Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Make sure the arrangement isn't going to result in a serious degrading of the condition of the antiques. Some antiques, such as bronzes, are very hardy and can go almost anywhere, whereas books, watercolor paintings and dolls should all be kept out of the path of direct sunlight. Don't put tall, fragile pieces of glass or china in parts of the house that are thoroughfares for children and animals; instead make use of high shelves and alcoves.
Spread antiques around your living quarters and mix them with other elements rather than confining them to one cabinet. Admittedly, this is a matter of taste---some people like the idea of having a "collection room" or a "collection corner" where their antiques can be arranged for a cumulative impact. But arguably it gives the individual pieces more of a chance to speak if they are distributed more thinly and blended with plants, mirrors, crafts or even "found objects" such as stones and feathers you have discovered when out hiking. (For more ideas, see Resources, where you will find a link to a virtual tour of an art collector's house preserved as a museum.)
Work antiques into your everyday life. Again, this depends upon the type of antique you collect. But you can brighten your day by using pieces from your collection as desk ornaments, pen holders and paperweights. You can even mix your antique collection into your garden by mingling broken pieces into your flowerbeds.
Go outside and check the sight-lines into your house, making sure that no particularly enticing antiques are visible from the street or nearby buildings so as not to draw burglars.