A hutch: not just a piece of furniture; it is an opportunity to express your personal style and create a visually appealing display!
A hutch isn’t just another piece of furniture; it is actually an opportunity to unlock your creativity and express your personal style! Whether your hutch is a vintage china cabinet, a more modern one or perhaps even a bookcase sitting on top of a table, there are so many ways to turn it into a stunning display.
With some creativity and a few simple tweaks, you can turn your china hutch into a beautiful and organized display. I’d love to share several easy-to-follow tips that will help you create a beautiful display. This display will not only showcase your cherished china, family memorabilia or collectibles, it can reflect your personality and decorating style. From choosing a theme to adding decorative accents, you will have all the information you need!
Let’s get started!
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A Little Background About Me
I like to say I blog about flowers (as a former florist) to flour (a former pizzeria owner) and many things in between! I like to use “thyme” instead of time in sentences. My favorite things are herbs, rusty things, architectural salvage and old wooden carriers! And I love to use these things in my decorating! I call my style of decorating “Kim Style”!
I am so glad you are here! Now let’s really get started!
Choosing the Right Space for Your Hutch
When it comes to hutch decorating, the first step is to choose the right space for your hutch. Consider the size and layout of the room, as well as the overall style and aesthetic you are aiming for. For the purpose of this post, I am going to assume you already have a hutch or china cabinet to work with.
As an example, I “built” this hutch to fit in a specific spot in my office. It is simply a bookcase sitting on top of a scrub top table.
Another example is this large bookcase/hutch:
How to Display Vintage Pottery
Some hutches will only fit in certain spaces due to the way they are built. A corner hutch needs to be in a corner! Depending on window placement, sometimes it may be hard to find a corner to put your corner hutch in.
This corner cabinet or hutch was originally in the Illinois farmhouse. Growing up, I always assumed that the piece was actually built in to the wall. Turns out, I was wrong! I am going to use this corner hutch to illustrate the tips and design ideas I am sharing today.
It wasn’t until my parents moved to the house we had built for them and took the cabinet with them , did I realize it was actually a stand alone piece! My Mom had two new matching corner cabinets built for me to enjoy while we lived in the farmhouse.
When it came thyme to decide which pieces of furniture to bring to Florida, I decided to leave the two matching corner cabinets in the farmhouse and bring the stand alone piece to Florida.
Sadly, the movers damaged the corner cabinet during the move. To see what else was damaged in that stage of the move, please see Thyme to Let Go ; How I Downsized the Family Homestead Part 3
A Little Makeover is Needed – Physical Transformation
Use Contact Paper to Customize the Back of Your Hutch!
After adding a 2nd coat of paint to the corner cabinet, I started working on a way to fix or at least cover up the damage to the back of the cabinet.
Here is what I came up with! Is it stenciling? Or is it Contact Paper?
If you guessed Contact Paper, you are correct! I simply took cardboard and cut it to fit the area.
And then covered the cardboard with left over Contact Paper!
Then I propped the cardboard pieces inside the cabinet!
I think it works! What do you think? I usually keep the bottom doors shut anyway so I think it works just fine! I think I might go back and add some paper to the inside of the doors too. The particle board just sucked up the paint so it looks kind of messy.
This simple step can completely transform the look of your display and add an extra pop of color or pattern. With endless options for designs and textures, you can choose a contact paper that complements your theme or adds a fun contrast. And the best part? If you ever want to change up your design, contact paper is easily removable and won’t damage the hutch’s surface. The simple addition of contact paper helps your china hutch become a standout piece in your home.
Choose a Theme
Now that the physical transformation part is finished, it is thyme for the fun part! The actual organizing & decorating!
When it comes to organizing a china hutch, one way to make it stand out is by choosing a theme. A theme can help guide the way you arrange your dishes and decorations, making the display cohesive and eye-catching. Start by selecting a color scheme or a style that speaks to you. For example, if you love vintage, consider featuring antique dishes and adding nostalgic touches like lace doilies or floral patterns. If modern is more your thing, go for a monochromatic look with sleek, minimalist dishes and bold geometric accents. Whatever theme you choose, make sure to carry it throughout the hutch, from the top shelf to the bottom. By doing so, you’ll create an impressive display that is sure to get noticed.
I chose a Red, White & Blue patriotic theme for my corner hutch. I will always have at least one patriotic display in my home because of my family’s love of our country. This corner hutch is just perfect for displaying many of my patriotic & red/white & blue decor items.
Showcase Sentimental Things & Collectibles in Your Hutch
A hutch provides the perfect opportunity to showcase sentimental items and collectibles. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a piece of artwork, or a cherished souvenir from your travels, these items help add a personal touch to your hutch display.
When selecting items to display, consider their size, shape, and color. Vary the heights and sizes of the items to create visual interest and balance. Group similar items together to create a cohesive look, such as a collection of vintage flower pots or a display of antique books.
To add a personal touch, consider incorporating a few DIY projects. For example, you can frame old family photographs or create a shadow box display with treasured mementos. These personalized touches not only make your hutch display unique but also serve as conversation starters.
