5 inventive ways to display collections

The secret of successfully displaying artwork relies as much on the way it is hung as the pieces you choose. Wake up your artistic side to enjoy the best views...

Be creative with displays
Think outside the box when planning what to display and find novel ways to show off the items you select. Hand-stitched samplers or pieces of fabric displayed in circular embroidery hoops are a sweet alternative to framed pictures. Group a few together in different-sized hoops for a pretty display.

Mix and match to keep it casual
Create a relaxed feel in a country home by hanging an eclectic assortment of items together to create intimacy in larger rooms, or for zoning a dining area in an open-plan kitchen. Go for different shapes and objects, such as round clocks, square frames, flags, paper shapes and vintage lettering.

Uniform arrangement
A series of prints or paintings of country images - such as botanicals, birds, landscapes or animals - work well when a grid format is employed as a way of unifying the subject matter. Use simple frames for a fuss-free display and hang them close together for maximum visual impact.

Set frames within frames
Empty frames can be highly decorative and act as an eye-catching wall display when layered with smaller frames set inside them. ‘Mixing empty frames that have a flash of gilding or an unusual moulding with unframed canvases and vintage paintings is an easy way to create a strong visual look,' says antiques collector and interior designer Josephine Ryan.

On the shelf
Floating shelves are an elegant way to display favourite artwork - go for shelves and frames in the same colour for a seamless look. Two shelves at varying heights are ideal for showcasing intricate cameos in freestanding box frames and other collectibles that can be easily moved around for an instant visual update.

For more creative ideas and inspiration visit us on the Country Homes & Interiors homepage.