Are you familiar with Cabinets of Curiosities? If you’ve been here longer than a hot minute, then you are very aware I sometimes lean towards oddities and unique decor. A curiosities cabinet is the perfect stage to display quirky bits and pieces. Let’s talk about how to style a cabinet of curiosities.
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What is a Cabinet of Curiosities?
Before we dive deep into styling and decorating a cabinet of curiosities, let’s talk a little bit about what exactly IS a cabinet of curiosities. A cabinet of curiosities is a collection of strange and unusual objects, also known as Wunderkammern (wonder room in German). Originating in Europe in the mid 16th century, these curiosities displays remained popular until the 18th century, including natural elements, manmade objects, art pieces and more. These charming displays are part art, part science, and part storytelling, which are the precursors to modern day museums.
These displays not only included cabinets, but sometimes encompassed entire rooms, which were popular among collectors, scholars, and wealthy elites in order to demonstrate their wealth and intellectual curiosity. The collections were eclectic and not necessarily followed any rules, rather showcased the interests of the owner. And here we are. In current times, it’s become a unique design trend that merges history, intrigue, and a touch of whimsy. Please come on in and take a peek at my world of wonders.
Inspiration Behind the Cabinet of Curiosities
My parent’s antique secretary desk is an old dark and broody piece of furniture, which is the perfect setting for a Curiosity Cabinet. I thought it would be fun and interesting to corral some odd and quirky pieces a la Cabinet of Curiosities style. This process can be reproduced and recreated with any unique collections using any personal style.
How To Style a Cabinet of Curiosities
Start by determining the stage for your curiosities display. As the term suggests, “cabinet” of curiosities, making a cabinet an obvious display option. But a curiosity display can encompass an entire room to a simple tray or table display. The key is to create a grand impression with unique, inspiring and interesting elements.
Like with any project, it’s best to start with a blank slate, eliminating outside noise and allowing focus and clarity for the task at hand. The secretary desk is striped bare and cleaned. From there start layering elements in a deliberate and purposeful manner.
Stationery
Stylings on the antique secretary desk always involve stationery pieces for obvious reasons. Books always make great bones for the shelves. Along with the books, vintage ink wells, a magnifying glass, wooden printing blocks and paper scrolls add further to the stationery feels.
Organics
Original wonder rooms included fossils, preserved insects, botanicals and the such. Around here moss, dried florals and feathers are on repeat so they were an easy fit for this curiosities cabinet. Dried flowers are stored in vintage French canning jars, while dried sunflower heads sit on a silver tray, plus nests, feathers and smudge sticks are tucked here and there.
Collections
Included are collections of unique pieces around here, including floral frogs, thrifted silver plate, silhouette pictures, and the most recent swan decor. Sheet music scrolls sit in the large porcelain swan while dried baby’s breath rest in the small swan planter.
Homespun
Homemade artifacts are always a welcome addition to any curiosity display. Included here are a moss wreath with other organic elements and a beaded garland with an agate charm. You can find full DIY tutorials for both by following links.
Architectural
Architectural pieces always add interest and an air of sophistication to their surroundings. This curiosities display includes a petite cherub statuary, finials, and a decorative orb.
There’s a post dedicated to thrifted architectural pieces scheduled for next month. If you like the thrill of the hunt, enjoy junking and are inspired by unique decor, make sure to visit soon. Even better, sign up to receive new Master”pieces” of my Life posts directly into your in-box.
Tips & Tricks to Keep in Mind When Styling a Cabinet of Curiosities
The main thing to keep in mind when styling and building a curiosities display is that there are no rules. The weirder the better. lol. The name of the game is to stack and layer elements in a way to create interest and mystic. Original cabinets of curiosities used cubbies, shadow boxes, jars and boxes to name a few display options. The key is to create displays to make the eye wander.
Personal notes like family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, heritage mementos and more are valuable pieces to include. I included baby pictures of Master and Miss Masterpiece as a nod to our family legacy.
Variety and imperfection are your friend here. The mix of items should create mystery and inspiration and allure to draw you in and keep you interested. The layers and pieces should tell a story and create an atmosphere.
Closing Thoughts
There’s a Netflix anthology series by Guillermo del Toro by the name of Cabinet of Curiosities. Apparently it’s a masterclass in how the Cabinet of Curiosities concept can inspire both storytelling and design. The design site Houzz calls Curiosity Cabinet Chic a thing. I’m all about it. What do you think about the cabinet of curiosities? Personally, I love the freedom it allows in design.
Hope this inspires some magic and intrigue in you own home whether it’s a tiny corner or a larger space, embracing something new and different. The options are endless and the only limit is your imagination. Until next time friends…
Get the Curiosities Cabinet Look
- Curated Decorative Books
- Little Women Masterpiece Library Edition
- Jane Austen Book Collection
- Vintage Ephemera Pack Craft Bundle
- Mini Dried Flower Bouquets
- Miniature Brass Silhouettes
- Artichoke Finial
- Finial Sculptures
- Historical Antiqued Brass Inkwell with Quill Nib Pens and Ink
- Antique Swirl Thick Glass Inkwell Reproduction
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Be curious, not judgmental.”
Walt Whitman