Utilize wall space for displaying many types of collections.
People who collect stamps, butterflies, art, boxes, medals, miniatures, rocks, shells or other items don't want to hide their "treasures" in a closet or garage. It's ideal when you can display your collection, but it might take a little time to plan how. When you only have a small amount of space to work with, such as a small bedroom, you can still display a reasonable sampling of your collection by getting creative.
Frame and Hang
Find your flattest collection items to group into a collage you can frame. Another approach is to hang your items on the wall directly, atop a black or colored cloth background or with none. School pennants, posters and card collections can either get tacked to the wall, or you can frame them using simple arrangements. A faux frame can even be assembled using slender wood, plastic or fabric strips to outline different elements.
Shallow Shelves
Gather simple bookshelves 4 or 5 inches deep and attach them to a wall using the simplest means possible. A staggering presentation is more interesting than side-by side shelves. Arrange various collection items on each shelf. Small and not too heavy 3-D objects work well with this display.
Shadow Boxes
Another way to show off 3-D collections is to employ the shadow box concept. These are sometimes enclosed, small boxes with multiple sections suitable for one item each. Certain types of shadow boxes enclose all items within one or two sections. The sizes vary, or you can make a customized form if you have the right tools handy. Some shadow boxes have glass or thin, plastic coverings while others don't have anything but the box itself. Several of these grouped together with similar items not only saves space but shows off your collection with ease.
Other Ideas
Arrange collections on top of dressers or other firm-topped furniture. Hat racks work for showing off hat collections. A strip of coat hooks can display fancy scarves or shawls from your travels or be used for your jewelry collection. String up your miniature-flag collection and drape it like a swag from the ceiling. Use the floor or under the bed too. For example, you can glue items such as shells or gemstones to a thin piece of wood and tuck it under your bed. When you want to see or share it, simply slide it out.
Tags: your collection, collection items, shadow boxes