“There really is no end to what people collect,” explains Coppin. Some even amass personal hygiene products like old-fashioned Noxzema containers to showcase in their bathrooms. “I’ve even heard of people collecting vintage tin condom boxes and ex-lax signs,” he chuckles. “Some of them bring in big money.”
The half-acre Innisfil Street facility caters to the whim of nearly any type of accumulator. “We are one of the largest antique dealers in the country, so we have a pretty good mix of items here,” boasts Coppin.
Housed in a former meat packing facility built in the 1920s, the local market offers a bevy of merchandise, such as: antique clocks, jewelry, art, furniture, lighting, hardware, china and porcelain, stain glass, toys and comic books. It even has sections devoted to vintage Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Easter, and Christmas decorations. “There aren’t too many areas we don’t cover,” he notes.
The inventory is so impressive that several set designers for Hollywood movies shop there regularly. “Our items have appeared in Cinderella Man, Million Dollar Baby, and various commercials,” proudly explains Coppin, who opened the facility about five years ago.
Purchasing antiques or second-hand merchandise also compliments the green movement. “The antique trade is one of the original recyclers,” he points out.
What about shopping tips? Look for quality when choosing accent collectibles. “If you are making an investment, purchase items in reasonably good condition,” suggests the local antique guru.
One last piece of advice: “If it talks to you, buy it when you see it because many of these items sell quickly,” says Coppin.
Displaying Collectibles
Showcasing collectibles requires some creativity. Here are some tips to keep in mind when displaying those prized treasures:
• Honour it by keeping it together. Rather than placing items randomly around the house, designate a location (such as a certain area of the room or a shelf) for the collection. “It will have more visual impact when grouped together,” explains Sue Kay of the Allandale Decorating Centre.
• “Use the basics of merchandising when displaying objects of desire,” suggests Kay. “Allow colour, especially a solid background to enhance your display. Find the common element of colour in the grouping and use it as a backdrop,” she adds.
•Create a visually stimulating story. “You don’t want everything to look all higgledy-piggledy,” explains the local interior designer. Remember to vary the size, height and materials used in the display. For the most part, scale objects from largest to smallest, from back to front. When hanging pieces on walls (such as signs or photos) remember to create a large square.
• Cut the clutter. “Less is more, so choose your collectibles carefully to avoid a messy look,” notes Kay.
• Keep it fresh. “If your collection has sat on the same shelf for the past 10 years, it’s time shake it up a bit. Try a new spot in the room, or gather it together, take a picture of it, and give it to another family member. It will give you space to try a new collection,” explains the local designer. If you want to continue with the same collection, streamline it by selling off a few pieces in exchange for one higher quality item. (In the antique trade, this is referred to as upgrading).
• Attach a note. For family heirlooms, photos or other curios – place a small note behind the piece detailing its history or where and when you found the piece. Furthermore, if you are displaying your grandmother’s china, add a photo of her to add interest.
• Choose your display area wisely. Shadow boxes, shelves, cabinets and mantles all make great showcase areas. “If you are using a mantle, try balancing two collections on it for contrast. For example, if you have a small soap stone carving collection on one side, balance it with a grouping of hand-blown glass at the other end,” Kay advises.
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