How do you display your assembled LEGO sets?

Dato

I am looking for ideas to display some of the big sets I acquired recently.
Do you have a LEGO room that's filled with assembled sets? Or do you use them as art pieces in your living room, bed room, or study?
Do you cover them in some kind of display cases, or just let them out in the open?
If you can share pictures of your display, that would be awesome!
I do like the cases my local LEGO shop uses to display the Pet Shop and the Death Star. They look so simple and clean, yet sturdy enough to fend off the "midas touches" of my 2-year-olds. Any idea where I can get cases like those?

Tomrulz

Hello Everyone. I am long time user of brickset but first time forum user. I would first off want to thank Huw and everyone involved with brickset. OK Now to the topic. I have a very large lego collection. 650+ sets. Most of it is CIty, but also have some Aquazone/Atlantis/Divers, Knights/Pirates, Star Wars and some random others. My problem comes in with how and where to store and showcase a collection of this size. Currently I have it completely consuming my attic. I would say 50 percent of my collection is unbuilt still MISB only because I have nowhere to build. To get to the point, I am curious if any other members have this same issue. What soultions do members with 500+ sets use to display their collection. Thank you guys in advance and I look foward to hearing from you all.

Huw

Thanks for your comments :-)

We all have this problem. I have a fairly large display area (20 linear metres or so) but can still only display this year's sets plus a few favourites.

The only solution is to buy a massive house or barn or something :)

collect_that

Rotation and a understanding family! It's the only way! The only two rooms in the house I don't display lego are the kitchen and my sons bedroom. Everything else is split into themes across the house -

Upstairs bathroom - Atlantis
Downstairs bathroom - Pirates
Master bedroom - Harry Potter
Landing - Star Wars
Hallway - Spongebob (its the Mrs!)
Living room - Castle
Spare room - My city layout and Trains

Then I just rotate, sometimes adding in other themes such as Ninjago. But can be a pain as I HATE DUST!! Everthing else is just stored in containers 'til used for displays or needed for a building project.

madforLEGO

I have a one bedroom apartment.. my dining area is now my Lego 'part' area and all of my sets not MISB are dismantled and in Yellow DACTA large bins.
I try to keep the Legos only in the dining area and living room.. bedroom and bathroom are off limits from Lego (same with kitchen, unless I am cleaning parts in the sink)
I am hoping when I buy a house that I can have a spare room for my Lego collection and set it up.. either rotate sets in and out or have enough room to put everything up, but that may be difficult... :-)

Si_UKNZ

If you have a big garden then
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-3012.aspx?utm_source=GoogleShopping&utm_medium=GSF_NormalFeed&utm_campaign=GSF_TescoDirect&utm_content=200-3012

Nice dream anyway!

jwsmart

I've got some really limited display space, so most of my collection sits in bins in the basement. Others are behind glass in display cases designed for dining-room type applications.

There are some really nice glass display case options out there, but they quickly get to over $1000, so I haven't taken the plunge on one of them yet.

throttleon

Most of my son's collection is on display in his lego room. The room is about 22' x 14' in size but we put slat wall on the walls so we can change the shelving as needed. He currently has about 375 to 400 sets on display (actually about 20 to 30 are on the floor being played with at any one time). Slat wall is great for displaying stuff. I have attached some pictures we took awhile ago, since then we have added more shelving and of course.....more sets.

atkinsar

^ Ladies and Gentlemen, we have ourselves a winner !!

jwsmart

^ Agreed. That's quite a setup.

Tomrulz

I love that slat wall. In the past I have tried modular shelve units, but they are expensive and you can never have enough of them. This seems like something I will definitely look into. It seems im not the only one dying for a place to showcase their collection.

Si_UKNZ

Is that A10 (US plane) a MoC? Like it :)

Not sure I like 'shelf-based' setups - for me it looks better all together in a 'city'.
Liking the display lighting though, neat.

Legogeek

Most of my son's collection is on display in his lego room...

