We love collections integrated into a home's decor whether on a unique shelf, a mantlepiece, a windowsill or even directly on the wall as shown above with One Good Bumblebee's amazing Pez display). We value the little peek they give us into the home's owner (or renter!). Below are nine other examples of displaying collectibles we found via Flickr...
At one home, this display of Homies congregate on the windowsill in a kitchen, throwing a silly note into the top of the day and certainly discouraging grumpiness.
At another home, cork stoppered bottles from Cost Plus are filled with sand, shells and small stones, gathered from vacation beaches. The bottles, more tactile than photographs, invite touching and shaking, surefire conversation starters when we're at this house for a party and feeling shy.
These two are from Gregory's own apartment, showcasing his collection of toys and his girlfriend's collection of vintage Avon items. Shadow boxes and floating shelving in multiples are easy ways to create visual order and interest without the clutter.
Display your collection is a whole lot easier when you've got a striking complimentary piece of storage furniture like this cabinet belonging to bradleypjohnson.
Here's an example of harmonizing storage needs with a visual presentation of collected wine memorabilia. Displaying collectibles alongside regularly used items makes the home feel less like a museum and keep utility within arm's reach. [Arthur Display Shelf from Divine Home Decor]
Opportunities for collections displays don't have to be limited to shelving. ambery's colored glass collection takes advantage of the play between the colored glass and the light coming in through the window, accentuating their bright colors.
gsamx converted a grille from his car into shelving to display complimentary pieces from his 50-60's collection; there's even lighting behind it for dramatic effect!
We like how Decor8 took a shelf and made it into a little "stage" for her collection of owls. It gives another dimension to the collection and cohesive appearance as a grouping.
Gayatri's bead necklaces are beautifully displayed on hooks. This could work with a collection of ties, scarves, bags, and a multitude of other common objects that look great in multiples.
Related Links:
How to Display a Collection
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I love the bottles filled with sand and shells!
view laure's profile
yes, my favorites are the bottles of sand and shells, and the necklades. The wine display is very elegant. The "homies" dolls are amusing.
view RJD's profile
Boy, do I dislike Action figures!
view phauxtoe's profile
I love all of these. They add so much character. They make these places seem so cosy and colorful!
view nausved's profile
I love all of these!
view dmstudio's profile
i spy a My Melody (sanrio) pez dispenser... yay!
view sanriofreak's profile
My family has been doing the same thing with sand from beaches around the world since I was little. My parents put them in old candy jars and display them on a table in a beach-themed bathroom.
I love seeing another collection of the same thing and how differently they are displayed. Thanks!
view hessilou's profile
Oooh, that last one is an excellent idea for necklaces!
And I love the "beach in a bottle" collection, that such a genius idea.
view sparkle's profile
I like the Homies! But then, I have a bunch on my bookshelf at work!
view OneWallKitchen's profile
I love all of these. Its inspiring me to do something creatice with my various collections.
view SleepyDweller's profile
Would love to know how the pez are stuck to the wall. It is definitely interesting to look at and makes me want to do the same with my own pez collection.
view suzy8track's profile
I really like the set up of the toy & vintage Avon collections. They really give me ideas for our own collections.
view a little hut's profile
In Japan, most people display figure collections in plastic boxes with little "stages" or steps in them. (One is pictured in this post - scroll down a bit to see: http://tinyurl.com/3ndm8b)
One of the most common types of collections is small figures that are commonly given away free with purchases of soda (esp. 1.5 liter bottles). Japanese men seem to go crazy for them.
view Orchid64's profile
I forgot to mention, the boxes are created to stack so that they can be stacked up for a more overwhelming effect.
view Orchid64's profile
I too would love to know how to stick the Pez on the wall.
And also love Ambery's collection of colored glass. Nice. I love to collect small chairs ( the size either a Barbie or 8" doll would fit in) I've found them at craft shows and one old one that folds up at a 2nd hand store. Also love tea pots, and shells and marbles in a glass fish tank. Thinking about weeding out my Pez collection-love to collect too much.:)
view EileenB's profile
Yes, do tell about the Pez wall attachment! Perhaps two pins right at the base of the head?
view jantzie's profile
On her flickr page, the Pez owner says she used many packs of sticky tack (which I think is the blue stuff, found in store's stationery aisle, that you can use to tack posters up on the wall?).
view pammyfay's profile
What fun pics -- particularly love the Pez display. Here are a few more pics and tips, inspired by the ultimate eyeglass collector, Sir Elton John, who is enjoying his birthday on this fine 3/25 day.
http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2009/03/collecting-lust-in-honor-of-elton-johns.html
view JG_Kitchens's profile
I LOVE the PEZ collection display! I have about 200 and People always find it funny that I collect them, yet still give them to me... Currently I have them in a box (intermingled with about 10 or so L'il Homies that were from a friend).
This is a fun display solution! Thanks for the post!
view Lady K's profile
P.S. The only sad thing about displaying Pez on the wall that way is that UV light will degrade the plastic faster than you can imagine.
view Lady K's profile