Displaying in a small space, part 2

As mentioned in my previous blog post, there is only enough room to display a small number of irons and trivets in our new apartment. Those selected are personal favorites, associated with fond memories of fellow collectors … or of auctions or conventions where they were obtained.

Early American trivets and stands

Many of these trivets have been documented in my two books and/or discussed here at Trivetology. Most are of intricate design, a testament to the talent and artistry of those who created them.

Laundry items, sprinkler bottles and a few more trivets and stands

The mangle board with roller and laundry paddle are early examples. The small display case holds ten favorite vintage sprinkler bottles, leaving room for seven additional trivets and stands.

The doll under glass was my great-grandmother’s, a circa 1888+ Hertwig doll from Germany. It has china shoulders and head; the partial bisque lower limbs are attached with cotton nanking (a type of pale yellow cloth). Her handmade crocheted dress dates to the same time period.

A few pressing irons and stands

Counterclockwise, from left to right: a Danish brass slug iron and cut brass trivet; a small goffering iron; a German iron and figural trivet; two small pressing irons; and a circular British trivet with a sharp Rd Diamond mark on the reverse.

They are displayed atop an Atwater Kent Model 85 Radio in a D Style cabinet: AM Band, 7 Vacuum Tubes, Made In USA, Circa 1931 … and it works!

An addition to the UK collection

This British example of mirror image trivets nicely completes the display.

Other display ideas

Don’t let your trivets and stands languish in storage boxes! Take them out, display and enjoy! You’ll find decorating inspiration throughout Trivetology. Here are a few examples.

Collecting little irons and trivets

Decorate your home with trivets

Displaying little trivets

Gallery of panel trivets

Ranch Brand trivets by Virginia Metalcrafters (Loth)

Vintage Pal-Bell brass trivets