Display collectibles with order and intrigue

By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Two’s a pair and three’s company... and a collection.

Whether you’ve been collecting for years or just started, displaying your treasures is part of the pleasure. Make them come alive with these tips from Sue Thomas, owner of Room Whispers Redesign in Manassas, Va.

Choosing a space
When searching for display space, keep in mind that your unique items, not the display itself, should steal the limelight.

Look for spaces such as a hall or side table, shelf, wall, or mantle. Or consider nooks and crannies of your home like built-in shelving or the top of bookshelves or kitchen cabinets.

The space should be relative to the number and size of your items. Each piece has an individual value, so while you showcase the collection as a whole, make sure each one has room to shine.

Creating contrast
Space and location are not the only keys to creating an eye-catching display. Draw attention to your treasured finds with drama and interest.

A background that contrasts the color of your collectibles helps your collection stand out. You can create contrast with the objects themselves as well. “Place objects at varying levels to keep the eye moving and make the grouping more interesting,” Thomas says.

Art of arranging
Although variety and contrast add character and charm, you can still have an orderly and rhythmic arrangement that will help you showcase your collectibles’ best features and avoid a cluttered look.

First, determine a theme for your display. Group objects of similar color, size, or motif. Then, choose a single object with a strong, simple shape as your focal point. Finally, arrange pieces around your focal point with balance.

“The key to a successful display is achieving a sense of balance and proportion. Place tall with tall, small with small, wide with wide, and narrow with narrow,” Thomas says.