Antique Curio cabinets from China are some of the most sought after pieces of furniture worldwide. Chinese artisans are known for their superior cabinet craftsmanship. Chinese curio cabinets offer a beautiful classic style, as well as offering unmatched practicality.

Many interior decorators recommend Curio cabinets from China because they are ideal for showcasing family heirlooms and collectibles. These cabinets come in many different styles so it's important to find something that will match your home's theme and design. This makes finding the right Curio cabinet both a thrill and a burden thanks to the large price tag associated with fine Chinese Curio cabinets. Size is another important factor, you don't want to buy one that will overpower the room, but you want its size to satisfy your needs. There's such a competitive market for Chinese Curio cabinets that many will sell for thousands of dollars at auction. With unique styles and an unmatched level of sophistication, Chinese Curio cabinets are worth every penny.

Big Price Tags

Sotheby's, one of the oldest auction houses in existence, has an extensive line of Curio cabinets from China that sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. In October 2009, a miniature display cabinet dating back to the Qing Dynasty sold for nearly $150,000. It was only 14 by 5 1/8 by 11 inches - a very small piece, but it was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that has lasted throughout the ages. Many fine art collectors acquire these Curio cabinets for their beauty as well as their time tested strength.

In early 2011 a small, finely inlaid Curio cabinet sold for over $380,000 at Sotheby's. Curio cabinets don't just hold their value; the value increases over time, giving the initial buyer an investment that increases over the lifetime of the cabinet. Ornamental Curio cabinets, such as this piece, are extremely rare and fetch a huge price on the open market. Sotheby's has only sold nine similar Curio pieces since 2002, making these some of the rarest pieces of craftsmanship available.

American Curio Cabinets

This isn't to say that American made Curio cabinets are anything to laugh at. Fine American made cabinets have been constructed since carpenters had the necessary tools. Beautiful American made cabinets range from Amish constructed Curio cabinets to Howard Miller designs. Howard Miller designed cabinets feature an elegant look and fine contrasting lines giving their pieces a decidedly free-flowing feel. This American company was instituted in 1926 in Michigan, since its inception it has grown to be one of America's most respected brands. Howard Miller even teamed up with Ty Pennington, the famous designer, to offer a line of furniture and home storage options. American cabinets are both beautiful and constructed out of some of the sturdiest American timber.

There are many interesting Curio cabinet types, so find out what type would work best for your home and budget.