How to Display Miniatures: 15 Game-Changing Ideas to Show off your Collection

Display podiums for LEGO® Minifigures

Got a killer collection of miniatures? It’s time to give them the spotlight they deserve. 

At Wicked Brick, we understand that the right display can transform your space and show off your passion, whether you’re the proud owner of collectable figures, gaming pieces or art models. 

We also understand that how to display miniatures can be just as important as the miniatures themselves, highlighting the intricate details and craftsmanship of each piece.

Transform any space into a miniature showcase and make your collection a true work of art with our 15 ideas of how to display miniatures, plus tips for arranging and maintaining your displays. 

Ready to make your miniatures the highlight of your space? Read on to create displays that do your collection justice. 

 

How to choose a display for miniatures 

Choosing the right display for your miniatures is crucial to making them shine. The type and size of your miniatures can dictate the best display method, ensuring each piece is showcased to its full potential while complementing your space. Here’s how to make the perfect choice: 

Know your collection: Start by assessing your miniatures. Are they uniform in size, or do you have a mix of large and small pieces? Delicate, detailed figures might benefit from enclosed cases, while sturdy, larger models can be displayed on open shelves. 

Assess your space: The available space in your home or office plays a significant role. For smaller rooms, wall-mounted shelves or corner displays can maximise space without feeling cluttered. In larger areas, free-standing cabinets, bookcases or custom-built cases can become focal points. 

Match your interior: Ideally, your display should enhance your collection as well as the interior design of your room. Sleek, modern shelves work well with contemporary pieces, while vintage wooden bookshelves and cabinets might be perfect for classic or antique miniatures.

Protect your miniatures: Do you have kids and pets running around? Do you need easy access? Consider your environment before choosing your display. Enclosed glass cases protect miniatures from dust as well as curious, sticky hands, while open displays might be better for easily accessible gaming pieces. 

Think about lighting: Don’t underestimate good lighting. LED strip lights or spotlights can highlight all the details of your miniatures, adding depth and a dramatic flare to your display. 

 

How to display miniature collections: 15 display options for miniatures 

 1. Add miniature shelves

Display Case with Podiums for LEGO® Minifigures - £84.99

If you're after a display that's both practical and stylish, shelves are a great start. Miniature shelves are a versatile and efficient option to show off your collection. They're perfect for easy access and make it simple to reorganise or add new pieces.

Arrange them to fit any wall space, and your miniatures will instantly catch everyone's eye. But remember, shelves don't offer much protection from dust, so regular cleaning is a must. 

2.  Display your miniatures by gaming themes

Organising your miniatures by gaming themes adds a whole new level of cool to your display. 

This method keeps related pieces together and makes it easy to immerse yourself in each theme. The challenge? You’ll need more space and a bit of planning to avoid clutter. But when done right, your collection becomes an epic showcase that’s sure to impress.  

3. Complement your display with lighting

Lighting can take your miniature display from good to jaw-dropping. LED strips, spotlights or backlighting are easy ways to highlight intricate details and add serious drama. 

The right lighting makes your miniatures pop and gives your setup a professional touch that makes your collection shine like never before. Just keep in mind that wiring and positioning can be tricky, and you’ll need to avoid glare and shadows. 

Depending on your choice of lighting, you may also need a power source, which can limit creative flexibility.

4. Use miniature cabinets

Display Case with Podiums for LEGO® Minifigures - £84.99

Miniature cabinets are the way to go if you want to combine display and protection. Their glass doors keep out dust while giving you a full view of your collection. 

Cabinets come in various styles and sizes, so you should be able to easily find one that perfectly fits your room. They’re sturdy and secure, protecting your collection from accidents and handling. 

However, cabinets can be bulky and require significant floor space. They can also be pricey and might require some assembly, especially if they come in a flat pack.

5. Add personality with custom display cases for miniatures

LEGO® Minifigures Display Podium for IKEA® KALLAX - £59.99

Custom display cases are the best way to add personality to your miniature collection. These cases are tailor-made to fit your pieces perfectly and match your interior. 

