Put Your Collection on Show
Curate Your Own Rotating Exhibit on Wall, Tabletop, Cabinet or Floor
Collections are wonderful ways to express your personality. Do you have treasures you would like to display, but have no idea how to get started? Most likely your collection already has a unifying subject, shape or material. The next step is to select your favorites, curating the ones that seem to go together. No need to show everything you have. You might even want to rotate your items and and make a new exhibit periodically. Let's look at some ways to make a pleasing display, and where to showcase it.
On the wall. Here is great way to fill that empty space above the sofa. This guitar collector has created eye-catching wall art with these beauties. The staggered arrangement is pleasing to the eye.
Covering an entire wall makes a statement. Framed art looks cheerful and colorful in this playroom. This would be a practical way to display your children's art, and they will beam with pride to see their work showcased this way.
Going up the staircase. Vintage framed mirrors and photos cover a wall leading upstairs. This charming mix of mirrors and photos has a few wall mounted corbels for added interest.
Furniture surfaces. Any unused furniture surface could work for your collection. This chest features an assortment of old alarm clocks. The larger ones are towards the back so they don't block the smaller ones. Notice that this collector sneaked in a few black figurines that tie into the art work above.
Looks like the home of a collector! What caught my eye is the group of three model sailboats — the minimum number of objects to make a collection — on this console table. The table raises them up just high enough to be visible anywhere in the living room.
Tip: Use an odd number of objects and vary the heights for a pleasing display.
Tip: Use an odd number of objects and vary the heights for a pleasing display.
This set of world globes has a place of importance on top of a bookcase. The colors and heights are varied and the globes are artfully arranged. Doesn't the vintage phone add a nice touch?
Go vertical. A collection of whimsical masks and figures fills a narrow wall area perfectly and adds a burst of color to an all-white room.
Above kitchen cabinets. Why not use that space above your kitchen cabinets to showcase your collection? These musical instruments are up high for all to see (and out of harm's way).
In a bookcase. To break up all the rows of books,integrate your art collection into your shelves.
Or maybe you want to display only art in your bookcase. This is an interesting collection of of vases and rings in copper and teal.
In a custom solution. If you have the budget, consider having a custom display space designed for your prized collection. These built-in cubbies dramatically showcase the owner's exotic sculpture. Museum-like niches complete with accent lighting make a stunning feature wall.
These cabinets have a space reserved for the owner's fun ceramic pitchers designed by Betty Woodman. The dark pink backdrop sets off the colors nicely.
This entire room looks like it was designed for the art. Sculptural pieces rest on pedestals and wall shelves of varying heights and depths. The walls and furniture are all white, allowing the art to be the star.
This plate rack is recessed into the wall and houses the owner's collection of pretty patterned plates. The traditional sconces really dress it up.
On the floor. If you have the space, consider displaying your collection on the floor. I love how these dogs seem to be coming out from under the stairs to welcome you. They are out of the way and fill a space that would otherwise be wasted.
Specialty cabinets and storage. Many furniture pieces are designed for display. Aren't these white plates striking inside this deep red china cabinet?
More: Create a Quick and Inexpensive Collection
How have you displayed collections in your home? Please share with us in the Comments below!
More: Create a Quick and Inexpensive Collection
How have you displayed collections in your home? Please share with us in the Comments below!