Artful Decorating With Collections

Easy DIY home decor ideas for decorating with collections. Simple ways to make your collections look cohesive, and add style and personality to your living spaces.

What Is A Collection?

A collection is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a group of interesting or beautiful objects brought together in order to show or study them.” These objects can vary widely, and include everything from rare antiques and vintage finds to everyday objects like ceramics, books, or even seashells. What distinguishes a collection is the intentional gathering of these items over time. Collections are often driven by a passion for a certain style or time period.

Best Tip For Decorating With Collections

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…so I believe any group of items can be a collection. The most important thing to remember is to group the items together. Boundaries help, but are not completely necessary. Using bookcases, a hutch, or shelves of any kind makes it easier. Tabletops or trays can also be used to display your things with simple style.

If you have a group of five or six like items, but they are spread all around your room, they won’t make the impact they would if they were grouped together. In the photo above I have gathered white ironstone together, and filled the bookshelves. I used other items to add a bit of color, but the main focus is the ironstone.

Home Decor Ideas

Don’t be afraid to mix the old with the new. Some of my ironstone is vintage, but most of it was found at discount or thrift stores. When it’s all grouped together, it doesn’t make a bit of difference. Your collections, no matter how big or small, will make sense if they are displayed properly.

If you are thinking to yourself “I don’t collect anything,” then think again. Just use what you have because chances are that you love it already. Books, framed family photos or items from a special time in your life make personal and meaningful collections. What follows are more ideas for collections, and how to incorporate them into your decor.

Ironstone

This type of pottery, commonly known for its durability and lasting appeal, was first produced in the early 19th century in England. What makes ironstone so special is its ability to effortlessly blend into any decor style. One of my favorite things in the world are ironstone pitchers. They are a stunning addition to any room, and they add a touch of vintage charm and elegance. Placing these pieces on open shelves or a mantel instantly creates a focal point in the room, drawing attention to their unique designs and historical value.

All that said, my pitcher and plate collections are not all vintage ironstone. Many pieces have been picked up at discount stores and online. I place my Walmart finds right on the same shelf with the valuable heirloom items I have collected over the years. I mix white with ivory, and I love to sprinkle in a little blue. Make sure to follow your heart, and decorate with pieces that you love, and that tell the story of your family. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, so if your collection makes you happy, definitely display it with pride.

Vintage Quilts

Blending antique quilts into your home’s decor is the best way to honor their classic beauty. By showcasing quilts as pieces of art, their uniqueness and craftsmanship can be enjoyed, and at the same time, they will add a personal touch to your living space. Their rich history and limitless designs make vintage quilts priceless. When I look at a vintage quilt, I see more than just pieces of fabric stitched together. I see the stories and memories woven into each pattern and patchwork. The sentimental value of antique quilts is unmatched, making them a cherished addition to any style decor.

Vintage quilts are functional as well as beautiful, because they can double as furniture throws or bedspreads. The vibrant patterns and colors of these quilts can transform a plain couch or bed into a stunning statement piece. Whether draped over a sofa or neatly spread across a bed, these quilts bring both visual interest and a touch of history to the room, seamlessly blending with the existing decor.

Plates

You can create a major design statement in your home with a carefully curated plate collection. When it comes to plates, the possibilities are endless. Each plate tells a story, and adds a unique touch to the décor. When you start a plate collection, it’s important to select pieces that speak to you. Look for plates that reflect your own personal style, whether it’s floral designs, patterns, or simple white plates. Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and colors to create visual interest in your display.

Arranging and hanging plates on a wall can be done a few different ways. You can carefully plan by making mockups of your plates, and hanging a dry run on your wall. Or, like me, you can eyeball it, and hope for the best! It’s very important to use the right hardware. These are my favorite plate hangers, but these disc hangers work great as well.

The beauty of using a plate collection for home decor lies in the fact that when displayed, it becomes a part of your home’s narrative. Another point to remember is that no two plate walls are the same. So when you design your own, you know it’s one-of-a-kind. Whether you choose to arrange them in a symmetrical grid or in a more relaxed, organic manner, collecting and displaying plates is a wonderful way to add character and charm to any room.

Baskets

When incorporating baskets into your decor, consider their size and shape, and how they function. Opt for baskets in different textures to add visual interest. Using them to corral items like blankets, magazines, pillows, or mail is a great way to reduce clutter. Mix and match different types of baskets to create visual depth and dimension. Feel free to display them on shelves, tables, or even hang them on walls as unique wall decor. Whether they hold beautiful greenery, seasonal items, or practical everyday necessities, baskets bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any room. Arranging baskets strategically can add amazing style, and they raise the overall aesthetics of any space.

I hope these home decor ideas have inspired you to showcase your collections in a way that brings warmth and personality to your home. Whether arranged on a coffee table, displayed on bookshelves, or thoughtfully placed on a side table, your cherished pieces can add charm and character to any space. The key is to curate with intention—group similar items, vary heights and textures, and allow each piece to shine. No matter how you choose to display them, if they are items you love, they will always feel right at home.