stylish End Tables or TV Stands
There’s no need to restrict yourself to rules when it comes to decorating your home. The best accent furniture can be used in many different ways. For example, accent cabinets can provide an alternative to occasional tables in your living room. They have the same useful flat surface and plenty of room for storage beneath. This can be especially convenient for families with little ones. When company arrives unexpectedly, simply stash toys inside to neaten the room in a flash.
One great option is the accent cabinet pictured below. At just under 32″ wide, it can easily be used in the living room, bathroom, entryway, or even in a bedroom. Behind its bold patterned doors, you’ll find three spacious shelves that can hold games and movies, as well as cutouts to let cables pass through without getting tangled. So, it’s a perfect addition to any spot that serves as an entertainment area. Open up the doors when you need access, and keep them closed for a neat, tidy look in an instant.
Accent Furniture for the Whole Home
As you learn more about the accent cabinets available from Twin Star Home®, you’ll find even more ways to use these flexible pieces in every room. Whether you add one to your bedroom as a nightstand or place it in the kitchen to increase storage, accent cabinets make it easier to avoid clutter and stay organized. To see more, sign up for our newsletter and get regular doses of inspiration straight to your inbox.
