Many modern-day collectors like to display items on open shelves rather than behind glass-front china cabinets. The look is less dish museum, more interactive.

"It shows that anything you have can be touched by anybody," says Tim Butt, interior designer and owner of Black Bamboo, a home furnishings store in the Crossroads Arts District. "And it's easier to change items out for a fresher look."

UNIFY WITH COLOR

The kitchen of Andy Newcom's Fairway home is white, and so is his collection of English ironstone, creating a calming but striking monochromatic look. The open shelving makes it easy to use the pieces.

SHINE LIGHT ON OBJECTS

It's easy to create your own dramatic backlit display with these framed illuminated shadowboxes that hang horizontally or vertically. Several of the boxes can be grouped together. Some ideas for different areas of the house:

Art glass in the living room or dining room.

Perfume bottles in a powder room.

Chunky beaded jewelry in the bedroom or dressing room.

Drinking glasses in the kitchen.

Transparent photography in the family room.

Illuminated shadowboxes are made of translucent acrylic and ebony-stained wood lit with a small fluorescent bulb. Cords can be hidden. Dimensions as shown are 30 inches long, 12 inches deep, 11 inches high, $225 each, Black Bamboo

RESOURCES

Black Bamboo sells shelves and consoles that are great for displays, 1815 Wyandotte St., 816-283-3000, www.black-bamboo.com

Joanna Votilla sells furniture and accessories such as plastic wall-mounted office organizers for small items, 1715 W. 45th St., 816-753-7606

Martha Stewart Living spotlights a collectible each month and shows ways to displayit, www.marthastewart.com

Pottery Barn sells shadowbox trays and glass lamps that can be filled with collections, catalog and online only,1-888-779-5176, www.potterybarn.com

Prize Antiques sells glass domes and boxes for collections, by appointment, 913-485-0661, www.prizeantiques.com

Urban Dwellings Design sells shelves and consoles that are great for displays, 412 Delaware St., 816-569-4313, www.urbandwellings design.com

West Elm sells picture ledges and block shelves for streamlined displays, 4401 W. 119th St., Leawood, 913-696-1690, www.westelm.com