They provide robust protection from dust and damage, ensuring your miniatures stay in pristine condition. The one catch is that they can be expensive and take longer to set up compared to standard, off-the-shelf options.  

However, it’s all worth it for the final result: a unique and professional display that makes your collection stand out.  

6. Showcase your collectibles

Display case for Up-Scaled LEGO® Minifigure (40649) - £51.99

Showcasing your collectables means giving each piece the attention it deserves. Use dedicated shelves, cabinets or display cases to create a curated, gallery-like atmosphere that lets you appreciate each miniature’s unique features and craftsmanship. 

The main advantage is a clean, organised display that highlights your collection’s diversity. However, arranging it can be time-consuming and might require frequent updates as your collection grows. 

For those serious about their miniatures, showcasing them in this way elevates the whole experience.

7. Create a full Warhammer display

Display Case for Warhammer Squad with Endless War Background - £25.99

Are you truly a Warhammer fan if you don’t have a full Warhammer display? Perfect for fans of the iconic tabletop game, use dedicated shelves, tiered stands or custom cases to organise your armies and terrain pieces and immerse yourself in the Warhammer universe. 

Space is required, which is a drawback as some Warhammer pieces can be quite large, but any decent miniature display will require a dedicated area. Some might find setting up and maintaining such a display too labour-intensive, but if you’re a Warhammer enthusiast, it’s a rewarding way to display your passion. 

 8. Put your displays in prime position

Display Case for LEGO® Space Minifigures Series 26 (71046) - £39.99

One way to ensure your miniatures get the attention they deserve is to position your displays in prime locations. Place them in high-traffic areas or central spots in your room where they’re easily seen and become stars of the show.

The key benefit is increased visibility and appreciation, but it might mean sacrificing space for other decor or furniture depending on the size of your room.

9. Display your DND miniatures

Limited Edition Display Case for LEGO® Dungeons & Dragons (21348) - £127.99

The simple act of putting your Dungeons and Dragons miniatures on display can turn your game room into an epic fantasy realm. But how do you display D&D miniatures? 

Thematic shelves, shadow boxes or dioramas bring your characters and settings to life, adding storytelling to your display that makes it more engaging. 

The tricky part is creating and maintaining such a detailed setup, which can be time-consuming. But for DND fans, it transforms their miniatures into a captivating visual journey through their favourite campaigns. 

10. Embrace your creativity with a LEGO theme

Wall Mounted Tiered Display Cases for LEGO® Minifigures - £49.99

A LEGO-themed display is a fun way to inject some colour into your miniature setup. Invest in a tiered display case that you can mount on your wall or a freestanding Minifigure display to show off large collections easily. 

Not only do they help create an impressive visual display, but they’ll also shield your collection, protecting it from being knocked and damaged. Decorate with LED lights and LEGO-themed backdrops to add even more character, and don’t forget to give freestanding displays a frequent dusting. 

 11. Play with different angles

 

Display Stand for LEGO® Star Wars™ The Mandalorian's N1 Starfighter™ (75325) - £18.99

If you want to add some flair to your display, playing and experimenting with angles is a great option. An easy method is using angled shelves, stands or mounts to show off your miniatures from various perspectives and highlight different features and details that might be missed in a flat display.  

Playing with angles can create a more engaging and visually interesting setup, but finding the right angles can be challenging. You'll also need to ensure your miniatures are securely placed to avoid accidents.

12. Create a Disney Magic Kingdom display

Display Case for LEGO® Mini Disney Castle (40478) - £45.99 

Bring the magic of Disney to your home with a Disney Magic Kingdom display. Create themed shelves using bespoke display cases and decorate them with Disney-inspired decor to showcase your collection of beloved characters and iconic scenes.

You could incorporate elements like mini Cinderella castles or small replicas of Disney park attractions to create an enchanting and whimsical display.  

This will not only beautifully highlight your Disney miniatures but also add a touch of nostalgia to your decor, resulting in a magical and immersive display that captures the spirit of Disney. 

