How to Decorate with Antiques or Collectibles

If you are an avid collector of antiques and collectible decorative items, you are in great luck. Your home is a place where you can showcase your collectible for you to enjoy as well share with your visitors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antique collections
• Decorative collectible items
• Display stands
• Curio or China cabinets
• Shadow boxes
• Display stands or etageres
• Lighting

1. Determine your style. More than likely, what you collect the most is what you desire to see in your home. If you collect antique blue and white China and other oriental or Asian items, make sure that the theme of your room is Asian. Putting Asian collectible in a French country style room does not work very well. A contemporary home with minimalist style is a great backdrop for an Asian inspired design.

2. 
   Blue and white vases in a grouping.

   Make sure to group like items together. Group the items in threes or a series of odd numbers. Avoid scattering each kind all over the room. When you group them they will have more impact. Do not overcrowd one area with collectibles; make sure that they are spread evenly across the room to give a more balanced look.

3. 
   A China cabinet filled with collectible china.

   Put the items on a display cabinet such as curio or China cabinets to protect them from breakage. You can also place the smaller items in shadow boxes or display cases which can be hung on the wall. Place sculptures and vases on a stand, making sure that they are sturdy and placed away from the flow of traffic flow. Use gallery putty or sticky clay to hold the pieces in place. For those rare pieces you can place Lucite glass like those used in art museums.

4. 
   A crystal chandelier can add drama to your collections.

   Highlight your antiques and collectible with proper lighting. If your collectible is a painting, put a picture light on top to highlight the work of art. Use a spotlight at the bottom of the display stand to highlight your sculpture. Use track lighting to highlight a row of shadow boxes on the wall. Turn on the China cabinet and curio lights to show your antique china and figurines.

5. 
   A painted accent wall is a backdrop for a plate collection.

   Add paint to accent and highlight your collectible. If you have a collection of antique wall arts or iron grills, you can paint an accent wall with a dark color such as burgundy red or dark purple, which will make your collections pop out.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have young children, make sure that the fragile items are safely placed on a higher spot where they cannot reach them easily.