At the Antique Plaza, we attract several types of customers. One of these, is the collector. Now if what comes to your mind is Hummel figurines, dolls, or poodles, then you are partially right, but entirely missing another side of collecting.

Collections can make a great visual statement/ art installation in your home. Some people are afraid of letting their home become overrun with one type of thing so they shun the idea of collecting anything. But collections can be done in a clean way, it’s all about what it is and how you display it. I’m going to focus on the two main types: On the wall vs. On a shelf.

On the wall:

Small scale similar art: Silhouettes

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This look could be achieved with other types of art, but what makes this collection so unifying and able to be seen as one “art piece” is they are:
a.) Done in the same style
b.) Same colors (black and white)
c.) Similar size
So together they make a great statement, despite the wildly different framing.
How fun would it be to mix vintage ones with ones of your own family!

Note: if your smaller pieces are too different you could also achive a unifying look by using the same/similar frames

Old photographs

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We have a constant stash of old photographs, and especially when they are loose (not framed or in albums) it’s hard to know what to do with them (besides make a wreath.)

A lot of small things make a big impact, especially when the are staged to serve a purpose, like a headboard. The fact that 95% are in black and white also helps, it’s not overwhelming, and leaves color on one spot: the bed.

Keys:

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I have a huge soft spot for old keys and old locks. The heavy metal, the unique shapes, I love them. But small things like this tend to clutter up junk drawers, so what better place than up on the wall? My tendency would be to frame them, but the fluid organic shape really works here.

Dansk Pepper mills:

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This transcends both categories, a bunch of small shelves on a wall… But aren’t they amazing? An expensive collection to be sure. But the beauty of fine teak wood meets utility, (and what’s more basic that salt and pepper) is just awesome.

On the shelf:

Globes:

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Globes are such a cool thing to collect, each one has character and beyond that, you can actually tell when they were made based on the names of the countries! Which makes for endless hunting I think it was really smart how they put them all above bookshelves. globes can be bulky, so it helps to have them in view, but not within reach.

Antique fans:

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Antique fans have so much character. I’m especially drawn to the retro logos and lettering, but the overall style of them are great, period. They are definitely a far cry from poodle figurines! With all the color and texture, they become a focal point by grouping them together.

Vintage clocks:

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I think this display is so genius, little industrial cubby shelves, that are just the perfect size for these clocks. Really fun and so unique. Just as long as the alarm isn’t on…

I hope these images inspire you to start a collection, or continue one of your own! What ever you collect, if it’s vintage, come visit! We may just have what you are looking for! We rarely have such a large plethora of these items, but will almost always have one or two. And the hunt is part of the fun right? We couldn’t just give you a intsa-collection!

Good luck collecting and if you have any cool collections, email them to us at ericaandkat@gmail.com

Happy Monday!