As the main home care provider, women were traditionally called upon to deal with cooking, cleaning, overseeing other household chores and also making sure that their homes were presentable and respectable. Not only was an untidy or unclean home something to avoid, but the quality of the contents were something to admire and show off humbly to guests. Display cabinets played a smaller role in the traditional home than they do in the modern home because it was the quality of furniture itself and larger items on display that were gauged for presentation value and observed by visitors to the home.

Regardless of this fact, women were still in the habit of displaying their treasures throughout the house to give a luxurious atmosphere and show off their status in society. Display cabinets were used sparingly except in the case of a very valuable item, in which case it was held under lock and key and only visible through the glass. In the modern home, women have shifted their roles in many cases from the primary home carer to a member of the workforce coupled with parenthood. Although equal opportunity has been widely accepted and implemented into modern society, it has not changed the fact that the majority of households favour women as the primary childcare parent and homemaker; this fact persists despite many women holding outside jobs.

The difference between the traditional and modern woman in the home is that the former had little choice when it came to her role in society and the home; the latter is under less pressure to keep the home pristine, perfect and reflective of a good standing in society. Instead, her concerns are more focused on the emotional well being of her family, ensuring that she can contribute financially if needed, and ultimately doing something fulfilling with her life. With this new perspective, the display cabinet has taken on a slightly different role in the modern home.
Now display cabinets are less likely to be found in a family home with young children, for the obvious reason that anything breakable does not mix well with small, speedy and energetic people.

Instead, they are more likely to be found in the homes of couples whose children have grown and left home. These cabinets hold a variety of treasures. Unlike traditional display cabinets and items, modern display cabinets are more likely to hold a myriad of family pictures, random items crafted by children and grandchildren and given as gifts, antiques like teacups, and of course any other items of high monetary or sentimental value. Women have realised the power of the display cabinet to actually reflect upon themselves and their families in a non-imposing way.