Display your collectibles to connect with guests

Talk about thinking outside the box—

The shoebox to be exact. That’s exactly what designer Eneia White did when designing this ultra-cool and stylish bedroom suite for her client.

Obviously, her client has a “thing” for chic sneakers. Instead of seeing this as a challenge, Eneia chose to use her client’s impressive collection to add a bit of eye-popping design to an otherwise bland wall. The result? A memorable and enviable work of art that also doubles as convenient storage.

Design experts say that three of anything qualifies as a collection— and it doesn’t have to be fancy. A collection can be as simple as a set of action figures, outdated technologies (hello, cassette tapes!), or shoes. And while you might ignore one collectible item placed on a shelf, when that item is combined and displayed with similar or related items— suddenly it’s an eye-catching treasure. 

Collections create connection with your guests

In short term rentals, collections can play an important role. They can communicate your passions or interests to your guests, or reflect interesting information about your local area. Most importantly, they can tell a story about who you are and provide a peek into your personality through your listing photos— creating a bond with your prospective guest, and making your place memorable. And memorable listings equal more bookings.

Collections can be displayed in a number of different ways. They can be mounted to a wall, curated on a bookshelf, or placed in a specially designed rack— like for photos and postcards. They can also be hung from the ceiling or placed in an album or shadow box. You’ll want to make sure your collections are easily viewable, yet protected from damage. 

Collections that can be handled by your guests— think teacups or record albums— create novelty and engagement with your guests and will add to their memorable experience. Artfully arranged, personal collections can be fascinating, sentimental, whimsical, or downright odd. Take a look around you— you may have several collections just waiting for their moment to shine.

Turn your bits and bobs into artwork

Here’s a list of collection ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

• Antique shaving supplies
  
• Artwork— particularly by local artists in your area
  
• Autographs from celebrities
  
• Badges (from police or firemen, for example)
  
• Beer bottles or brewery collectibles
  
• Board games or game pieces
  
• Books
  
• Business cards
  
• Campaign buttons
  
• Casino chips
  
• Cigar boxes or bands
  
• Clocks
  
• Coins
  
• Cologne bottles
  
• Comic books
  
• Drink coasters
  
• Fishing lures
  
• Foreign money
  
• Fossils
  
• Fountains pens
  
• Hats
  
• Keychains
  
• Keys
  
• License Plates
  
• Lighters
  
• Lunchboxes
  
• Magazine covers
  
• Maps or globes
  
• Marbles
  
• Masks
  
• Matchbooks
  
• Model cars
  
• Mugs
  
• Musical instruments
  
• Patches
  
• Pez dispensers
  
• Photographs
  
• Playing cards
  
• Posters— from movies or concerts
  
• Smoking pipes
  
• Souvenir spoons
  
• Sports cards
  
• Stamps
  
• Teapots
  
• Ticket stubs
  
• Tin signs— like street signs or advertisements
  
• Tools
  
• Toys
  
• Watches

These are just a few items to get you thinking about the collections you may already have on hand that would be ideal for decorating and adding interest to your short term rental.

One thing to avoid with your collection display is the dreaded C word— clutter. Make sure that your display remains visually interesting and stylish— but avoid adding too many items to your short term rental that will make it appear cluttered or messy.

 

When having your listing photos taken, consider adding a close-up photograph of your displayed collection. This will again help you to bond with your potential guests and make your listing more memorable.

Happy collecting!