What Is a Chimney Cabinet?

Construction

• Chimney cabinets are about 72 inches tall, 28 inches wide and 18 inches deep. Antique chimney cabinets from the 1800s were commonly constructed out of pine wood. Many cabinets were built with a single paneled door that covered five or six enclosed storage shelves. The sides and back of some chimney cabinets were constructed using rough-hewn wood, focusing the skilled craftsmanship on the front-paneled door. Iron nails, door hinges and a wooden or iron door knob completed this simple cabinet.

Custom Features

• Newly constructed chimney cabinets, typically made from pine wood, are available in assorted stains, such as cherry, walnut or mahogany. A variety of paint colors to match any decor are also available on several chimney cabinets. Customized, hand-painted pictures or motifs provide a personalized touch to a chimney cabinet. Decorative, hand-painted horses, fish, trees, roosters and floral designs provide interest to a plain cabinet door. Distressed wood gives the cabinet an old, antique appearance, enhancing the primitive and country decor style.

Uses

• The kinds of items stored in a chimney cabinet are limited only by your imagination. Kitchens provide ideal locations for a chimney cabinet, storing spices, jellies, canned goods or table linens. Placing a chimney cabinet in a bathroom supplies abundant storage in a commonly small space. Fresh towels and washcloths, paper products and personal hygiene items fit nicely into a chimney cabinet. Store DVDs, CDs, books and children's art supplies in a chimney cabinet situated in a family room.

Availability

• Chimney cabinets are readily available for purchase. Antique chimney cabinets can be found in antique stores, estate sales and auctions, and on the Internet, but often come with a higher price tag than reproductions. Skilled craftsmen creating replicas of the older chimney cabinets provide assorted choices in finishes, color and personalization. They often distribute their cabinets through their own businesses and accommodate special order requests. Department and furniture stores commonly carry chimney cabinets that are manufactured in large quantities with limited selections.