Displaying Dishes & Collectibles

A few years ago I went to an antique store that was going out of business. I found this awesome rebar and wood shelf and bought it for $75 delivered. It has been one of my best finds and a great conversation piece. Men and women alike love it. What man doesn’t like rebar? What woman doesn’t love a place to show off her collections?

As I redecorate and remodel my bungalow I am examining each piece of furniture – does it stay or go? Does it fit the look I have in mind? There was no question that the shelves would stay. I considered painting the rebar white and got a resounding NO – leave it the natural black.  But I did want to clean and stain the boards.  My 1930s Bungalow Remodel

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For many years I was an antique dealer and learned many simple ways to restore antiques to their beautiful state. Two of the best products I found are Restor-a-finish and Shield Paste Wax both from Howard.

Howard Restore-A-Finish

Restor-A-Finish penetrates and permanently restores most wood finishes without removing any of the existing finish. Restor-A-Finish maintains the original ‘patina’ of an antique finish, maintaining its character and value as an antique. White heat rings, watermarks, sun fade, oxidation, smoke damage, and most other blemishes can be quickly blended away with this simple wipe-on, wipe-off process.  It comes in 9 colors so you can find just the color you need.  Restore-a-Finish Walnut

Howard Citrus-Shield Premium Paste Wax

Citrus-Shield Premium Paste Wax is excellent for polishing and protecting wood finishes on antiques, furniture, cabinets, paneling, and wood floors. Enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain, and buffs to a brilliant, long-lasting shine. Contains the perfect blend of Brazilian carnauba wax, beeswax, orange oil, and special surfactants. Can also be used on unfinished wood where an easy application and a beautiful, natural-looking finish is desired. Citrus-Shield is a great follow-up to Howard Restor-A-Finish. Citrus-Shield – Neutral

 

How to display your dishes

Shelves and cabinets provide storage but it is also an opportunity to show off some of the favorites that you have collected over the years. It’s also a place to “change it up” for holidays by adding a few well-chosen seasonal decorations.

Step 1 – Start fresh

Remove everything and start over. Gives the shelves and items a good cleaning. Remove the things that no longer “fit” your decorating style or theme. Look around your house to find items that would look great or maybe you need to go on a little shopping trip!

Step 2 – Focal point

Choose large and dominant items to place first. Tall flower vases, tureens, pitchers, serving plates should be balanced. On an open bookshelf, you might center one of the more dominant pieces then stagger the other dominant pieces. In a China cabinet consider where the wood frames will block the view. If you have a wood frame in the center you will have to arrange items so that they show from the sides or are offset.  If you have serving pieces for your china consider putting them on the same level making one full shelf your focal point.

Step 3 – Backdrop

Consider painting the back of a shelf a contrasting color or add wallpaper or fabric. Just enough color to make your dishes pop. A collection of dinner and salad plates make a nice background too. Many shelves and cabinets have a groove in the back that will hold your plates in place. If not, Martha Stewart suggests using bumper dots, clear push pins, and museum putty . You want anything standing upright to be secure. You can also use wood, metal, or clear plate stands.

Step 4 – Fill in items

Keep the display light and airy. Don’t overcrowd it with too many things.

Grouping items – Collections such as crystal vases, pitchers, silver utensils, and salt & pepper shakers can be grouped to add interest. Small items can be displayed in old boxes, drawers, baskets or glass jars.

 

Layering – one thing I love to do is layer plates of different sizes, shapes, and colors and mix new and old. Stack cups on saucers with all the handles facing the same direction. Or make a stack of wobbly teacup of different colors.

 

Mix mediums – think about adding wood, metal, or organics to the mix. What do you have that will break up the “all glass” look?

Jars – jars will add color and are a great filler. Look for unique jars that complement your inspiration fabric.  You may have a collection of Jadite, Hull, or Pyrex that would add needed color. And it’s perfectly okay to make a monochromatic display, too! Read about choosing Inspiration Fabric

 

Nature – bring nature indoors by adding dried flowers, bird nests, cotton bolls, etc.

 

Photos – Was your antique china passed down to you from a great-grandmother? Think about adding a framed photo of her letting your display tell a story.

 

Holidays – adding just a few items can change the look of your display. During the holidays Patti adds a few nativity sets to her China cabinet. Spring is a wonderful time of year to display your whimsical bunnies and baskets.

 

Follow along as I remodel and redecorate my 1930s bungalow. My kitchen plans include open shelving to display my collection of restaurant ware.

My 1930s Bungalow – Inspiration Fabric

My 1930s Bungalow – Fireplace

My 1930s Bungalow – Painting