Looking for ways to display your vintage collections? Get inspired today by these 11 fabulous ideas and make your investment pieces shine.
Vintage Collections
Vintage collections are a popular hobby and form of self-expression for many people. They involve the gathering and preservation of items from a specific era or time period that are considered to have historical, cultural, or sentimental value. Vintage collections can encompass a wide range of items, from clothing and accessories to furniture, toys, books, vinyl records, and more.
One of the main appeals of vintage collections is the opportunity to own and appreciate items from the past. Vintage items often possess a unique charm and craftsmanship that can be lacking in modern mass-produced goods. They can also provide a glimpse into different eras and lifestyles, allowing collectors to connect with history in a tangible way.
There are countless categories of vintage collections to explore, depending on your personal interests and preferences. In this post, we’ll be focused on vintage home decor collections and how to display them.
Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop
I’m also thrilled to be joining 11 other very talented home decor bloggers in today’s Lifestyle of Love blog hop, hosted by my friend Cindy over at County Road 407. Today’s theme is vintage collections, and there’s so much inspiration to be found.
If you are joining me from Lora over at Create and Ponder, welcome! Aren’t Lora’s ideas for decorating vintage Christmas tree stands amazing? Lora’s vintage collections always inspire me.
Do you have a vintage collection that you want to update, change, display differently, etc.?
If so, I hope to inspire you here today to start a vintage collection of your own, change up a current collection, or simply add to an already existing one.
Recommended Reading
Discover even more in this How to Style 17+ Types of Vintage Pitchers with Charm post.
11 Vintage Collection Displays
I have numerous great collectibles, from my mother’s extensive pewter collection and transferware collection to my own collections of brass candlesticks, blue and white dishes, platters, and blue bottles.
So, let’s dive right in!
1. Built-in Bookshelves
One of my favorite furniture pieces to decorate are these built-in bookshelves at our home in Vermont, with various vintage collections that I found while out Thrifting with the Gals. I am forever changing and mixing them up with my new finds.
Check out my most recent post, How to Decorate Bookshelves for a Vintage Christmas to see more. And you won’t want to miss the post, How to Decorate with Old Musical Instruments with thrifted vintage furniture.
You may also enjoy these vintage collections styled in last year’s post, Cozy Winter Neutral Built-Ins.
And this DIY with old salvaged windows and vintage brass candlesticks, too.
Recommended Reading
You may also really enjoy making these How to Craft Easy DIY Wall Hooks with Decorative Plates.
2. Vintage Pewter Collection
One of my favorite family collections is my mother’s extensive pewter collection in her antique hutch, featured in the series In My Mother’s Home.
Display pewter in an antique hutch, on an antique table, or on a fireplace mantel.
3. Vintage Bottles
I love collecting old blue bottles. Here are a few ways I decorated our home with them.
On a mantel with Christmas evergreens and pearls.
See more in the post, Setting a Winter Table with Vintage Blue Bottles.
It can be in a wooden train on built-in shelving or hanging on the wall in vintage frames. Click on Images to see more.
You may also enjoy these cameras and McCoy vase vintage collections in this Vintage Eclectic Decor Meets Craft Room Design post.
Pro Tip
Find more vintage collection inspiration in this How to Style Vintage Collections in an Open Floor Plan post.
4. Vintage Quilts
You will love this post, How to Fold and Display Heirloom Quilts. Click on Images to see more.
5. Vintage Books
If you don’t have a vintage book collection, I highly recommend it. There are so many ways you can decorate and use vintage books.
Find all the vintage book collection ideas in this 20+ Collectible Vintage Books Rare Decor Ideas to Try post.
Click on each image to see more.
6. Scrabble Letters
A vintage Scrabble collection looks fabulous and adds color to glass pitchers or vases.
They can be found on coffee tables, in vintage crates, or on a shelf. And you’ll love this Christmas tree made with scrabble letters.
Pro Tip
You may find more inspiration in this Vintage Booth Winter Window Display post.
7. Vintage Jug Collections
Vintage jugs or crocks make beautiful collections for both indoors and outdoors.
You may also enjoy this post, Antique Crocks with White Tulips.
8. Vintage Dishware Collections
I swear this is going to be my downfall. I love vintage dish collections—every single one of them, haha.
You can display vintage dishware collections just about anywhere: on bookshelves, on kitchen shelving, in old kitchens, and on wall racks. They make great gift items, too.
I have also created multiple table settings with all my collected dishware, which you may see more of HERE.
Click on these images to see more.
9. Vintage Band-Aid Tins
How cute are these old Band-Aid tins collected and displayed in a bathroom?
10. Vintage Glassware Collections
I love finding and collecting vintage glassware. Colored glassware is definitely a favorite on my table settings. Here are a few ways I have displayed my vintage glass collections.
Click on these images to see more.
11. Vintage Ski Lodge Decor
Last but not least is my favorite vintage ski lodge decor, so much so that I created an entire series around it.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
I’d love to hear from you! If you have thoughts, questions, or just want to pop in and say hello, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you have a vintage-loving friend, don’t forget to share this post—they might find a little inspiration here too.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at [email protected]
Pin forLater!
Next up on today’s Vintage Collections home tour is my friend Kim over at Shiplap and Shells. Kim is sharing beautiful vintage collection tablescape ideas. You won’t want to miss it!
And don’t forget to drop by the others joining me here today, too!
Love all your vintage collections, especially your quilts! Merry Christmas, Ann! 😘
Thank you Kim, Merry Christmas to you too!
I’m so glad to know a friend who’s vintage collections rival my own! Love to see all your vintage collections, Ann, and see the creative and beautiful ways you decorate with them. So inspiring! Enjoy the Merry season:)
Lol, I feel the same Lora, Merry Christmas!
So much vintage fun in one post! You have styled your built-in bookcase so beautifully. Every detail is perfection. I always love when you share your blue and white dishware. And the vintage Band-Aid tin collection is AMAZING! Love it all! Happy Holidays Ann!
Thank you Kim, I’m enjoying all your boating pictures, looks like so much fun!
I LOVE all of the wonderful tips that you shared. You truly have a knack for creating stunning vignettes.
Thank you kindly, Laura, that means so much to me!
Ann your vintage dish collections are totally wonderful. Love the Johnson Bros brown transferware. And how lovely that you have your mother’s pewter collection and displayed so beautifully. Vintage Scrabble tiles are just too much fun. Hope you’re having a wonderful Christmas Season!!!
Thanks so kindly Debra, we are and I’m so grateful you stopped by today. Merry Christmas!
Vintage Band-Aid Tin collection – Say whaaat?! Love it! I can’t get over your amazing collections Ann! From the dishes, to the bottles and candlesticks… It’s a virtual Disney World of treasures! Every single way you’ve displayed them is so unique and fun. Makes me want to start collecting more things. And I totally forgot about all of my quilts but your post on those has changed the way I store them. I need to get back to the farmhouse so I can get them out. I’m going to carve out some time to go back and look at the other links for an in-depth look at the other posts. So fun! Thank you for sharing them with us. Seriously so fun!!!!!!!!
Aww Cindy thanks always for asking me to join you on these tours an I’m so glad you enjoyed the quilts, one of my favorites for sure. Happy holidays my friend!
Love your vintage collection and how you display them, thanks for sharing and have a Merry Christmas.
Thank you so much, Marlene, happiest of holidays to you too!
These displays are all amazing, Ann! I love every one of them. It’s always fun to see how you incorporate the family pieces you already have with the new, vintage, and antique pieces you find on the treasure trail. The way you style everything inspires me all the time! I hope you and your family have a fabulous holiday season. Big hugs, CoCo