Three ways to use a reed-fronted cabinet from Bisley

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One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced since downsizing to our little cottage is the lack of storage. Though it was far from large, our previous house had plenty of built-in cupboards where we could hide things away, but our new home is somewhat lacking in that department. So, in a bid to keep things calm and organised, we’ve been searching for freestanding units that are practical, durable and pretty to look at. 

The home storage furniture from Bisley fits the bill perfectly. Founded in 1931, the British company has spent decades producing high-quality pieces that mix heritage with innovation – most notably from steel, but in recent years it has introduced various wooden designs, too. There are sideboards, cabinets, shelving units, wardrobes, chests of drawers and more, all made to order at its South Wales factory and available in an array of colours and finishes. There really is something to suit every home and style of décor – and if you’re struggling to make up your mind, Bisley can send out samples to view in situ. 

I’ve had the idea of a clear-fronted display unit in mind for a while, and Bisley’s ‘Fern Peek’ cabinet collection instantly caught my eye. There’s a beautiful, timeless quality to the reeded effect of the doors and it works with all sorts of interior schemes, from retro glamour to the rustic minimalism we’re going for in our cottage. It also obscures clutter while allowing light to pass through, meaning it’s ideal for small spaces that might be overwhelmed by bulky, solid units. And for me, it offers a great balance between concealment and display – details are blurred so you don’t need to keep the contents perfectly arranged, but you still get an intriguing hint of the shapes, materials and colours within. 

The ‘Fern Peek’ display cabinets come in four different sizes and no fewer than 24 colours. I was tempted by olive green and a restful beige called ‘Natural Canvas’, but I eventually opted for the ‘Middle’ option in classic black. It’s incredibly versatile, to the extent that I’ve found multiple potential uses for it around our home.

As a living-room cabinet 

In the living room, the cabinet is perfect for storing books, vases, bowls and the like. It quietens the clutter, maintaining a serene feel in a space that’s all about relaxation, but it still gives an appealing glimpse of the pieces inside. I often use black accents to add a bit of depth and structure to neutral schemes, so it fulfils that role, too – and I love the contrast between the smooth, matte steel and the more rustic textures of our linen sofa, oak side table, paper-cord lounge chair and handmade ceramics. 

As a dining-room cabinet 

Next door in the dining room, the ‘Fern Peek’ makes an ideal cabinet for tableware and glassware. We’ve invested in a new dinner set since moving, so it’s nice to have it on partial display while keeping it protected from dust. The speckled beige glaze of our plates and bowls stands out beautifully against the black interior, and when we light candles for meals their reflection dances and sparkles in the reeded front. 

As a linen cupboard

Finally, the cabinet makes a fantastic linen cupboard in the primary bedroom upstairs. Many people assume bedding and towels should be completely hidden from view, but I don’t agree – having them on show in a cabinet like this creates a relaxed, homely mood. It’s handy to be able to see what’s clean at a glance, and the size is perfect – it acts as a feature but it’s not too intrusive in what’s actually quite a compact room. 

How to style a reed-fronted display cabinet 

I’ve yet to decide where the ‘Fern Peek’ will sit permanently, as it looks wonderful – and has proven very useful – in all three set-ups. While I make up my mind, here are few tips on how to style reed-fronted cabinets such as this: 

• Although details will be obscured by the reeded texture, colours and shapes will still be visible. So, try to avoid placing similar items too close together, ensuring you create a balanced composition with no overwhelming clusters.  
• I find it helps to select two or three colours and / or materials as a foundation. Use the room’s wider scheme and any must-include items to guide you, but don’t be afraid to introduce one or two contrasts. 
• Add interest and depth by arranging items in clusters, or by layering smaller pieces in front of larger ones. Odd numbers generally look more pleasing to the eye than even ones, so I often use groups of three interspersed with single items placed on their own. 
• Also make sure you vary height and scale to prevent the overall display from looking flat. If needed, you can add height by placing things on books and magazines.
• Use baskets or boxes to hide less-than-pretty items that you don’t want on show at all.
• Don’t forget the top of the cabinet – it’s part of the overall display. As with the inside, try to incorporate some variation in height and materials – perhaps a tall vase of foliage next to a low stack of books. A trailing plant hanging down the side of the cabinet can look particularly beautiful. 
• Once you’ve finished styling your cabinet, step back and assess it with the doors both open and closed. Does it look balanced? Is it overly busy? Are there any obvious gaps? Beautiful arrangements rarely come together straight away, so keep playing around with things until you’re happy. If you’re really struggling, try leaving it for a day or two and then come back to it with fresh eyes.

All photography by Abi Dare