I've just started playing about with settlements and I like having items on display... If I leave items out for decoration (guns, apparel ect) will they be safe?

I put a laser rifle, a screwdriver and a bunch of other tools on a table(so it looked like someone was fixing it)and when I fast travelled back they had all fallen through the table and were on the floor.

I left a space monkey and nuka cola truck as displey on my desk, still there ....

It depends on the utility of the item I think, as in settlements you cannot mark a building as private

OK... I'll guess I see what happens when I return...