Early American Jelly Cupboards

History

• Jelly cupboards were used in the 19th century to store preserves, jams and jellies. Larger cabinets could display tableware on top shelves while preserves and foods were hidden by a set of double doors. Smaller jelly cupboards stored the results of canning and preserving only.

Styles

• Early American jelly cupboards from New England are constructed with wide, pine boards. The New England style cupboards are usually six feet tall and three feet wide. These jelly cupboard had a utilitarian and plain appearance, but some homeowners painted the cabinets. Jelly cupboards built in the Shaker style also had a simple design with double doors, interior shelves and, in some cases, screen panels. The jelly cupboards made in Pennsylvania stand 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. A Pennsylvania jelly cupboard features legs and two doors with drawers on the top of the cabinet. Punched tin panels decorated the jelly cupboard with floral or star designs.

Kitchen Storage

• Jelly cupboards can add more storage to a rustic-style kitchen décor. Standalone pieces of furniture such as a jelly cupboard offer a more primitive décor than built-in cabinets. An open design can store dishes and tableware along with food. Pair the jelly cupboard with a distressed kitchen armoire for a country décor scheme.

Rustic Room Décor

• The jelly cupboard can dress up other rooms in the house as well. The shelves in the cupboard can store DVDs in a home theater or living room. Use it to keep paperwork out of sight in a home office or in the bedroom for a place to store accessories.