01Full-height glass showcase
A floor-to-ceiling unit with clear or fluted glass doors and internal profile lights. A walnut or black frame makes the display stand out.
Living room showcase: 11 modern showcase models
Display units that show off your best pieces and keep them dust-free, from slim wall showcases to full-height cabinets.
A living room showcase has been part of Indian homes for generations: the place for wedding gifts, travel souvenirs, brassware and the good dinner set. Today's showcase models are slimmer, better lit and designed to blend with the rest of the room, but they do the same job: display what you love and keep the dust off.
Here are 11 modern showcase designs and tips on choosing one.
02Wall-mounted showcase
A floating showcase above a low cabinet keeps the floor clear and makes the room look bigger. Great for small flats.
03Showcase combined with TV unit
Glass display towers on either side of the TV unit turn one wall into a complete media and display area.
04Open showcase with lit niches
Open niches with hidden lights suit sculptures and large pieces. Use a contrasting back colour to frame them.
05Corner showcase
A triangular or L-shaped corner showcase uses dead space for display.
Showcase with mirror back and crystal glassware
06Mirror-back showcase
A mirror back doubles the display and makes glassware sparkle. Keep the shelves uncluttered.
Carved wooden showcase with glass panels
07Traditional carved showcase
A carved wooden showcase with glass panels suits traditional homes and heirloom collections.
Fluted glass showcase glowing with internal lights
08Fluted glass showcase
Fluted glass softly hides the contents and looks very modern. Lights inside make it glow at night.
Low sideboard showcase with glass top doors
09Low sideboard showcase
A long, low unit with glass doors on top and drawers below works in dining areas and under windows.
Double-sided glass showcase used as a partition
10Showcase partition
A double-sided showcase between living and dining displays pieces to both rooms.
Unit combining books, closed cabinets and glass showcase
11Book-and-display combo
Mix closed cabinets, open book shelves and glass showcase sections in one unit for a balanced look.
Want a showcase designed to fit your wall and collection? Our interior designers in Kolkata make custom display units with built-in lighting.
How to choose a showcase model
- Decide what you'll display. Crockery needs deeper shelves; small artefacts suit shallow, lit niches.
- Glass or open? Glass keeps dust out, which matters in Kolkata's dusty, humid air. Open niches suit a few large pieces.
- Plan lighting. Profile lights on the shelves or a top light make everything look better.
- Size it to the wall. Leave breathing space on the sides; a showcase shouldn't swallow the room.
- Edit the display. Show a few favourite pieces and rotate them by season or festival.
Materials and rough cost factors
- Carcass: termite-treated ply costs more than particle board but lasts much longer in humidity.
- Shutters: clear, fluted, tinted or toughened glass; aluminium or wooden frames.
- Finish: laminate, veneer, PU paint.
- Lighting: profile lights, sensors and drivers.
- Size: full-height units cost more than wall-mounted ones.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is a showcase in a living room?
A display cabinet, usually with glass shutters and lights, used to show crockery, artefacts, awards or collectibles.
Which showcase model is best for a small living room?
A wall-mounted showcase or a slim unit beside the TV. Both display items without taking much floor space.
Should a showcase have glass doors?
In dusty, humid cities, yes. Glass keeps items clean and protects them from moisture.
How do I light a showcase?
Use warm LED profile lights under each shelf or a top-mounted strip. Add a door sensor if you want lights to switch on when opened.
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