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10 How-Tos for Organizing and Displaying Collections

Collections almost always look better when they're organized. Strewn haphazardly around the home, they can be mistaken for clutter. Purposefully displayed, they look like art. For step-by-step tutorials on organizing artwork, DVDs, vinyl toys, and more, click through the links below...

 
 

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How To..., Roundup, collections, display

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Comments (15)

Here's a great toy collection I recently photographed for a couple. The black gridded shelving organizes what could otherwise seem too childish. I think it looks great!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwats/3869277960/in/set-72157622180000544/

posted by thewifeofanartist on September 14th 2009 at 7:59pm
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I love Serenity.

posted by lexixd on September 14th 2009 at 8:27pm
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Totally off-topic as well but I love Serenity and Firefly too!

Grace Hester Designs

Silhouette- and typography-based artwork and prints

Experience my blog at http://www.gracehester.typepad.com
Shop my designs at http://www.gracehesterdesigns.etsy.com
Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gracehester

posted by gracehesterdesigns on September 14th 2009 at 8:39pm
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oh wow, i love those cups & plates above the fireplace!

posted by nikki moore - photography and vintage treasures on September 14th 2009 at 8:46pm
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Sorry to be a complainer, but it seems like I'm seeing the same photos over and over again on different postsI think I've seen that pegboard image and the one with the photos on so many posts that I've lost count. It would be nice to see something new and fresh, since I've seen these same photos so many times.

posted by suzy8track on September 14th 2009 at 10:32pm
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My brain is about to explode, looking at pic #7. Love the concept and the look of hanging crockery, love how they look against the purple-gray background, but am struggling with the PS cabinet (which I love) stuck in the fireplace with (*shudder*) a flat-screen on it!

posted by mirandabee on September 15th 2009 at 4:11am
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Forgot to mention: I think it was inspired to have those flashcards in pic #3 turn the corner!

posted by mirandabee on September 15th 2009 at 4:15am
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lexixd -- Did you see the TV series Firefly? The movie was basically the ending for it - watch the TV series and you'll be disgusted by the movie, I promise.

posted by ChrisGal on September 15th 2009 at 7:35am
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@gracehesterdesigns

It's kind of sad that your self-advertisement is longer than your contribution to this post, especially since it was off topic. :/

posted by Mrs.Mack on September 15th 2009 at 12:59pm
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I really like the way Benita organizes her son's collections in his bedroom (not pictured). I feel it's still plenty neat and tidy, but shows off his toys, books, movies, etc., without making it look like a toy box/childish.

I supposed the trick is to keep the collections organize and on non-childish display systems (shelves and the like).

posted by Mrs.Mack on September 15th 2009 at 1:02pm
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*organized

posted by Mrs.Mack on September 15th 2009 at 1:02pm
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Love the look of that organized vinyl. Does anyone know where the shelves are from? Or where I might find similar shelves to organize records? (Perhaps I am missing an obvious link or attribution.)

posted by paringdown on September 15th 2009 at 1:41pm
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anyone know where to find shelves for vinyl records like those posted in photo #9? I dream of having well-organized vinyl records and a place for the turntable.

posted by paringdown on September 15th 2009 at 1:46pm
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Mrs Mack,

You are absolutely right. But it is not ALWAYS the case. :o)

To suzy8track's point, between the Apartment Therapy sites, and what's on other similar sites, it's difficult to feel inspired by the same tone of photos in the postings.

I was more moved to comment on Serenity/Firefly than this post!

And just for kicks,
Grace Hester Designs
Short and Sweet. :o)

posted by gracehesterdesigns on September 15th 2009 at 10:24pm
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Why there is a cabinet covering the chimeny?

posted by emal on September 16th 2009 at 11:54am
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