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Diane Waterhouse collects German shepherds. So far she has amassed more than 15 of them in all shapes, sizes and designs. In addition to Winston Churchill Waterhouse, the seven-year-old canine that romps in her back yard, she has German shepherd statues and figurines, a German shepherd snow globe, a German shepherd coin bank, a lighter that spits flame when its tail is pulled, a German shepherd Santa Claus and a German shepherd Christmas tree angel.
“I’ve always loved the breed,” Waterhouse exclaims. “They’re so noble- looking and intelligent. And so kind."
Waterhouse keeps all her German shepherd memorabilia on a large bookcase in her living room. Grouped together, the pieces create a dramatic effect, particularly when combined with the German shepherd doormat and the life-size German shepherd figure just outside the front door. |
| Collectibles Need to Be Grouped Together |
The key to displaying collectibles is to keep them as close together as possible, says Genny Cummings, owner of Indigo, a home furnishings gallery in Santa Barbara, California.
“Group like items together. Take a tabletop, for example, and set out collections that relate to each other.”
According to Allan Brostrom, manager of Bill Cornfield Gallery in Montecito, California, two or more of any item constitutes a collection and anything you want to collect can be termed a collectible, from matchbooks and lunch boxes to paper weights and Tiffany lamps. The purpose of displaying them properly, he adds, is to protect them from damage while making them visually accessible and enjoyable. “They’re your treasures. You want to see them,” he said.
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| Give the Eyes a Place to Rest |
Cummings advocates built-in shelving to hold collectibles and co-mingling them with books, as Waterhouse has done, or suspending shelves across the length of a wall and displaying a collection there.
Grouping collectibles together gives them a more powerful and stunning effect, Cummings says. Having a variety of sizes and shapes creates an interesting design and makes for a strong focal point.
Several pieces of compatible artwork, for example, can be hung together to fill an entire wall. Likewise, a collection of plates can be affixed to special hangers or displayed on plate railings across the wall. Don’t feel you have to cover every wall of every room, however.
“Always leave some surfaces completely clear to give the eye a place to rest. Even a wall,” she continues. “A room shouldn't be chaotic. Have a few wonderful things show to their best rather than too much.” |
| Consider Using a Shadowbox |
Consider displaying small items, such as miniatures, thimbles or tiny figurines ,in shadow boxes designed specifically for that purpose. The box can feature several small cubbyholes, or a few large ones, in which to place your items.
A shadowbox enclosed with a glass front can hold special items including jewelry, embroidered handkerchiefs, belt buckles or medals. The deep frame and glass front provide plenty of space for the three-dimensional art piece. You might also think about using an antique item, such as an old spice rack, to hold small objects. |
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| Artful Order, Never Clutter |
Items that require a flat surface can be exhibited in the display section of a coffee table, Brostrom said. Interior designer Genie Gable used that medium to display her collection of antique games.
When arranging collectibles, Cummings says, make sure you don’t create visual overload by overcrowding the room. Too many pieces on display translates to clutter rather than art and diminishes their effect. They lose their appeal and become tiring. If you have many pieces in a collection, she adds, display some of them in your home and put the remainder in storage. Rotate the pieces during the year so your decor changes and you can enjoy your entire collection.
Also, keep the collections room-specific. A set of porcelain teacups, for example makes more sense in a dining or living room than in the master bedroom. Likewise, collections of vintage handkerchiefs or perfume bottles fit perfectly in a bedroom or a bathroom.
Even within groups of collectibles, maintain some semblance of order. For example, Cummings advises, when displaying photographs do so in a way that makes sense. Arrange them in chronological order, perhaps, or group them by family tree. “It’s more interesting that way. They can tell a story.” |
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