Ponies on display v. "grown-up" decorating

[Noxxbunny]

Definitely agreeing with the glass display cases. They can really class up a collection!

(Also...just wanted to say we live in the same city. Totally blowing my mind right now. Small world! Good to know I'm not the only pony collector here.)

[NoPonySpecial]

I was thinking a glass cabinet of some kind, too, but then I thought, "is that really all it would take?' But I'm glad plenty of other thought the same thing!. I guess it gives off more of a museum kind of vibe!

[hathorcat]

I am kind of on the "embrace it" bus Sure there are weirder things to collect but "weird" is always defined by other people. What you consider weird someone else may think is perfectly normal, what you consider normal someone else may consider weird. And to be fair thats the truth on so much in life...not just in collecting. So I simply try not to judge (although thats not always possible) but assume I will be judged all at the same time. After so many years of collecting, after having people love it, hate it, make a fool of it or simply ignore it, I have got to the stage of thinking its a matter of being confident in collecting, in accepting that not everyone around you is going to share your joy or interest - you cant please everyone right?

If you find your collecting embarrassing or dont like feeling like a big kid, perhaps its what you are collecting thats the problem. You can put ponies in a beautiful display case, a grown up bookcase but at the end of the day they are still pastel pretty plastic childrens toys they are never going to look like a grown up and tasteful china or crystal display.

You honestly cant please everyone and while I completely understand your wish, and do think the best idea to get as close to grown up as possible is a small amount of ponies and a small amount of space on a pretty display, I think you have to decide what makes you happy and go with that.

[Sarah-Bee]

I forget the exact quote, but C.S. Lewis said something to effect of "I came to a point when I had to put aside my childish things...like thinking things are childish and that I have to act like a grown up." 

Decorate with your ponies.  If your boyfriend is fine with it, there's no problem.

I just found and read the whole quote and I love it.

[Mirnyj]

At the end of the day, grown ups are just big kids.  I'm relying on the scatter-everywhere method with our living room. I'd take photos to show you but the room's a bit of a chaos. Again.  You should think of the fact that it is going to be your home. You need to feel comfortable at your home and the decor has a big role in that. If your toys make you feel awkward, maybe it's just time to let them go. 

[Leave a Whisper]

shelves are a nice way to make it look like a collection, you can also try shopping around for small cabinets and cheap bookshelves, some people practically give them away on the sidewalk! I like the glass cabinet idea.

[little.fox]

Personally I think you could make any heap of random nonsense look like a serious collection witht he right display, so ponies should be a breeze.
Here are some displays that I personally love the look of:

Pic is very dark but I love the way they've used the dead space under the stairs here: http://www.spookypop.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/DokToyCabinetLitClosedLOREZ-768x1024.jpg.

This one is custom built, but you could get the same effect with ready made modules: http://www.architects-toybox.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ThinkFabricate_BklynHeights-001.2.jpg.

Everything looks sharper when color coordinated!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drblythenstein/5748512709/in/contacts/?&cuid=7b8c77efa6ccd650604ad446b0e913a6.

These IKEA cabinets look more expensive than they are: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx7iLcWt40E/UZSNM759o-I/AAAAAAAAOS4/Ymwni_vC1yQ/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG.

 

[Chi]

I took this topic to heart and did a little researching.
I found that shot glass display cases with a glass door are the perfect option for a smaller collection!
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Illusion of larger display is thanks to lights and mirror here
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One on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/display-cabinet-holder-shadow-Door-BLACK/dp/B002ZAZ7H4

[Sakuyamon]

I too recognise your dilema a bit, granted I still live with my family and only have one room so its quite packed no matter what. I love to see my collection but at the same time it feels imprisoning when it grows too large and take up all the space... The collection might mean a lot to me but its not everything to me. So what I did to get away from my collection and get some space and air was to get Billy book cases with glass doors, the current model has a board behind the glas so I dont need to see the collection. Granted a few things I have are too big to be stored in them but it do not feel as over powering as before.

[Sunset]

Here is my attempt at a more "mature" display.

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[archidraca]

This is above my computer in our bedroom. I'm thinking that I want to take the top shelf down and repaint it black. Probably replace the top plank with one that can hold a better set of risers for secondary display and add more boxes for display. I have the glass pane to put on the front of the blindbag case but I haven't bothered to put it on as I'd just have to take it off to put more in.
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I just put some up above our tv and they look pretty nice there. My two non-boy-centric Armies.
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This one needs to be repainted and reworked but is nice to me as it fades into the wall.
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[ValeofSpring]

Hi! I store my small collection in a wooden cabinet with solid doors. I also like to have a "grown up" looking space, but I also get the delight of opening up those doors and seeing all the MLP goodness:) I also like the solid cabinet b/c protects my ponies from any sun, and of course a cabinet helps keep ponies from getting dusty.

Here are some pics:

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Storing the ponies in baskets makes it easy for me to take them out in groups. Thus I can easily take them out to admire or cart them in another room to brush/comb while I'm watching TV:)

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Let us know what you end up doing!

[Aitsuki]

I display mine on a table, spread out like a crowd. I have the buildings behind them, so it's a bit like a city. And I like it. I don't think about childishness.

[Sprinklecupcake]

Id love for mine to have theor own room, right now they are on various shelves in my home along with my G4s in a tote atm. Id love some black billy bookcases!!!