Collectible Chaos: Ideas for Showcasing Your Collectibles

We all do it. Collecting objects is an extension of the type of person we are, and the reasoning behind a collection generally tells more about the person than the collection itself. Most people often collect and display items having little value other than that of sentimental. Some people collect ordinary items for personal pleasure, such as books or memorabilia; some people desire to collect more valuable objects, such as antiques or coins; while others choose to be different and collect unusual items, such as barbed wire or even carpet remnants.

On the other hand, there are also people who simply have a tendency to hoard nearly anything for no particular reason. For instance, there’s a difference between collecting something and never throwing anything away. If you collect something specific, you’re a collector. However, if you’re prone to collecting everything, then you’re just a pack rat. Whatever the case, how will you display it?

Displaying your collectibles does not have to be expensive or difficult. In fact, the best way to show off your prized collection depends on the amount of space you have and a little imagination. Most people have a theme for their collections or at least something that connects them together. When items are scattered about with no theme, you simply have clutter, but when these items are gathered and displayed together, you have impact. A theme can be made up of items that are same color, different versions of one item, items from the same time period, or items made from similar material. There are many ways to display your collection.

Use your imagination and be creative about how to show off your treasured items. For example, prints and photos do not have to be framed for display; simply place them on a shelf, in a collage, or beneath a pane of glass atop an end table. Book collections look good on a shelf or table, but for more interest, try placing them in baskets or stacking them in an empty area on the floor. Add an interesting object on the top relating to your theme. For instance, if you collect old books, the object might be a pair of old eyeglasses. The same idea can be utilized for shelves; stack some books for use as bookends with an additional related object placed on top. Maybe your collection doesn’t include books. No problem. Objects within a collection can still hold charm when they are blended together with books. Shelves or racks can serve as display areas for numerous items such as figurines, pottery, or bottles.

Display cases and curio cabinets can be used to showcase dolls, silver, or dinnerware. Items such as old post cards or stamps look attractive in binders; however, they can be placed within frames as well. For items such as shells, marbles, or similar objects, bowls and baskets can be used to display them. Shadowboxes are another great way to show off your collection of trinkets. Nearly any item can be placed into a shadowbox, and themes can also be used for these as well. For instance, old maps, post cards, souvenirs, tickets stubs, matchbooks, and menus can be grouped together for the person who travels or perhaps various sports memorabilia could be employed for the sports enthusiast. With shadowboxes, you also have the option of putting them together yourself or having them personally made.

For most of us, collecting is a normal behavior that we use as way of expressing a certain passion about something. However, unless you want to be considered a pack rat with nothing more than useless clutter on your hands, it is better to devote your time and space to only a few favorites and tie them together with a theme. For those truly passionate about showing off a cherished collection, don’t be afraid to be creative. There is nothing wrong with even the most bizarre collections so long as they are displayed attractively.