Starting a Collection: 101

Are you eager to join the ranks of collectors but don’t know where to start? The marketplace is so vast that it can be overwhelming for a beginner. Let Kim, a longtime antiques dealer and primitives pro, guide you through curating a rewarding and meaningful collection.

BROWSE BEFORE BUYING. Check out antiques malls, swap meets, and decorating magazines and websites to see what’s out there. Learn the nuances of the various categories like dishware, textiles and furniture.

New collectors often buy way too much before they figure out what really appeals to them, Kim says.

PURSUE YOUR PASSION. Zero in on a category for a reason, memory or other personal association. For example, Kim started collecting yellowware because it looks great in her green kitchen and New Jersey memorabilia because it hails from her home state. “We all have strong instincts,” she notes. “We just have to listen to them.”

TAKE TIME. Don’t buy everything all at once. The thrill of the hunt is, well, thrilling. “No one wants an instant collection,” Kim advises. “That takes the fun out of it.”

MEASURE UP. Arm yourself with floor plans, measurements and photographs of your space before buying large pieces of furniture. Make sure that armoire or sideboard will fit before you haul it home.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. Strike up conversations with dealers about their areas of expertise. They’ll often share insider secrets like upcoming auctions and invite you to sneak previews.

LEARN FROM MISTAKES. If your latest purchase turns out to be a misfit, cut your losses. The resale market is strong these days, thanks to social media and surging trends toward recycling and sustainability. “It’s a good time to be a collector,” Kim reports.