13. Elevate with tiered display stands

Wall Mounted Tiered Display Cases for LEGO® Minifigures - £49.99 

Tiered display stands add depth, making it easy to see each piece without overcrowding by elevating smaller pieces to eye level. They allow you to make the most of your shelf space without miniatures at the front blocking the view of those behind, allowing each miniature to shine. 

Tiered displays come in different sizes, materials and colours to match your decor. However, they can easily become dusty and will likely require regular cleaning to keep your display looking pristine.  

14. Curate a miniature art gallery

Use small, framed displays to transform your collection into an art gallery. Mount your miniatures in individual frames or group several together in shadow boxes or mountable acrylic display cases, then arrange them on your wall like pieces of art.  

While it requires careful planning and wall space, you’ll end up with a striking and elegant exhibition display that treats each miniature like the masterpiece it is. 

15. Create an immersive diorama display

It doesn’t get more immersive than a diorama. Build landscapes, buildings or scenes that reflect the world of your miniatures, like a mediaeval battlefield, serene fantasy forest or bustling sci-fi city. 

These detailed themed displays enhance visual appeal and add a storytelling element, making them a great option for anyone who loves to get creative.  

Dioramas can be time-consuming to create and require a certain level of artistic skill, but the payoff is a captivating display that brings your collection to life in a truly unique way.  

Tips for arranging and maintaining miniature displays

Arranging and maintaining your miniature displays can be just as important as choosing the correct display method. Here are some practical tips to ensure your collection looks its best and stays in top condition. 

How to arrange your miniatures so they look their best

Group by theme or size: Organise your miniatures by theme, such as fantasy or sci-fi, to create a cohesive and visually appealing display. Alternatively, group them by size to maintain balance and prevent larger pieces from overshadowing smaller ones. 

Use levels and heights: Create depth by using tiered stands. Placing miniatures at different heights makes each piece visible and adds depth and interest to your display. 

Highlight key pieces: Place standout miniatures in prime positions, such as eye-level shelves or central spots in cabinets. Use lighting to draw attention to these key pieces. 

Create a focal point: Design your display around a central piece. This acts as a focal point, drawing the viewer's eye and providing a natural starting point for exploring the rest of the collection. 

Maintain balance: Ensure your display is balanced by evenly distributing colours, sizes and styles. Avoid clustering similar pieces too closely together, which can create a messy, cluttered look.

How to keep your miniatures in pristine condition

Regular dusting: Dust your miniatures and display areas regularly using a soft brush or microfibre cloth to prevent buildup and keep your pieces looking clean and sharp.

Protect from sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade and damage miniatures over time. Place your displays away from windows or use UV-protective glass to shield your collection from harmful rays.

Use display cases: Enclosed cases offer the best protection from dust, sunlight and handling. They also reduce the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.

Inspect regularly: Periodically check your miniatures for signs of damage or wear. 

How do you keep miniatures in place?

Adhesive putty: Use adhesive putty to secure miniatures to shelves or stands, keeping them stable without damaging the surfaces.

Magnets: Attach small magnets to the bases of your miniatures and use a magnetic display board or strip. 

Double-sided tape: Double-sided tape can secure your miniatures on shelves or inside display cases. It provides a strong hold and is easy to remove when you want to rearrange your display.

Custom bases: While custom bases won’t secure your miniatures to their surface, their snug fits will provide stability and keep them upright while enhancing their aesthetic.

Ready to display your miniatures like a pro?

If there’s one thing we’re sure of, it’s that your miniatures deserve a display that truly stands out. With our 15 game-changing ideas of how to display miniatures, there’s no excuse not to make it happen. 

Are you lusting over your very own curated miniature art gallery? Or perhaps you can’t wait to embrace your creativity with a LEGO theme? Maybe you’re after a simpler option and simply want to use some LED lighting to make your collection pop. Whatever the case, there’s something for everyone. 

Wicked Brick is here to turn your vision into reality. Our premium and bespoke display solutions are designed to meet every collector's needs. From custom cases to tiered stands, we've got you and your collection covered. 

Ready to elevate your display game? Explore our high-quality display solutions that will make you the envy of every collector!