As far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the mystical atmosphere of a Cabinet of Curiosities. In fact, at home, I own several objects in this style!
If you too love this quirky and mysterious universe, I will share my tips & inspirations to create your own Cabinet of Curiosities.
What is a Cabinet of Curiosities?
Emerging during the Renaissance in Europe, Cabinets of Curiosities were once furniture pieces or even entire rooms dedicated to rare and unique objects.
One could find antiques, precious stones, insects, scientific instruments, and much more! They were inspiring and inspired places, where one could discover and admire the wonders of the world around us.
Which furniture to choose for your Cabinet of Curiosities?
Due to the inability to dedicate an entire room, today Curiosities are placed in glass furniture or on the shelves of a bookcase.
The important thing is to play on the effect of collection. The more specimens you have, the richer and more interesting your Cabinet of Curiosities will be. Think about alternating the types of objects, with sizes, colors, and volumes for an even more successful result!
Where to find Curiosities?
Today, it is becoming easier to find Curiosities. You might stumble upon a gem at a flea market or on online flea market sites.
Etsy is also a real goldmine! I actually have two creations from the shop World of Wonders Deco. The packaging was very neat, and the products are stunning. It’s truly a shop I recommend!
You can also find Curiosities at AMPM: I really like their ethnic-inspired objects!
The brand Objets de Curiosité (featured in the image) also offers very beautiful pieces. I am always impressed by their stand at the Maison&Objets fair!
You can also bring back souvenirs from your travels: stones, leaves and flowers, sand, shells, feathers… Or even involve your children during a walk! They will be delighted at the idea of collecting treasures.
Vase Love in Bloom
Seletti
Corail en résine
Maisons du Monde
Collier en fibres naturelles
Maisons du Monde
Sulfure méduse
AMPM
Vase Fountain
ferm living
Sculpture Heliano
AMPM
How to showcase them?
For your finds, consider adopting display cases and glass domes, perfect for protecting them but also for enhancing the “precious” aspect of your objects!
To highlight your collection, also opt for a dark color like black, burgundy, or a very deep blue. This will amplify the mystical aspect of your objects! You can also enhance it with touches of gilded brass.
Finally, don’t hesitate to play the card of accumulation. Mix different origins (new or vintage); styles (mineral, floral, living…) and containers!
Curious books
Personally, I really enjoy mixing my Curiosities with surprising, even strange works. Here are my favorites, which sit on my shelves and never fail to surprise our guests!
L’empire de la Mort
Paul Koudounaris
Atlas des lieux maudits
Olivier Le Carrer
Atlas Obscura
Joshua Foer
Les contes macabres
Benjamin Lacombe
Trésors des catacombes
Paul Koudounaris
Billy Brouillard
Guillaume Bianco
Ambiances inspired by Cabinets of Curiosities
Whether it’s objects accumulated on a piece of furniture or paintings on the walls, Curiosities fascinate and bring a crazy charm to our interiors.
The interiors below are very strong in personality, and I understand that they may not be to everyone’s taste. However, I find each composition interesting, both in terms of color, volume, and style. It’s up to you to observe them and draw all the inspiration you need to create your own Cabinet of Curiosities!
You either love it or hate it: I am fascinated by these paintings made with multicolored insects.
We love this Cabinet of Curiosities dedicated to shells and corals.
A beautiful collection of Curiosities under glass domes!
In this old sorting cabinet, the objects occupy the space in a very graphic way. I really like the collection of vintage cameras!
On this old piece of furniture, very pretty Curiosities sit. Books, corals, samples, photos… A delightful mix that makes you want to linger.
I really like these objects, between arts and sciences, which together form a very particular universe!
Here, Curiosities are displayed on simple wooden wall shelves for a slightly rustic touch!
