I LOVE my collections.  And, I also love displaying them.  If you haven’t noticed, I also like to group together vintage and new items, everyday items with seasonal items.  I feel mixing everything together keeps things interesting and random.  It’s is probably the reason when people ask me what my style is, I really have no clue.  So, if you have a name for it, drop it in the comments below.  ????   I don’t fit specifically in the farmhouse or cottage style.  However, I think I am more cottage.  And I don’t fit in the rustic category, but I do have some rustic and primitive items mixed in.  

One of the most asked questions I get regularly is how to display collections without everything looking really cluttered.  I have a tip or five to maybe help you display your own collections.  

But first… 

Did you see where I shared a simple Thanksgiving centerpiece idea?  I used the riser that Deb made several years ago for our outdoor table under the pergola.  Well, I wanted to use it again in a different way.  And, I thought it would be the perfect example for you to see how I combine all of my random items together without things looking cluttered.

Tips on Displaying Collections without them Looking Cluttered

Tip #1

When displaying a group of different items on a piece of furniture, start with some type of tray.  It helps bring all of your items together as ONE piece.  I have this metal one and a wooden one in my stash that I use quite often.  You can also use wicker trays or baskets or a vintage barrel top like I showed you a few weeks ago.  As I said previously, I wanted to use the riser Deb made for this table display.

Tip #2

Make sure you have an odd number of items…3-5-7, depending on the size of your tray.  It is more pleasing to the eye.

Tip #3

Choose items with all different heights.  I think this is the biggest mistake a lot of people make.  3 items of the same height gives you that cluttery feeling.  Having different heights helps you see each individual piece that the tray has brought together as one.  (Does this even make sense?  ????)

A Few Extra Tips on Displaying Different Types of Items

Tip #4

When displaying a lot of different items such as vintage and new, seasonal and every day things, stay in the same color palette.  If you have lots of color, things will start giving you that cluttered feeling.  That doesn’t mean you can’t use color. If you are displaying some fall colored flowers, make sure everything else blends with those fall flowers.

Tip #5

Use little stands or risers within the group of items to add height.  If you have a smaller item you want to display, add something like a cake plate or a wooden pedestal to raise it.  And, those two items would count as ONE for your odd number of things.

Most of these tips can be applied when decorating really any space, such as side tables, fireplace mantels, buffets, etc.  And, remember!   I am no expert on displaying collections, whatsoever.  And I really had to think hard about why I do what I do.  But, I hope this helped you to get ideas when displaying your own collections and inspired you to create!