Why People Become Collectors

The joys of collecting ultimately are based on two factors: the “thrill of the hunt,” meaning that the challenges of searching for new items are a large part of a collector's enjoyment; and the collector's appreciation for the items that are already in his or her collection. If you're the type of person that gets a kick out of finally locating an elusive item, and enjoys looking at (and displaying for others) the items you've found, you're a prime candidate to collect antiques and other collectibles such as postage stamps, vintage postcards or even old costume jewelry.

How to Display Your Antiques and Collectibles

A few collectors simply pack their collectibles into boxes and then put them away, but they're missing out on much of the joy of collecting. Other, more involved collectors actively look for ways to incorporate their collections into their everyday life. Some collectors – depending on what they collect - discover that finding a way to display their collections can be challenging. This is especially true for people who collect large pieces, like antique furniture. But most collectors of smaller items eventually realize that their collectibles are most effectively displayed together, in one place, rather than scattered throughout the house.

Keep in mind, though, that if you place a large number of small collectibles on a single flat surface, the result will probably be a very cluttered look. If you want to display small collectibles on a dresser, table, bookshelf, desk or other flat surface, keep it to just a few. The smaller number will emphasize the pieces that are displayed this way – they won't get “lost” among a jumble of many pieces. Small collectibles are very effectively displayed inside a glass case like a curio cabinet, which also protects collectibles from dirt, dust, and damage. Some collectibles are best displayed in a specialized display case, made for that type of item. Examples of this type of item include golf balls, golf tees, thimbles and spoons. Other items, such as stamps and postcards, should be displayed in albums or books.

If your collection is too extensive (or many of the pieces are too large) to be able to display all your items at the same time, consider rotating your items – that way each one can be enjoyed, even though it's at different times. Every so often, switch one for another.

Things To Avoid When Collecting

Always be financially responsible when buying new items for your collection. By that we mean, no matter how much you want a new piece, never put it before paying your mortgage and other bills.

Don't get obsessive about it. Being unable to stop buying items for your collection, buying them when you really can't afford them, or letting your collection interfere with daily life or your relationships are all signs of obsession. Your family comes first, and your collection should never take priority.

Things to Keep in Mind When Collecting

Some collectors seek to collect every item in a set, or every item of a specific type that's been produced, but this is often not very realistic. Common obstacles to this accomplishment include expense and rarity, which are often tied together. A good way to get around these obstacles is to narrow your collection down to one subset of the type of items that interest you.

Don't start a collection for someone else. Just because you're interested in a particular type of collectible doesn't mean someone else will be. Let them start up their own collection – they'll be much more likely to keep it up.

Don't buy antiques or collectibles simply as investments. Your collection, whatever it is, should fascinate and intrigue you, not just be a way to possibly make some money (although that would be nice too). If a particular item doesn't appeal to you, don't collect it for its investment value – although it could become more valuable, it also might lose value in the future. If you only collect items that you like, and for some reason their value diminishes over time, you'll still have a collection that you enjoy.

Antiques and collectibles can be an engrossing hobby, full of challenge and reward. They can be decorative, functional, and sometimes financially rewarding too.