Collections: Clutter or Decor?

I’ve been thinking a lot about this quote in relation to collections. I get swept up in “de-cluttering” a few times a year and can sometimes be ruthless in my purging. In fact, I often use William Morris’s words as my litmus test on what to keep and what to toss. My collections, however? Off limits. Rules don’t apply.
They are sacred, precious, treasured. Beautiful? To me, but maybe not to some. Useful? Um, not particularly, though I working on that.

What makes us want to collect things? Is it about control? Is it the thrill of the quest? Are our collections status symbols? For me, the answer to all of these is no. My collections speak to me. Figuratively speaking, of course.

For example, my grandmother started me on my collection of silver pieces. I have your very traditional silver settings for 12, plus serving pieces, etc. I love having it all, and we do use it fairly regularly — after all, it will just sit in the drawer and tarnish, right? My favorites, though, are the pieces she passed down to me, that might be a little pitted, or have a ding or two because they were well-used and loved. In recent times, I’ve found myself picking up the odd piece of hotel silver here and there… a little pitted, stamped with hotel’s name and insignia, well-used. These pieces just smack of days gone by, when travel was an event and you dressed up to dine out. Nostalgia, I suppose. But we will use them, too.

So when your collections speak to you and will not go the way of the next garage sale, how do you incorporate them into your home? Here’s where it gets tricky. I’ve found some wonderful images to inspire you. But the best tip I’ve come across when displaying collections is DISPLAY THEM INTACT. The impact is one of intention in your decorating, and not just a hodge podge of pieces you weren’t sure what to do with.

Shoes on display? I think so! Put them in a pretty glass cabinet and they make an artful display.

Group like items, especially small ones, to avoid the cluttered look.

If this gorgeous collection of colored glass bottles was scattered throughout a space, one could never get a sense of its size, variety, and wonder. I love that they’re grouped on a color gradient.

Tools of your trade or art supplies? Another clever way to display items in an orderly (and colorful) fashion.

Framed similarly and clustered on adjacent walls, this collection of family photos takes the phrase “gallery wall” to another level. I’m thinking more “installation art.”

Speaking of art, hang your treasures on a wall. Hanging something special where all can see automatically elevates it to art. Add in its meaning to you, and you have a priceless display.

So now I’ll pitch the question to you! Are collections clutter or decor? What do you collect?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Hop over to Decor & More for more decor inspiration and DIY.