Collections often have a special place in their owners' hearts, from favourite figurines and books to ceramics and souvenirs brought home from travels. As your collection grows, finding the right place to display everything can become a challenge.
Not every collection needs to be stored in boxes or cover every surface in your home. By grouping items and choosing the right place for them, your collection can become part of your home décor without making the room feel crowded.
You don't have to display your entire collection at once. Choose a few items you most enjoy looking at, then group them with other pieces based on type, theme, colour, or size to create a more cohesive display.
Organise your collection according to the available space
Every collection requires a different storage solution depending on the size and number of items, as well as the available space in your home. Here are some ways you can organise your collection:
Group items by type or theme
Keep figurines, books, ceramics, or memorabilia with similar characteristics together so they are easier to organise and find. You can also group your collection by theme, colour, type, or period to create a more cohesive display.
Choose storage based on the items
Open shelving is suitable for collections that you want to see and access every day. Meanwhile, a glass-door cabinet can be used to display your collection while helping protect it from dust.
Use boxes for small collections
Items such as accessories, keepsakes, or other small collectibles can be gathered in boxes to prevent them from becoming scattered. This also makes them easier to find when you want to use or move them.
Make use of vertical space
If floor space is limited, use tall shelving units or tiered storage to create more storage without making the room feel crowded. Shelves and cabinets can also be used to both store and display your collection.
Also read: Inspiration for living room display cabinets: modern, minimalist, and aesthetic choices
Arrange your collection without making the space look crowded
A full shelf does not necessarily make a collection look more attractive. Leave some empty space and arrange each item so that every piece still has room to stand out. You can also try the following:
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Leave space between items. Avoid filling the entire shelf surface so your collection does not look cluttered.
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Vary the sizes. Combine tall, medium, and small items to create a more dynamic arrangement.
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Place your favourite pieces in visible areas. Items you most enjoy looking at can be positioned where they stand out more.
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Use colour as a guide. Grouping collections with similar colours can create a more harmonious look.
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Change the arrangement when needed. Moving a few items around can help you find a composition that works better with your space.
Recommended storage for your collection
When organising your collection, choose a display cabinet that suits the size of your items, the number of pieces you have, and the available space in your room. Here are several display cabinets from IKEA that you can consider for displaying and protecting your collection.
1. FABRIKÖR glass-door cabinet
FABRIKÖR measures 57 × 47 × 150 cm and has shelves that can be adjusted to different heights. The glass doors keep your collection visible, while the doors can be locked to help keep the items inside secure.
2. RUDSTA glass-door cabinet
RUDSTA measures 42 × 37 × 155 cm, making it an option for making use of vertical space. In addition to shelves for organising your collection, the metal back panel can be used to attach photos or other items with magnets.
3. VIHALS cabinet with sliding glass doors
VIHALS measures 95 × 37 × 90 cm and has shelves that can be moved to suit your needs. The glass doors help keep your collection visible while protecting it from dust, while the sliding doors require less space when opened.
4. MILSBO glass-door cabinet
MILSBO measures 73 × 42 × 175 cm and has adjustable glass shelves. This cabinet is suitable for collections you want to put on display, as the glass doors keep your items visible while the cabinet can also be locked to help keep them secure.
5. BRIMNES storage combination
BRIMNES measures 160 × 35 × 190 cm and consists of two cabinets with glass doors. The glass shelves can be adjusted, allowing you to arrange your collection based on the size of each item or your storage needs.
Keep your collection well maintained
Displayed collections are even more enjoyable to look at when they are cared for regularly. The following simple habits can help keep your collection and its storage area clean:
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Dust regularly. Wipe the surface of your collection and shelves using a method suitable for the material to prevent dust from building up.
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Pay attention to the condition of your storage. Keep shelves and cabinets clean and avoid overfilling them so your items are easier to access and clean.
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Place fragile items in a safe location. Collections that can easily break or become damaged should be placed somewhere they are less likely to be knocked over.
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Use cabinets with doors for certain collections. Glass doors can help reduce exposure to dust while keeping your collection visible.
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Adjust your cleaning method according to the material. Items made from glass, wood, ceramics, or paper may require different cleaning methods, so use an appropriate method for each type of collection.
Also read: Aesthetic and functional storage furniture options from IKEA
Display and organise your favourite collection pieces
Your collection can become part of your home décor without making the room feel crowded. Choose the pieces you want to display, then arrange them with enough space around each item so that every piece remains easy to see and enjoy.
If you're looking for ways to organize your collection, IKEA offers a variety of storage solutions so that every item has its own place without making the room feel crowded.
Visit IKEA.co.id to find solutions that suit your space, needs, and habits, making everyday storage easier and more convenient.
FAQ
Figurines, books, ceramics, vases, toys, memorabilia, and items with personal value can all become part of a collection.
No. You can choose a few pieces to display and store the rest to prevent the room from feeling crowded.
Group items by type, theme, colour, or size and leave some space between them so each piece remains visible.
Open shelving provides easy access and visibility, while glass cabinets offer additional protection from dust.
Clean your collection and its storage area regularly using a method that is suitable for the material of each item.