Showcase For All To See

8/15/2008

If you are an avid collector, you can t help it. Whenever you find something that you like, you buy one piece, and then another, and another, until finally you have most of the collection. From clocks to pottery to figurines and more, you collect all sorts of items.

Unfortunately, most of your prized collectibles are packed away in storage. You would like to display some of them, but every time you try, you just end up with a mass of clutter. You could use some pointers on creating eye-catching displays.

In order to display collectibles effectively, the trick is to keep them close together. Don t scatter collectibles in various rooms around your home or in various areas throughout a room. For the best impact, group your collectibles together in one area of a room where they would most likely be found. If you have a collection of ceramic plates, for example, group them together in the kitchen or dining room in a large hutch or on a plate rack running around the room. Don t scatter them in various nooks and crannies, and expect them to look unified.

To reduce the risk of creating a cluttered look, try to make sure that the room where you display your collectibles has some clear surfaces where the eyes can rest. If

your kitchen is fairly busy, for example, then you may want to consider displaying your ceramic plate collection in the dining room where there are more clear surfaces.

When selecting a place in which to display your collectibles, keep security in mind. You want your collectibles to remain intact, so make sure the shelf, rack, cabinet or other item you use is safe and sturdy. You don t want the plate rack where you put your collectible plates to come crashing down off the wall, nor do you want it within the reach of young hands. The same goes for very fragile collectibles. The best place for collections that cannot hold up to touch, such as antique lace, is behind glass, whether in a glass-fronted shadowbox or picture frame or under a glass tabletop.

With the right room, area and place for your collectibles, you may start arranging them. For maximum visual interest, vary the shapes and sizes of your collectibles and keep shorter ones in front where they can be seen. If possible, group collectibles so they tell a story. Place your ceramic plates, for example, in the order you were given them or by season or theme. Use accessories where needed. Plate stands, pedestals and mirrors all work well to enhance displays. After you have finished arranging your collectibles, stand back and take a hard look at the display. If you feel any sense of clutter, consider removing some of your collectibles and rotating them.

Whether in a foyer or family room, collectibles make for stunning displays. As you prepare to use yours, keep the following tips above in mind and remember that you can always make changes where needed.