could just make a new tooltip window, instead of the items info just being in the center could be in the side, then have it look kinda like
Equiped Not Equiped
damage: 4d8 1d6
Special stats: = =
Weight: 14 12
Value: 1200 800
Type: left hand left hand
 "Feed the King"){kind=icon}
 "Arkandian Explorer"){kind=icon}