What is breakfront?

A breakfront is a furniture piece that consists of a central cabinet or bookcase section protruding forward, with two side sections set back on either side. The central section is usually wider and deeper than the side sections, and it may have a different design, such as doors, drawers, or shelves. The breakfront design is common in traditional or classic furniture styles, such as Georgian, Chippendale, or Victorian.

Breakfronts were first introduced in the 18th century as large cabinets used for storing and displaying collections of books, porcelain, silverware, or other valuable possessions. Their design allowed them to fit into the corners of rooms, providing a convenient and elegant way to maximize space and showcase valuable objects.

Today, breakfronts are still popular as versatile and decorative storage solutions. They can be used in living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, or bedrooms to display books, art objects, china, or other collectibles. Some modern breakfront designs combine different materials, such as wood, glass, metal, or acrylic, to create a contemporary look. Others may feature more streamlined and modular shapes, suitable for modern interior design.