Collectables - showing your passion

So you've spent countless hours carefully selecting just the right items to make your collection perfect.  Now where and how to display it? 

When I think of displaying a group of items I put them in 4 catergories: Stand up vignettes, cabinet displays, a framed display or a collage hung directly on a wall. 

Standup Vignettes:

 

These next  3 examples illustrate what I refer to as a stand up display.  Situated on a flat surface such as a chest, table or windowsill, the collection is grouped atop of a tray or piece of glass to really define its presence.  I have mentioned before it is best to have items grouped in 3 or 5, unless of course there are too many to count quickly.   This perfume bottle collection looks stunning on a glass shelf near a window.  It draws your attention to all the unique shapes.

living.msn

Having a collection doesnt mean you can't insert the odd non-matching item.  As long as it is still relevant to the other pieces, it only adds interest.  The photo below shows the majority of blue glass bottles, mixed with rattan balls and starfish which all fit in with the beachy theme.

songbird

This tasteful collection is unified by the colour white.  Again a beachy theme, this time with some glamourous touches. Notice there are 5 items in this vignette.

delight

Cabinet displays

Open shelving just begs for an engaging display.  Whether it is located in a hutch or cabinet that is specifically built for it, creating an eye catching presentation is well worth the effort.  This one is simple, but suits the room.

loveyourhomewithstyle

Vintage cameras collections still seem to be a popular choice.  I especially like the way this one was done, using an old postal sorting station.

designmom

Framed Displays

Taking all your collectables and putting them in one large framed display and hung up is another option.  Again with the vintage items, here are alarm clocks nestled together. 

jacindarussellart

Here is a more feminie looking one done with keys:

dans-le-townhouse

Collage Displays

Exhibiting your treasures directly on the wall can also result in unique wall art.  Decorative plates are beautifully shown off in this method.  I love the assymetrical way they were hung up on one side of the chest on chest. 

lifeasweknowit

This antique rug beater collection started off small but ended up occupying the entire landing of the staircase, and then some!

countryliving

Here is a rustic yet elegant and understated feel done with a collection.

prairehive

Displaying your collectables adds so much more personality to your home.  If you truly enjoy your collection, showing it off not only communicates something about you, but also is a look that is exclusive to you.   Not everyone will collect the same things, or put them together in the same way. 

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New life for old items - adding something unique to your home

Some items we keep due to sentimental value, even though we dont have them displayed in our homes.  Unfortunately, some times they just end up in a box somewhere only to be brought out to look at on occassion.
I had been given this printing stamp letter drawer years ago, but it sat in storage for a long time.  I was searching for a way to incorporate this old drawer into my decor so I could actually enjoy it.  It's not something that everyone has, and thought it would make an interesting piece of wall art once I transformed it. 

I decided to mix this older piece in with my living room, but my first inkling was to transform it with some paint.  This is it in its original condition.  I felt the major drawback here was the range of colours.  The letter stamps are gray, the box a dirty brown and then topped off with a dark green metal handle.  Not much in the way of contrast to show off all the details. 

White paint was applied to the entire piece, except for the handle, which was changed from dark green to black.  Finally, some contrast!  Now the dark grey metal letter stamps would finally show up properly against the lighter background! 

Here it is after the paint, - now to add the letters.  

Having only a limited amount of letters to put in it at the moment, I am scouring antique shops and markets to add to my little collection.  My plan is to spell the names of everyone in our immediate family, as well as other words that evoke family life.  The addition of other minitures that represent our families heritage will be placed in amongst the letters. 

Now it is unique piece that works with the room and communicates something about our family. Who knows when it will be finished? It is something I can continue to add to as the years go by.

I found other examples of ways in which these letter trays were used.  Have a look at some of the other creative ideas people have come up with:

seakettle.com

A great way to keep jewellry organized!

A printers tray transformed into a coffee table - I love this idea! 
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houseandhome.co.uk

boysmyjoys

The perfect way to keep your kids legos on display.  (And from stepping on them in sock feet!)

I hope this post gave you some recycling and upcycling ideas - have a look around - you may just find an old item that you can use for a new purpose.

Check back soon - my next blog will talk more about displaying collections in your home.  Subscribe to Renew your rooms by entering your email address at the top of the page.  That way you will never miss a post!