My corner hutch is the perfect place to showcase family memorabilia.
My maternal Grandpa owned a restaurant in a small town in Illinois for several years. My Mom worked there as a waitress. Her experience working in the restaurant led her to forbid me from ever owning a restaurant. She felt it was the hardest job in the world. After she passed away, I decided to purchase an existing pizzeria. Fortunately, experienced staff came with the business so it made my life a lot easier!
My Grandpa passed away when I was 5 1/2. My Mom and Grandma along with their staff , kept the restaurant running for another year and 1/2 or so. I celebrated my 6th birthday there. I am pretty sure I was wishing for that pizzeria!
My Mom kept a few place setting of the red & white restaurant china that they used. I also found a few more pieces on Ebay. I decided to display most of it on 3 of the 4 shelves. Previously, I had only displayed a few of the pitchers and the sugar bowl and creamer.
The red plastic salt & pepper shaker on the bottom shelf is an advertising piece from my paternal Grandfather’s Implement business. Somehow we ended up with 2. The other one is in the cabinet in my office with more family memorabilia!
The third shelf holds an assortment of Delft China as well as a Swedish horse and a Swedish glass pitcher. Several of these were things I brought back with me from my trip to Europe when I was in High School. There is also a small Polish pottery bowl and a glass jar that has a star embossed in it. The Snyder plate is a piece of restaurant china from a restaurant in Minnesota. My sister-in-law gave it to my husband. The small mortar & pestle is a Delft piece from my husband’s collection. The picture below was taken before the corner cabinet received it’s makeover.
Remember, the key is to curate your items in a way that tells a story and reflects your personality and interests. Don’t be afraid to experiment and change things up from time to time to keep your display fresh and engaging.
I need to get a box to keep my Dad’s flag in. I used a large plate holder to hold the flag for now. I used several different sizes of plate holders in this display. I included a few links to them at the bottom of the post.
Organize Your China by Color or Pattern
Depending on your preference, you can organize your china by color or pattern. Both methods are visually appealing and can make it easier to find a specific piece when you need it.
Organizing your china by color involves grouping pieces that share similar hues. For instance, you can group all white plates together, followed by all blue plates, and so on. This method is perfect for those who love a clean and minimalist look, as it creates a cohesive and calming display.
On the other hand, organizing your china by pattern involves grouping pieces that share similar designs. For example, you can group all floral plates together, followed by all striped plates, and so on. This method is ideal for those who love a bold and eclectic look, as it allows for more visual interest and variety.
Whichever method you choose, remember to keep in mind the overall look and feel of your china hutch. You want to create a display that is both beautiful and functional. Once you’ve organized your china, you can move on to adding decorative accents to complete the look.,
Adding decorative accents to your china hutch is an exciting way to personalize your display. You can use accent pieces to add texture, height, and color to your hutch. Start by incorporating a few statement pieces, such as a vase or a figurine, and then build around them. You can also use textiles, such as a patterned tablecloth or placemats, to add interest.
Hutch Decorating Ideas for Different Seasons and Holidays
One of the great things about hutch decorating is that it allows you to change and update your display according to the season or holiday. This allows you to keep your hutch fresh and relevant throughout the year. Here are a few ideas to tuck away until the next season or holiday.
For spring, consider incorporating fresh flowers, pastel-colored decor, and elements that evoke a sense of renewal and growth. Display a collection of colorful Easter eggs or a vase of freshly picked tulips for a cheerful and vibrant display.
In summer, opt for a light and breezy hutch display. Use seashells, driftwood, and nautical-inspired decor to create a coastal or beachy vibe. Add pops of bright and vibrant colors, such as turquoise or coral, to evoke a sense of fun and relaxation.
Fall is the perfect time to incorporate warm and cozy elements into your hutch display. Use dried leaves, pumpkins, and rustic decor to create an autumnal look. Add touches of gold or copper for a touch of elegance and warmth.
During the holiday season, go all out with festive decorations. Use string lights, ornaments, and garlands to create a magical and enchanting hutch display. Incorporate traditional holiday colors, such as red, green, and gold, to create a festive and joyful atmosphere.
By changing your hutch display according to the season or holiday, you can keep your space fresh and engaging, and create a sense of anticipation and excitement.
One Last Look!
Transforming your china hutch into a beautiful and organized display can be done easily by following a few simple tips. Choosing a theme, customizing the back with contact paper, organizing by color or pattern, adding decorative accents, and creating a cohesive display can all be done on a budget. Showcase your cherished china in a way that makes you happy every time you see it. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. Take the thyme to organize your china hutch and give it the attention it deserves. Your efforts will result in a stunning display that will impress your guests and bring you joy every day.
Want to Easily Transform Your Hutch for The Holidays?
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I love those old corner cabinets, I hate when folks remove them from homes. To me, they just add a special touch to a home. I like to use contact paper too, but I never thought to cover cardboard so I can change it up when I want. Good tip!
Thank you, Cara! The corner cabinets do add a great touch to a home. So glad you like my contact paper tip! Thanks for stopping by!