Your Best Ideas: How to Display a Collection Without Looking Like a Hoarder

Everyone has something they like to collect. Whether it's snow globes, vintage china, rare coins or porcelain dolls (we don't judge), the key to keeping your collection under control is finding a way to display your beloved items that minimizes clutter and chaos.
We gathered some of our favorite ideas from HGTV.com and our Instagram followers to help inspire new and creative ways to make your prized collection more than just a group of dust-collectors.
Create a Gallery Wall
For items like clocks, artwork, plates or record albums, the most obvious place to arrange them is on the wall. Keep the focus on the pieces themselves by only displaying a handful of your favorites. Can't choose your favorites? Swap them out regularly to switch things up!


Photo Credit: Jenifer Jordan

Melanie Millner
Use Floating Shelves
Shelves or photo ledges work well with larger items that don't belong on a wall, like globes, sea shells or vintage bottles. Even toy figurines can look surprisingly sophisticated when lined up neatly on a shelf. Bonus: Little fingers can still easily reach them at play time.

Instagram user @little_cream_soda

Instagram user @x20girl
Take Advantage of Built-Ins
Built-in shelving gives you lots of space to arrange and rearrange a collection to your heart's content.

Instagram user @farmhouseredefined

Instagram user @farmhouseredefined

Photo Credit: Edward Addeo
Cabinets and Cloches
Showing off the size or shape of an item in your collection can call for special treatment. We love how these Harry Potter collectibles fit perfectly within the panes of this small display cabinet. Below it, baseballs become museum-worthy when displayed under glass cloches.

Instagram user @skybisons

Shelley Zatsky
Forget the Rules
Who says magnets belong on the fridge? This collection could look overwhelming if it greeted you every time you went hunting for a snack. Giving magnets their own place to shine transforms them into a work of art!

Instagram user @peckplus2