Total and complete awesomeness.
Interesting approach using the slat walls & shelves. Never thought of that. I'd always planned on going with some Billy cabinets from IKEA, but this may sway my thinking. Only downside would be the dusting factor..... ;-P

Legoboy

WTF! What a complete and utter waste of space!? I'm not jealous! ;op "One day Rodney"!

collect_that

@throttleon - Sweet freakin' Jesus!

romdam

Nice set up. How can I view the pics bigger?

MinifigsMe

^ I just clicked on them and they opened bigger in this window.

Very nice set up. I have a much smaller room to transform (that also needs to be general storage) I'm thinking of using the shelves that go onto metal vertical runners. But I also want to make a cityscape (with train) area.

Eric

... Puts my piddily little bookcase to shame...

throttleon

My 9 year old son is having a good time reading all your nice comments...thanks for the kind words...to answer a few comments...dusting the sets is not a big problem, we (meaning me) take them out out to the sink and use the sprayer and just spray them off with water, and let them air dry.but honestly they don't get dusty very quick. We have some shelving units in other rooms of the house and they work fine..but I wanted to be able to make full use of the space and with slat wall you can make the shelfs any size you want ( in height, depth and width), and change it any time you want. I'm sure the metal vertical runners would work fine also, we just had the chance to try this when we were remodeling the kid's wing and we are very happy with it. Now about that A10...I must admit it's a M*** B*** set...if your look at some of the other pictures you'll see the Sea Wolf sub and their aircraft carrier also...please, don't hold that against
us:-)...if anybody has any other questions about using slat wall I'll be glad to let you in on what we have learned about it's pros and cons and what we found works for Lego displaying...by the way the room seldom looks quite that neat..usually there are my son's Lego creations and pieces all over the floor from him and his buddies playing.
I guess it's.. our collection....but his toys!

legomatt

This thread inspired by @princedraven 's photo of his Ninjago Fire Temple display, and my ongoing search for display ideas.

Ok. I'm looking for a decent display case/cabinet that isn't going to break the bank, but looks smart without drawing undue attention to itself at the expense of the lego display inside... I'm sure I'm not alone.

Having searched argos, homebase, B&Q, amazon, very, john lewis, and a number of (expensive) online display specialists, I've realised we could probably do with a thread on here that lists any good finds with regard to the displaying of collections, and any hints and tips people have used to make the most of their display area.

Have you found a fantastic website that sells quality cabinets perfect for Lego displays, or discovered a great discount at a furniture retailer, or know a great range of clear stands etc for squeezing every last inch out of that adjustable shelf space.

So, as much as I enjoy the many threads of Lego deals, maybe we could also devote a little love to the Display aspect of the hobby. So... put on your best interior designer hat, and inspire!

:oD

legomatt

What is your current display solution?

princedraven

^^ I just want to point out that the photo of the Ninjago Fire Temple display was from the Stratford Westfield Lego store, its not my display.
I would love to have a display like this too, so would be interested if anyone knows of a decent place to buy acrylic type display cases.

richo

I actually use a pretty cheap Ikea glass cabinet for small - mid size lego displays. Unfortunately you wouldnt get a Falcon in it, but my Grand Emporium fits in. I'll try to add a photo tonight. I believe the cabinet is circa £25, and has 4 shelves. Looks nice too.

StevenAshby

I use Some ikea dislay cabints fit all but the largest sets i have
www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/10119206

cloud0

Agree that the Ikea Detolf is simply too small to fit much.

I present my IKEA Mod!

Its actually 2x ikea billy nailed together front to back. Fitted with some IKEA led lights in the back.

Notice the depth.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6152706647_eba659862f_z.jpg

This is a display of pirates + POTC
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6152702797_25b258c458_z.jpg

richo

@CloudO,

A nice modification. The only general point I would make is that the Detolf is in my opinion rather more elegant and of a sturdier build quality than the Billy.

Anyway, I have added some pics below. Most of my lego is in my office, but the Detolf looks very nice downstairs in the back room.

richo

MinifigsMe

Some nice ideas, keep them coming. I'm lucky enough to have inherited an old unit from my parents, that has shelves of different heights and depths, makes for a varied display area. But I need more!

