Buffets are one of the vital parts of the dining room other than the table and chairs. The storage part of buffets is used to store the dinnerware and eating utensils, while the top part is usually for entrees and other meals that do not fit on the table. Having the right buffet can make or break the theme of the dining room. Usually buffets are shorter than the dining table and are made of wood. Sliding glass doors or regular shelves are the most popular storage types for the buffet. Often there is a combination of those with some glass being matte or painted and some being see through acting as a display case. Many buffets come with wine racks, which can be handy if you have a small collection that will always be on hand during your meal.



While buffets are mostly popular because of the functionality, curios are the opposite of that. If you have something you want to show off in your dining room, curios are made for that. Curios are tall glass cabinets that sometimes have mirrors on the backside to create the 3D effect and emphasize the backside of the items you are displaying in it. That is not to say that curios are not useful in the dining room, as not only you can use it to create a focal point in your room, but also store the glassware in it. As with other items, make sure that your curio will fit not only width and length wise, but that it will not be obstructed by anything vertically, as they do tend to get quite tall.



China cabinets are massive pieces of furnishing that combine the functionality of buffets with the flare of curios. It acts as a combination of shelves towards the bottom with a display case towards the top. The dimensions are usually similar to buffets length and width wise, while being as tall as curios. Many china cabinets have no shelves on the bottom and just act as a display case for your silverware and glassware. Unlike curios, china cabinets do not use glass on all four sides and usually come with wooden sides and a mirror in the back. Always measure twice when you are purchasing such a enormous piece of furniture and account for width and height of the doors that lead up to your dining room.