Keep Your Collectibles (Without Losing Your Sanity)
How to Display Your Finds With Wit and Style
The joys of collecting are many: the thrill of the hunt, the joy of the score, the beauty of your finds. On the other hand, the hazards are just as real: What starts as an innocent collection or two can end up quickly taking over every free inch of your home. So how to contain your collectibles? Follow these tips to keep your assemblage more home-friendly, less "Hoarders."
Arrange with wit.
Put consideration into your arrangements. The juxtaposition of this book title with the shiny tea set feels fresh and fun.
Put consideration into your arrangements. The juxtaposition of this book title with the shiny tea set feels fresh and fun.
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by Kasey Buick
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| Work up the walls.
They're prime real estate for your collection. Not only do they keep your objets on view, they free up tabletops for productive use. |
by Kasey Buick
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Were they not hung, these cool vintage clock faces would probably be wallowing in a drawer somewhere. Now they're out in the open for everyone to see.
This collection of little liquor bottles almost turns into an architectural element thanks to some custom shelving with acrylic and backlighting.
Heave 'em up high.
Collections that are all form with little function are made for out-of-reach places. Keeping them up high allows them to be seen without being pawed — and, inevitably, broken.
Collections that are all form with little function are made for out-of-reach places. Keeping them up high allows them to be seen without being pawed — and, inevitably, broken.
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| Hang frequently used pieces lower for easy access. |
Keep 'em contained.
Store everything together. For smaller items, like the plastic tags seen here, a glass jar or other clear container works well. Left out they can easily be lost.
Store everything together. For smaller items, like the plastic tags seen here, a glass jar or other clear container works well. Left out they can easily be lost.
by Monica Ewing
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Put them to work.
Get creative! For example, a collection of corks can become a bathmat.
Get creative! For example, a collection of corks can become a bathmat.
by The Shabby Nest
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An assemblage of white ceramics works twofold on open shelves in the kitchen: The pieces are pretty to look at and easy to grab, should you need to use one.
by Atypical Type A
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Vintage suitcases can store paperwork, clothes — anything really.
Fancy yourself something of a bibliophile? Turn a stack of your sturdier books into a side table.
Even a low stack can be helpful, as long as you don't go overboard. One or two stacks is fine, any more and you're just asking for a tumble.
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| This photo is making me want to start my own pillow collection! I'd keep just a few out at a time and switch up their covers for a new look every season.
More: Collections: Display that Which You Love Browse more home design photos |
Ideabook updated on Jan. 31, 2011.
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I really don't like to dust....so opt for glass front cabinets a lot.