Collector style
From sneakers to fine art, coins, Star Wars figures, or your cousin’s obsession with antique teaspoons… collections are addictive. How do you best display your beloved belongings?
Whether it’s a series of adored ornamental oddities – from blue glass vases to anything cat-related – or the result of an addiction to buying hats, vinyl records or shoes, many of us want to integrate our collection into our home interiors so we can enjoy them all the time. Collections of meaningful things, whether antique, retro, themed, or something else, add personality and soul to your home. Collecting is a pastime that connects us to cherished memories, historic moments, and the thrill of discovery. The trick is to display your collection in a way that gives connoisseur vibes rather than hoarder clutter.
Group by theme
Arrange similar items together by theme, era, or colour to create a more cohesive and intentional look rather than a cluttered one.
Set up adjustable display shelves
Create sanctuaries for your treasured memorabilia so they have a safe place to call home. Note that protection from dust, sun and other damage is key, so use specially designed display cases, shadow boxes, cabinets, or UV-protective glass.
Numbers and shapes
Work in odd numbers, usually threes or fives, as groupings of odd numbers are more comfortable on the eye. As well, triangles in groups create visually appealing arrangements. Arrange displays to avoid overcrowding and add visual interest through varying heights, sizes, and strategic lighting.
Opposites attract
Mix and match different collections. For example, your china teacups could look great stacked on a pile of vintage books alongside a potted plant.
Keep it fresh
Rotate your display seasonally, giving different items the chance to be the ‘hero’.
Seamless style
Get creative with regular furniture pieces to turn everyday items into eye-catching displays. Utilise functional furniture, like coffee tables with built-in display areas or, like you get in a museum, a table with a transparent top that can highlight smaller items like antique trinkets or miniature collectables.
Use unique display vessels
Employ items that complement the collection, such as old dressers or china closets, to add a unique touch and visual appeal.
For art’s sake
To effectively display art, hang larger pieces using the two-thirds rule for furniture (for art above a sofa, bed, or mantelpiece, it should be roughly two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it), place art at eye level with the centre at about 150cm from the floor, choose pieces you love for their meaning and aesthetic, and provide a stable environment by avoiding direct sun, extreme heat, and humidity.
