How to Display a Collection Without Looking Crowded
For a long time, collecting was considered just a hobby. In the playground, the question was not what you collected, but what you collected. And it’s not just about stickers that need to be scratched and sniffed, unusual-looking stones and coins, which, as adults said, will one day become valuable – adults were also in this. Whether it’s replenishing a dysfunctional childhood with a collection of dolls or what you once mentioned in a conversation that you like owls, and from now on everyone gave you items with the image of owls, many of us have some kind of collection somewhere in our house.
If yours is securely packed in an attic, basement, or warehouse, that’s another story. But for those who prefer to have their collection of commemorative souvenir plates from Orlando cigarette advertisements or old ones in a timely manner, there is a fine line between the graceful display of your details and similar treasures. * In a recent New York Times article, Tim McKeough wrote about this line and how to stay clear of it so that a TLC film crew doesn’t show up at your front door.
* Accumulation disorder is a real mental health condition and no part of this article is intended to neglect it. This is the term used in the New York Times article referenced in this article, so we stuck with it for consistency.
Think about what you collect
According to McKeu, the difference between a gatherer and a gatherer is usually intent: “The hoard will accumulate almost anything that seems remotely attractive or may be needed in the future, while the collector tends to be more discerning.” So instead of flipping through eBay and going through antique stores buying every pair of vintage ladies’ cat-eye sunglasses you can find, only buy the ones you really need.
You don’t have to display everything at once
If you decide to exhibit a collection in your home, this does not mean that you should exhibit all of its pieces at the same time. Instead, heed McKeau’s advice:
First, define the types of objects you want to display. Then select each example with a specific purpose. If you’re going to display pottery, don’t just display every bowl you can get your hands on. Try to display some interesting examples, perhaps of different sizes, textures, or colors.
Interesting has nothing to do with monetary value.
Let’s say you’ve decided to follow in the footsteps ofBert from Sesame Street and now have a solid collection of paper clips. While their size can make them difficult to showcase, don’t let their (lack of) significant monetary value determine whether they deserve a place in your home. If you’ve found something that makes you happy every time you look at it, then it’s a much better option to display delicate, high-value antiques just because Victorians thought it was the right way to decorate a home and wanted to show off. their guests. …
Group objects by type
If you are collecting different types of elements in one theme, group all similar objects together when they are displayed. Using owls again, if you’ve accumulated owl figurines, frames, and stuffed animals, put all the figurines in one room instead of having multiple displays of figurines, artwork, and stuffed animals. “There is power in numbers, ” interior designer Rebecca Robertson told the New York Times . “When you collect 25 things, it really starts to hold back the wall and grab attention.”
Of course, there are no hard and fast rules for showcasing your collection (s), which is why McKeaw says grouping items with similar characteristics together is another option (although it does require some planning ahead of time). For example, you can display items from different collections together based on what they have in common visually, such as a combination of similar colors, shapes, or materials.
Or, if you’re installing an HGTV-approved “gallery wall,” using frames of the same color can tie it all together, no matter what is actually inside those frames. By the way, another tip from McKeaw’s article is to first arrange the items you plan to hang on the gallery wall on the floor and take measurements to make sure they fit. This will save time and eliminate the need to fill or close the nail holes you don’t need. And don’t be afraid to display items from your collection in a glass shade box like in a museum. It will instantly turn multiple items into art.