With an elegant simplicity that’s at home in any decor, Craftsman-style furniture is distinctive for its emphasis on functionality and forthright design. Those are the features that make this Craftsman-style curio cabinet project so appealing. It looks great in the dining room or the den, and it’s ideal for displaying collections ranging from fine china and crystal to antique fishing reels.

True to the spirit of the designers who created this style almost a century ago, the cabinet’s do-it-yourself construction utilizes mostly straight cuts, full-size patterns for the curved cuts, simple joinery techniques and readily available materials. As pictured, the project is made from oak (the traditional choice), although other woods may be substituted.

To build, simply trace the pieces onto wood, cut out and assemble with nails and glue. Next, hang the doors and install the tempered-glass door and side panels. To finish, install tempered-glass shelves. For a truly dramatic effect, there’s room in the top for an interior light.

The curio cabinet measures 72 inches tall by 36 inches wide by 14 inches deep.

The Craftsman Curio Cabinet plan, No. 901, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams and a shopping list and cutting schedule.

A package of Craftsman-style furniture plans, No. C149, is $22.95 and includes the plan for this project plus plans for a grandfather clock and a bookcase with glass doors. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2.00. Please include $3.00 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o Lewiston Sun Journal, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409. To order by credit card, call 1-800-828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.


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