Secondhand Collections

What is a collection? The dictionary defines it as something that is collected; a group of objects or an amount of material accumulated in one location, especially for some purpose or as a result of some process.


Ok lets break that definition down... a group of objects? Correct. Accumulated in one location? Sometimes. Especially for some purpose? Not always. Result of a process? Perhaps. Personally, I believe that a collection, especially one that you include in your decor, should be one that you're passionate about for a specific reason. I also believe that any collection you have should be shown off to all who enter your home and not wrapped in newspapers and packed away somewhere in your attic.


Some of my favorite collections include things that you can only find one of. I don't need a set of 4 or 6 or 8. And it doesn't matter what it is. For example, I love vintage plates, tea cups, candle holders, milk glass, home town paraphernalia, old maps, handkerchiefs, pharmaceutical glass canisters, doilies, frames. You can decorate with them or use them in your everyday life. Nobody ever said your dinner plates needed to match! (Except maybe for your OCD friends who have to have everything 'just so.') Oh - and there is hope yet for my OCD friends that appreciate this syle! Collect something like dishware that is all clear glass... or all white. You can keep a sense of unity while mixing up with sizing and texture. Also consider collecting something with the same theme, only different colors. For example, toile.


The best part? This kind of collecting doesn't need to be expensive! You can find these items at secondhand stores, yard sales, flea markets, junk shops, craigslist, eBay and other spots for antiquing.