I feel sorry for the minifigs in the detolf...they'll suffocate!! :(

legomatt

Nice ideas right there... and I thought I was the only one mad, i mean, inspired enough to nail two cabinets together! Lol. I've been considering doing this with two book shelves, in order to get a deep enough cupboard to house a load of large-boxed games... but I stopped myself from doing it, thinking i must be insane... and the lopsided looks I got from family didn't help. :oP


Just a side-thought: would it be worth this thread being a 'sticky' (or what have you) in order to catch all display chat (and act as a reminder that it's here). As I imagine posts made to this thread could prove to be sporadic at times, compared to the fast moving Lego chat - It could get lost and forgotten otherwise. I'm sure any heads ups on display news/ store savings would be welcome by most colllectors.

Si_UKNZ

^ rather than being sticky (which pushes the new stuff below the fold), maybe a new category for storage and display?

Interesting thread, and very topical for me, as this is what my dining room table currently looks like:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/6154646291/sizes/l/in/photostream/

I'd like to keep them together as one street. I was thinking of a shelf above the door, about 3m long, with a sheet of perspex along the front and ends to keep out the dust. I'm thinking a small groove along the front edge of the shelf for the perspex to slot in, and a thin strip of wood fixed to the ceiling for it to sit against. Sorry if that doesnt make any sense, will put up pics once Ive had a go at building it.

MinifigsMe

You have a very understanding wife Si (or maybe that's why you have fresh flowers - is that how you keep her sweet?)
I think above the door is a great idea (our ceilings are are far too low for that) Hinges on the perspex for ease of access maybe? Though I guess it wouldn't need much modding.

I'm trying to figure out how to run a train around my small, low ceiling, lego room...

Si_UKNZ

^ It was only up for the evening, since I store everything built, it's easy to do. Was bored watching a chick flick so set up the street instead :) Am just packing it back into the boxes now.

Thought you were running the train on a board in a loop?

I've tried hinges in perspex before, it gets very messy (screws etc crack it and glue invariably spreads about) so was thinking of maybe sliding it out to get access; ends first then the long front sections.
Probably wont be building it for a month or 2 but will share pics when I do.

MinifigsMe

Good tips on the perspex.

I want to have trains in my city, but they take up so much room, that I'd rather dedicate to buildings. So a single line through, then a sidings elsewhere (I need to make a turntable I guess) And then a loop round the room would be great. Still talking to my dad about it. trying to get him involved. he has model trains, but he's not yet fully convinced by my lego trains :(

It's not a big room, but I like the idea of having a town at the other end fo the room, it can have a diff architecture style, or even villages using MMV etc.. along the way :) Its clearly not going to work though, as I need the sides of the room for storage, unless I make holes in furniture and tunnels to protect the trains from boxes and stuff.

richo

My cabinet downstairs is pretty inconspicuous, so I can get away with lego in there without throwing it in the face of my girlfriend or daughter, although I now have to get out the Grand Emporium everyday for my daughter to play with! Rather inventively, she has added a lego cash register from another set in to floor 2.

warrenelsmore

If you want to hinge perspex, The display cases we use at the LEGO Show use connectors like these: http://www.e-shopfittings.co.uk/shop_accessories/acrylic_and_glass_cube_connectors/160_0c.html which are very good for connecting perspex panels. They have the advantage of being really easy to mount and not being permanent, so we can pack them up and move them.

Sadly, perspex isn't cheap in bulk. You don't want to know the total bill.....!

Si_UKNZ

yes, perspex is pricey. I get mine off ebay or here, not too bad, but I bet you need a lot.
http://www.mindsetsonline.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=418_6_80&products_id=520
Any pics of your set up displays you could share?

