It's easy to fall in love with collectibles, especially when you're faced with the array of wonderful things on display at last week's Baltimore Summer Antiques Show in the convention center. But it can be hard once you get them home to figure out how to work your finds into your decor.
You don't have to shut collectibles away in a cabinet or plop them down on a sideboard, even if they don't work in the room. We asked local designers how to decorate with some of today's hottest collectibles, and they came up with ideas for displaying and using new pieces.
Candlesticks
Candles are popular in home decor, so it's not surprising that candlesticks have become some of the most sought-after collectibles. But if you just stick one on each end of your mantel, you aren't making the most of your collection.
Expert's advice: We asked Darryl Savage of DHS Designs in Queenstown how he would use them in a room setting. He suggested grouping two or three candlesticks that don't match but have something in common (made of the same material, for instance) on one end of the mantel. Stagger them according to height for a more up-to-date look.
Savage scoured antiques shops looking for brass candlesticks that clients wanted for a large dining room table under a brass chandelier. He suggested covering them with etched hurricane glass globes, so they would look less "matched" with the chandelier and have more volume on the oversized table.
Birds and bird-related collectibles
The current green movement has renewed interest in natural motifs, including birds and bird-related collectibles, both antique and reproduction.
Expert's advice: Displaying rows of porcelain birds on shelves or in a curio cabinet looks a bit old-fashioned, says Donna Foertsch of DLF Design Associates in Timonium.
Instead, she likes to scatter them on shelves with books and a bookend, a decorative plate or a small plant in a decorative container.
You can accessorize with porcelain birds, but go high to low on an end table (for instance, a lamp, bird, small box and plate).
If you want to display your collection as a whole, look for a modern version of a curio cabinet, such as Henredon's faux bamboo etagere.
Antique quilts
Even if you aren't interest in country decor, a beautiful antique quilt can be hard to resist. Of course, you can always use it on your bed; but consider putting your quilt on display.
