Decorating: Displaying Collectibles

Some of you have contemporary homes, or small collections, and may be wondering, "What relevance does this tip have for me?" As the information unfolds, I believe everyone will find at least one useful idea, no matter how small or modern your collection.
"Collecting is a natural extension of individuals and the things they love." (This is a quote from the book I referenced, below.) A small group of any item, can be a collection. Objects do not have to be expensive. You may even be unaware are that you are a collector. (I do not consider myself one, but I do have a number of small decorative boxes, clocks, and objects from the Arts & Crafts era, i.e.: Frank Lloyd Wright. Therefore, I really do collect!)
My tips and ideas on this topic are broken down into categories, (as usual) such as displaying collectibles on shelves, walls, etc. Please read on to learn more.

TIPS FOR DISPLAYING COLLECTIONS ON SHELVES

• For the most part, scale objects from largest to smallest, from back to front. (This may sound logical, but I thought it was worth mentioning.)
  
• You can maintain a cohesive look by using a theme, i.e.: Country, Victorian, etc.
  
• Windowsills can double as shelves.
  
• Forget about the rule that "everything should be placed at eye level." (Except if you have small children. Then, don’t place objects below 4 feet.)
  
• Line shelves with materials that compatible with the scheme, such as bandanas for Southwestern or lace for Victorian.
  

FURNISHINGS ONE MIGHT USE FOR DISPLAY

• In a kitchen: a hutch, a baker’s rack, or a desk with shelving above.
  
• For a family room, kitchen, or bedroom: One could use an armoire, with the doors left open. In addition to placing items on the shelves of the armoire, you might also attach them to the doors.
  
• Don’t forget the lower shelves of end tables, console tables, etc.
  
• A Secretary’s desk makes a fine display case in a living room, family room or study.
  
• Hang objects from the pegs of shaker shelves, and place additional collectibles above.
  
• Consider using a bench, or the end of a bench, to create a small collectible vignette.
  
• Fireplace mantels are always an obvious location to arrange a display.
  
• A corner cabinet not only provides an excellent backdrop of displaying collections, it also makes good use of potentially wasted space.
  
• Create a collectible display in the center of a coffee table. Place items on top of a swatch of fabric, an unfolded napkin, a place mat, or a lace doily. Position a fairly tall object in the center, with smaller pieces surrounding it.
  
• Vintage trunks can be adored with fabrics you’ve collected, or filled with teddy bears, etc.
  
• Fan a trio of nesting tables to showcase objects. Plan the placement of figurines to create a story from one level to the next.
  
• In a room with limited space, place a console table against a wall, position a sofa in front of it, and display a collection on the shelf you’ve created behind.
  

DISPLAYING COLLECTIONS ON WALLS

• A fluid display can be created by combining round plates and square prints, with a similar theme, in a repeating pattern.
  
• Display small items on top of pictures and door frames. To keep an item from them toppling, add museum wax or putty on bottoms or backsides.
  
• Install a molding, with a deep groove, in the unused area above kitchen cabinets. Use the molding to display plates, copper Jell-O molds, etc.
  
• Place ornaments (not necessarily holiday ones) around the perimeter of a wreath made from dry materials, such as grapevines, pinecones, or nuts, etc.
  
• Create a southwestern collage by hanging a folded saddle blanket, with a lasso draped on top. Then finish it off with a cowboy hat.
  

HOW TO ADD ACCENTS TO DISPLAYS FOR BALANCE AND INTEREST
Add bright touches of fresh or silk flowers to collectibles that are similar in theme, such as a set of wooden animals. This will add interest and break up the monotony.

CHILDREN’S ROOMS

• Collecting themes might include cartoon characters, dragons, characters from a favorite book, trains, stamps, animals, sports, Barbie, the circus, etc. The author of the book, below, suggested giving a collectible item at each birthday. I thought that was a great way to commemorate the occasion!
  
• Make use of "kid’s meal" figurines before the dog eats them! A complete set may be very valuable someday! How about a shadow box full of Pokemon figures or a chiffon wreath adored with miniature Barbie dolls?
  

HOLIDAY DISPLAYS

• Attach greenery and garland, or ornaments, to the face of shelving.
  
• Place a miniature, such as a Department 56 chalet, in the center of a wreath.
  
• Create small, moveable vignettes, by grouping a set of items, such as a village or carolers, in a basket or on a tray. If you use a deep container, insert a material, such as Styrofoam to raise the pieces up near the top. Surround the setting with materials that fit the theme, such as snow for winter holidays or artificial grass for a spring. This type of display can be used year round, and the vignettes can be moved from room to room to create a changing scene. (A small trunk might also be a suitable container.)
  
• Similar items, such as nutcrackers, teapots, and ornaments, are now available for all seasons and styles. They might be fun items to begin a collection with.
  

OTHER IDEAS FOR DISPLAYING COLLECTIBLES

• Tie objects to drawer or doorknobs.
  
• Use a contrasting backdrop to accentuate objects displayed.
  
• To keep pictures straight, attach a small piece of sponge to the back.
  
• A wagon or baby buggy are creative items to display collections in.
  
• Use easels for artwork, if you have the space. For a southwestern scheme, try a lodgepole pine kiva ladder in place of an easel.
  
• Also for southwestern d飯r, use a rough blanket and/or an unfinished slab of stone, to place objects on.
  
• How about an antique doll bed, miniature bench, or child’s rocking chair?
  
• Dress-up unused window seats, or bay windows, with displays.
  
• Fill a large glass container with glass ornaments combined with polished rocks, shells, or other elements from nature.
  
• A friend, once created a rainbow on his windowsill with a collection of cylindrical glass jars. He filled the containers with water. Then he added different combinations of food coloring to create the colors of the rainbow. When light came streaming through the jars, it was like a prism.
  
• Waterproof collectibles, such as shells, starfish, rocks, etc. can adorn the perimeter of a bathtub.
  
• Here’s a wonderful idea I’d never seen before (it is in the book below). For a centerpiece, stack antique books between candlesticks. Then, on top of the books, and around, place collectibles such as lighthouses, or fish, antique dolls, etc.
  
• Place a mirror on a flat surface. Then, combine a candle garden (a group of candles of different diameters and heights) with collectibles of a like theme, such as a village or storybook characters. Caution: Make sure you chose collectibles that are not flammable!
  
• A very small plate, on a stand, can adore one side of a pedestal sink. Reserve the space on the opposite side for a decorative soap, or soap dish.
  
• Display vintage clothing on a dressmaker’s stand, or use a hanger to suspend apparel from the stem of a wall sconce. A hat on top of the stand finishes the appearance.