How to Display a Tin Collection

Many people find the graphics on vintage advertising tins attractive. Others collect reproductions and modern tins. Here are some ways to show off these collectibles in your home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• tins (old or new)
• shelves or tabletops
• imagination

1. 
    

   To use advertising tins in your decor, look around for places to perch these colorful, eye-catching collectibles. You can line them up on a shelf. Put them across the top of your kitchen cabinets. Use them as spacers between groupings of books on your bookshelf. Create a theme around a tin's graphic or its color.

2. 
    

   Tins fit well with country style decorating. Try grouping them with items harmonious in color.

3. 
    

   Tiny tins need something like a type case to show well. Combine them with other small decorative items.

4. Place individual tins where they are useful as well as decorative. Put one next to your reading chair to hold your bookmarks and reading glasses. Put one on the bathroom counter to hold cosmetic brushes and lipsticks.

5. 
    

   Place other items with a tin to create a scene. A fan might accent a tin showing a Victorian lady.

6. 
    

   If you have limited display space, rotate the tin collection showing a few choice pieces at a time.

Tips & Warnings

• Putting the tins inside a glass cabinet reduces dusting chores.
• Don't put the tins where sunlight might fade their finish.
• Don't store the tins in a hot attic or garage. The heat might affect their painted finish.

Resources

• Site on Tin Collecting
• Tips for Cleaning Antique Tins

[twincapes]

on 9/8/2009 Good ideas and nice collection of tins. thanks-

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 9/1/2009 Very good ideas for displaying old tins. Love them. Have some. Need to dig them out!

[Worthless]

on 5/6/2008 I liked this article, well-written, short but sweet.