collections

This colorful display in my aunt's home really sparked my imagination about how something as inexpensive as a glass bottle can make such a big impact when grouped together as a collection.

Location is also important when planning a display. Here my aunt took advantage of a mirrored built-in cabinet and used tiny lights to illuminate them (pictured above). A porch rail or window ledge is also another great way to display glass, the afternoon sunlight brings out its translucent qualities. Below is a picture of my vintage miniature bottle collection. Last spring I moved them onto my kitchen window ledge to display sweet pea cuttings.



Here are a few random ideas for creatively displaying vintage collections:

Draping vintage hankies diagonally on a shelf so the corner triangles are hanging over the edge in lieu of vintage scalloped shelf paper.

Display folded stacks of colorful vintage linens on open shelving arranged by color.

Try not to be a slave to convention, instead use an object out of context to show off your ingenuity. Old metal wire egg baskets are great for storing things such as art supplies, and something as common as a old metal beach pail can breathe new life as a clever brush, soap, or towel holder on a bathroom vanity.

Backs of old postcards can be re-used as apothecary bottle labels with spray adhesive, the image showing on the reverse side through the body of the bottle.

Items in a display can be completely unrelated in theme as long as the colors harmonize. Try looking to the past for color palette inspiration.

By moving objects around in your home every now and again, you'll feel as if your collection is brand new!