Decorating
Decorating: How to Display Favourite Finds and Cool Collections
Secret hoarder? Turn your habit into a virtue with these cool, clean ways to show off your finds
If you love interiors, chances are you love finding all the little extras that add personality to your home. But it’s a thin line between collecting the eclectic and amassing clutter. Thankfully, I’ve discovered lots of homes where designers or clever homeowners have found wonderful ways to display their treasures. Here are 10 of the best…
Float a few ideas
Dark walls are a fantastic backdrop for finds, here offset with tactile timber floating shelves. The lack of ornament and fuss means you really appreciate all the elements: the on-trend paint shade, the pale timber and personal collection of finds.
Dark walls are a fantastic backdrop for finds, here offset with tactile timber floating shelves. The lack of ornament and fuss means you really appreciate all the elements: the on-trend paint shade, the pale timber and personal collection of finds.
Pick a hue
The gorgeous turquoise colour of this unusual lamp sings out – and finds an echo in another quirky ornament. The same method is employed with dashes of gold, creating a cohesive, pleasing arrangement. Keep to two or three similar shades for a winning combination.
The gorgeous turquoise colour of this unusual lamp sings out – and finds an echo in another quirky ornament. The same method is employed with dashes of gold, creating a cohesive, pleasing arrangement. Keep to two or three similar shades for a winning combination.
Mount a display
Can’t stop collecting crockery and plates? You’re not alone, but don’t keep them in piles in a dresser or, worse still, behind cupboard doors. Plate hooks keep favourite porcelain and china safely in place and on show. Measure your wall and lay out your display on the floor beforehand, then replicate the arrangement vertically.
Eclectic wall displays to spark your imagination
Can’t stop collecting crockery and plates? You’re not alone, but don’t keep them in piles in a dresser or, worse still, behind cupboard doors. Plate hooks keep favourite porcelain and china safely in place and on show. Measure your wall and lay out your display on the floor beforehand, then replicate the arrangement vertically.
Eclectic wall displays to spark your imagination
Say it with sectional shelves
This bespoke shelving unit is the ideal way to display vintage or contemporary pieces – or to mix the two. Each item has its own ‘frame’ so the display looks curated rather than confused. You can even sneak a TV into one of the spaces so you barely notice it amid other more gorgeous shapes.
This bespoke shelving unit is the ideal way to display vintage or contemporary pieces – or to mix the two. Each item has its own ‘frame’ so the display looks curated rather than confused. You can even sneak a TV into one of the spaces so you barely notice it amid other more gorgeous shapes.
Stack ’em up
Book ledges are the original way to display a collection of photographs or paintings. Whether your framed pictures are vintage or contemporary, it’s an interesting approach that helps to make them look intentionally grouped. Pick artworks in similar tones and let them overlap slightly for stacked impact.
Book ledges are the original way to display a collection of photographs or paintings. Whether your framed pictures are vintage or contemporary, it’s an interesting approach that helps to make them look intentionally grouped. Pick artworks in similar tones and let them overlap slightly for stacked impact.
Mix and match
This calm kitchen takes a useful approach to storage: the lower shelf is for everyday items, while the top shelf works as a display for a row of tactile ceramics. The middle shelf is also functional, but everyday essentials are made more beautiful by using matching glass canisters.
10 ways to get the most from your kitchen storage
This calm kitchen takes a useful approach to storage: the lower shelf is for everyday items, while the top shelf works as a display for a row of tactile ceramics. The middle shelf is also functional, but everyday essentials are made more beautiful by using matching glass canisters.
10 ways to get the most from your kitchen storage
Get raw
Industrial scaffolding planks and pipes are used to make an inspired shelving unit to display a super-organised display of books. The contrast between raw and regimented is what really makes this look work.
See more great ways to display your books
Industrial scaffolding planks and pipes are used to make an inspired shelving unit to display a super-organised display of books. The contrast between raw and regimented is what really makes this look work.
See more great ways to display your books
Include neat nooks
This seaside hideaway has a wealth of tucked away storage nooks. This simple wooden shelf over a bunk bed provides a place for pretty, pastel pieces. The shelf is filled out but not cramped – which would make the space feel tight. Another good tip to keep in mind.
Check out more nautical style
This seaside hideaway has a wealth of tucked away storage nooks. This simple wooden shelf over a bunk bed provides a place for pretty, pastel pieces. The shelf is filled out but not cramped – which would make the space feel tight. Another good tip to keep in mind.
Check out more nautical style
Finally, keep it brief
When in doubt, leave it out. This kitchen shelf has far more impact by letting the viewer focus on three pieces, rather than cramming in as much as possible. The vintage-feel jug gets top billing, as it nicely ties in with the shade of the range cooker.
Got a great display idea? Share your secrets in the comments below.
When in doubt, leave it out. This kitchen shelf has far more impact by letting the viewer focus on three pieces, rather than cramming in as much as possible. The vintage-feel jug gets top billing, as it nicely ties in with the shade of the range cooker.
Got a great display idea? Share your secrets in the comments below.
This bespoke cabinet with a vintage feel shows how well proportioned storage can bring out the beauty of a collection. Reconditioned or salvaged shop cabinets would also work well as display cases for everything from teapots to toys.