Most collectors build their collections slowly over time -- even over a lifetime. As a result, prized items may be scattered all over the house, residing wherever some decorative punch was needed at the time.

You can increase the impact of even a small collection by grouping the items together. Here, an antique hutch is the stage upon which the homeowner's porcelain collection struts. The arrangement illustrates some of the key principles to keep in mind as you bring your objects together.

To create a rhythm to the arrangement, plates and platters stand along the back of each shelf. Three-dimensional elements sit in the foreground.

Each shelf is populated with objects of various sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns. To fill in bare spots, the designer included items that contrast with the porcelain pieces. The twin urns, too large for a shelf, occupy what would otherwise be a void above the hutch.

Even if you don't have a spectacular display case like this one, you can still use these principles. Concentrate your collection, arrange items for best viewing, and include some variety in shape, color, texture, and size.

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