Sure, when you are living in an apartment, you might not have a lot of space, you probably don’t have a yard and you’re very lucky if you have a little extra storage. So, for all of you collectors, how can you display your most prized possessions without compromising your living space?

The experts at Apartments.com have put together this list of design tips for the “Possession Obsessed”:

Make Your Collection a Part of Your Space
There is no reason to hide your favorite dolls, or your record album collection, the key is to not have your collections take up your living space, but instead, make it a part of your space. Think about ways to incorporate your things into the décor of your room. For record album collectors, purchase frames to actually hang the albums on the walls. Instead of purchasing a standard coffee table, find one with storage space in the bottom, perhaps with a glass top. By displaying your actions figures or books underneath, you not only bring your collection into the open, but also create some great conversation pieces for your guests. Think of creative ways to display your collection. One staffer at Apartments.com has a collection of key chains that dates back many years. When she first got married, her husband threatened to throw the collection out if she couldn’t figure out something to do with it. The result? Each year, when the holidays roll around, our staffer pulls out her key chain collection and creates a Key Chain Christmas Tree!

Here are some other ideas you might like to help in creating your display:

• Remember that the purpose for displaying your collection is two fold: one to showcase your treasures, two, to keep them safe and clean. It’s probably not a good idea to display rare china on a shelf with no ledge and no way to secure the piece to the mounting. Especially if you have fragile items, make sure that your display is sturdy and safe.
• If you have a huge collection of CD’s, instead of throwing them in boxes, in cabinets or in drawers, invest in wall mounted shelving. By getting them up and off the floor, you’ve got more space and you’ve created a nice display. *As a renter, you’ll need to check with your property manager before you create holes in the walls for mounting. Most landlords will allow this; however, you’ll need to patch up the holes if you ever move. For step-by-step directions to patching holes in walls, check out the “decorating” section on Apartment Living on Apartments.com.
• If you are displaying rare photographs, concert posters, autographs or other artwork, when hanging, make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight as it may fade your items, decreasing its value.