BALANCING Act

Once you catch the collecting bug, resisting the urge to go on a buying binge becomes quite the challenge. Rather than make random purchases, avid collector Trena McElrath of Orbisonia, Pennsylvania, recommends seeking out specific items in the best quality you can find and afford and displaying them in groups so the characteristics that you adore—for example, color, shape and texture—can be highlighted and better appreciated. Here are some of her helpful tips:

SELECT SHOWCASE FURNITURE.

Choose furniture that provides ample space for showing off collectibles, such as cupboards, buffets and dry sinks with open shelves or cabinets and hutches with glass-fronted doors.

CREATE SPACE.

Avoid clutter on the floor or a tabletop. Make sure arrangements have a little breathing room by leaving space between objects or groups of objects. Set up vertical vignettes by placing vintage wares on wall-mounted shelves, peg racks or plate racks. Or, suspend an old ladder or shutter from the ceiling and hang items from the rungs and slats.

FIND STRENGTH IN NUMBERS.

Odd numbers of items work well in a display, but you can also double up to establish balance. A peek at the Hoosier cupboard in Trena’s dining room reveals seven sifters gathered on a shelf, but pairings of items, including utensil-filled crocks and grinders, create a harmonious, symmetrical grouping.

CLEVERLY CONTAIN.

If you have numerous collections, consider combining two of them for greater visual impact. Gather kitchen utensils or rolling pins in crocks or fill mason jars or compartmentalized boxes with smaller pieces.

COORDINATE ACCENTS.

Enhance the colors of your treasured pieces by teaming them with complementary textiles, faux or dried flowers, and candles, as Trena did in her kitchen dry sink.