Give me some ideas for what to put in a beautiful small glass-fronted cabinet

[QuimReaper]

My lovely Dad bought this cabinet from a market about 30 years ago, partly because he just liked it, mainly to support the local craftsman who he often chatted to. My mum was getting rid of it last summer so I am now its proud owner. It is absolutely beautifully made, and I adore it, and love knowing how much love and attention went into making it. It's so detailed, with a tiny key, and gorgeously finished.

The problem is, it's completely impractical. The shelves are very short, and can't be adjusted.

The obvious thing would be spices: I thought about buying a bunch of small glass jars and decanting into them, but to be completely honest the dark wood completely clashes with the style of our kitchen and there's no obvious place to put it, so I think it would look peculiar.On the other hand it would look perfect in our bedroom.

Nail varnish is the only other thing I can think of, but I don't use much nail varnish, and if I bought the 30-odd bottles it could house, they'd just dry out.

I don't collect anything like thimbles (which I think must have been its intended purpose) and don't want to start!

It's been sitting in husband's study for months now waiting for inspiration to strike and it makes me sad every time I see it. Any bright ideas?

Meant to add - obviously I want something that looks attractive as it'll be on display. I thought about putting it up in my own study and just keeping bits and bobs in there like makeup, but it would look a bit of a mess.

Another idea I had was to buy lovely little jewellery boxes and put my jeweller in it, but I already have a gorgeous little chest I keep all my jewellery in (possibly made by the same guy, my mum can't remember) so if I transferred it all to the cabinet I'd have the same problem with the chest

I am a fan of antique China - unusual cups and saucers. I would use it for that, but I appreciate that’s very niche!

Jewellery? Any small objects that have sentimental value. You probably don’t need much.

@SlatternIsMyMiddleName It would be too shallow for anything like that unfortunately!

How about a treasures cabinet- so little things that you keep and get stuffed in a drawer. I'm thinking, a shell from your favourite beach, granny's broach, souvenir from holiday, your old school badge etc. You could theme it if you want it to look more cohesive.

You need something that sits tall rather than lies flat (eg spoons).

How big (or small) actually is the space between the shelves? So we don't keep suggesting things that are too big.

Antique/ beautiful perfume bottles? You can get some really tiny ones.

Glass ornaments of your favourite animals.

I realize I must sound like I live the most rock and roll of lifestyles.

@SlatternIsMyMiddleName

Antique/ beautiful perfume bottles? You can get some really tiny ones.

This would look really lovely.

Gin miniatures......

How would it look if you just put some pretty dried flowers in there? It seems daft to buy things you don’t want or like just to fit inside a tiny cabinet!

Travel memories, (postcards, tiny ornaments)
Glittery masks for mask balls
Interest ornaments

Or you could strip and revarnish the cupboard to suit the kitchen. Gilboys have u tube easy to follow polishing techniques. I’ve done a strip and polish on furniture before, it’s quite easy.

Just measured - the shelves are 6.5cm tall and 5cm deep

Maybe husband and I should get into butt plugs and start a high-end collection

I know that you said it would not go in your kitchen but it sounds like good egg storage. Do you have a utility room?

Egg storage! That's one I hadn't thought of!

We do have a utility room but it's 2 rooms away from the kitchen

I'd go for small items from treasured moments.