Want to know how to display collections without looking cluttered? Try a letterpress drawer! Here are 15+ collections to display in a printers tray, letterpress drawer, or shadow box.
As a child, I loved to collect small things… coins, keychains, stickers, rocks, and more. While, as an adult, my “collections” are a bit more practical, I still enjoy displaying collections of everyday objects in stunning vignettes. A letterpress drawer makes displaying tiny objects simple, and beautiful.
What is a Letterpress Drawer?
A letterpress drawer, also commonly know as a letterpress tray, printer’s tray, or printer’s drawer, originated from the letterpress printing industry.
Letterpress printing began in the 1400s, invented by Gutenberg, and was widely use through the 19th century. Once offset printing was developed in the 20th century, letterpress declined (see: history of printing).
Due to the age of the industry, it’s likely that when you buy a letterpress drawer, it is an antique (100+ years old). If not, it will be soon!
Letterpress drawers were stored in type cases (furniture-style cases that hold several drawers). Each drawer has many small compartments, which hold type blocks.
A type block is a single letter with a wood base and metal top. To letterpress, brush ink onto metal letters and press them into the paper.
In order to typeset, the printer chose the correct type blocks to compose a document. The printer would pull the letterpress drawer out of the typecase and work from it. Pulling out the drawer for use is similar to a tray – hence the name “printer’s tray.” (see: typecase)
15+ Collections to Display in a Letterpress Drawer
Want to know how to display collections without looking cluttered? Try a letterpress drawer! Here are over 15 collections that can be displayed in a printers tray, letterpress drawer, or shadow box.
Rock Collection
Do you want to display a rock collection? This letterpress tray turned rock collection box is an easy, stylish solution for rocks, gems, or minerals.
LEGO® Minifigures
Has your child (or you?!) amassed a large collection of lego minifigs? You'll love this clever way to display LEGO® minifigures.
Essential Oils
Store oils in style with a display wall shelf or printer's tray! The small slots are perfectly sized to hold 5ml, 10ml, 15ml, and 30ml bottles.
Figurines & Dolls
Display small figurines in a letterpress drawer - for playtime, or for show. A letterpress drawer is an easy way to display figurines (whether it’s a set of valuable miniatures or inexpensive tiny toys!).
Seashells
Meegan snagged an inexpensive vintage shadow box and transformed it to display her beach treasures. These shells represent trips and vacation spots around the world, a simple way to display mementos from your travels!
Beads and Jewelry-Making Materials
Marinella Jewelry stores her beads and bead strands are "old school organized" - in antique letterpress drawers.
Bottle Brush Trees
An antique tray paired with vintage bottle brush trees? Yes, please. This perfect pair makes for simple winter decor.
Skeleton Keys
Lovely More has a passion for vintage styles, and it shows! Their sizeable skeleton key collection fills many of the cubbies in this printers tray.
P.S. You can grab antique keys in their Etsy shop!
Craft Supplies
Washi tape, ribbon spools, ink pads (and more!) fill this letterpress drawer with bright and cheery colors - perfect for any creative space.
Wood Stamps
Anetes Paper Crafts keeps her stamp collection easily within reach. Displaying stamps in a letterpress drawer makes it so simple to find the right design.
Matchbox Cars
Decorate and organize your son's room in one, with a letterpress drawer. He can display his favorite Hot Wheels® and easily pull them down (or put away) for playtime.
Nature Walk "Treasures"
Shroom Momma regularly collects botanicals to fill her letterpress tray. Swapping them out seasonally, it's the perfect landing spot for treasures found during nature walks.
Ornaments
Letterpress drawers are at home for the holidays... when filled with holiday goodies such as ornaments. Refresh Restyle made a sweet advent calendar from an antique printers tray and mini ornaments.
Glitter
All that glitters may not be gold... but that doesn't mean it's not stunning! How pretty is this printer's tray filled with Remarkable Markers glitter collection?
Air Plants (or Faux Succulents and Sprigs)
Alyssa made a set of his/hers side tables (yes, there are two!). She filled her table with faux succulents before she added the glass top. Want a live version? Skip the top and try air plants, or dirt-filled cubbies with succulents.
Spools of Thread
Sewing is easiest when spools of thread are close at hand and easy to see. Display a rainbow of colorful spools in a letterpress tray.
Bonus! 7 More Collections to Display in a Printer’s Tray
- Pin Trading/Pin Collections
- Keychain Collection
- Coin Collection
- Salt/Pepper Shakers
- Black and White Photos
- Vintage Stamps
- Miniatures