Matthew

^^ Have you bought all this stuff just for AFOLCON then Warren? It seems like a huge investment for one weekend a year....

warrenelsmore

@Si_Dorking_Surrey_UK - there are some photos in my Flickr set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/warrenelsmore/5693115651/in/set-72157626660549102

@Matthew - not all the stuff no! I run other events and conferences too, not just AFOLCON / LEGO Show. Obviously each show does have some items that are only used a few times each year. I wouldn't say 'huge', but every type of show does require a 'significant' investment ;-)

MrBerre

I've bought a Blu-ray rack from http://www.sora-shop.com/ which was very nice. They do custom display cases too (within certain limits).

madforLEGO

Ive been hoping to actually build a train display case with help from my friend (and his wood shop tools).
It seems like every train type of display case I see (especially those of wood or wood like material) go for huge amounts and to not adequately display enough trains for my needs.. I was look at plexi displays for O Gauge but they are around 100-120 I think...
Hoping I cant build something myself with a little woodworking for less

Legoboy

....there are some photos in my Flickr set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/warrenelsmore/5693115651/in/set-72157626660549102

That's the clearest view I've seen of those sets! Was very busy at the time. :o)

Matthew

Obviously each show does have some items that are only used a few times each year.

Such as vans ;o) You must be hoping for it to really take off!

warrenelsmore

I run other shows as well during the year ;-) No waaaaay would the LEGO SHOW be able to finance a van!

Firox5000

The way I assemble my collection is by spreading themes on different shelves and by putting a set box of a big set of that theme behind the models on that shelf.

I have also made custom made brick structures that have many vehicles above or below on two storeys.

For my Harry potter collection though, I have made a scene of the castle bits together inside a circle of the Lego city passenger train.

romdam

Does anyone else any acrylic type display cubes? I found some 5 sided ones for like $16. Not sure they will fit reg baseplate sets tho. The ones I am looking at are 10x10x10. I think a baseplate is exactly that as well. Are there any other cheap methods you use to display and yet keep out dust?

vanhan

I used a acrylic clear bead organizer that I purchase in the craft section of walmart to display cmf. They have 12 compartments. The organizers are 1.99 each.

Yellowcastle

@romdam - Here are some other possibly relevant "display" threads:

http://www.bricksetforum.com/discussion/1673/minifig-display-box
http://www.bricksetforum.com/discussion/294/minifig-storage
http://www.bricksetforum.com/discussion/1662/displays-cabinets-cases-hints-tips-bargain-buys
http://www.bricksetforum.com/discussion/2404/how-do-you-display-your-assembled-lego-sets

romdam

[Duplicate Post - YC 1/1/12]

Blue1dot

That is a fantastic room and what a collection! You have definitely given me some ideas. Are slat panels something I can pick up at Lowe's or Home Depot and install myself?

vanhan

Grat use og the slat walls for displaying legos. I personally don't think I would be able to dust all those legos. For those looking for fairly inexpensive display cases, I would suggest craigslist as I have gotten exceptional cases at great prices. I like ikea cases as they are modern and inexpensive. I will post pictures later.

Yellowcastle

@romdam - Please note that I have merged your question with this existing thread. Thanks

aplbomr79

We are in the throes of designing and finishing our basement (roughly 1600sqft)... my wife has offered up portions of this for a 'Man Cave' (roughly 14'x16') that will connect to our theatre room via a pocket doors. I love my LEGO - but I also love collecting guns and am an avid hunter (and she is tired of looking at my wallmounts on the main level).

My problem is: How to showcase my LEGO, my trophies, and keep my guns (I have a FEW) in safe storage?

With our latest draw-up, I have decided to keep the guns where they now are kept... but the Trophies and a bar will be included with my LEGO collection. I have decided that the LEGO will be displayed similar to what @throttleon has (my collection is not as large as throttleons), but will be on pull-out, lock-out hardware so that I can safely store the sets in cabinets - and then will be able to protect them from sun-wear, dust, etc. I will also have the opportunity to pull them out safely without the hardware being an issue; see http://www.rockler.com/ or for the hardware if interested.

NOTE: After this last draw-up, my wife looked at me and said: "If you keep buying guns and LEGO, we need a bigger basement... or another house".

P.S. -Anyone interested in a beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath 2800sqft home (with over 800 sqft of Tile and is trimmed in cherry-finished oak, Alder Cabinetry) that is 30 minutes from DT MPLS, MN? I will sell it for what I have into it! And it is cheaper than what you can find in my area ($170,000).

Sorry for the plug - I am not sure that my wife was serious about selling...