Where should I put my action figures?

Where you put your action figures depends on a few factors, such as the level of protection they need, your available space, and how you want to display them. Here are several options to help you choose the best place to store or display your action figures:

1. Display Shelves or Cabinets

• Best For: Collectible figures or figures you want to show off.
• Benefits: Shelves or glass-front cabinets allow you to display your figures in an organized and visually appealing way. You can arrange them by franchise, size, or character.
• Tips: Consider using shelves with glass doors (like IKEA’s Detolf display cabinet) to protect figures from dust while still showcasing them. Adjustable shelves can also help accommodate figures of different sizes.

2. Detolf Glass Cabinets (or Similar Display Cases)

• Best For: High-end or valuable collectible action figures.
• Benefits: Glass display cases like the IKEA Detolf or similar ones are perfect for showcasing action figures while keeping them safe from dust and accidental damage. These cabinets also allow for proper lighting, which enhances the display.
• Tips: Use LED strip lights inside the cabinet to highlight your figures, and arrange them in poses that showcase their best features.

3. Shelving Units with Compartmented Storage

• Best For: Action figures with accessories or larger collections.
• Benefits: A shelving unit with compartments is a great way to keep figures organized by size, theme, or character. It’s also easy to add more shelves as your collection grows.
• Tips: Use small boxes or containers to keep accessories and parts organized. Label compartments to easily find specific figures.

4. Display Riser Stands or Dioramas

• Best For: Posing figures in dynamic scenes.
• Benefits: Display risers or diorama-style stands are perfect for setting up figures in action poses or scenes that showcase their dynamic features. This is especially great for creating interactive, lifelike displays.
• Tips: Use custom dioramas or make your own themed backgrounds (e.g., a city street for superhero figures, or a space background for sci-fi figures).

5. Shadow Boxes

• Best For: Smaller collections or for protecting delicate figures.
• Benefits: Shadow boxes are ideal for framing and protecting individual action figures. They are compact and offer an elegant, framed presentation that minimizes exposure to dust.
• Tips: Shadow boxes are great for creating a focused, thematic display, and can be hung on the wall or placed on shelves.

6. Storage Bins (for Unopened/Loose Figures)

• Best For: Storage of excess figures or those you don’t display immediately.
• Benefits: If you don’t have the space to display all your figures or prefer to keep them in mint condition, storage bins (preferably clear ones) help protect figures from dust and physical damage while keeping them organized.
• Tips: Use plastic bins or stackable containers with dividers to keep figures safe and easy to access. If the figures are in their original packaging, you can store them flat or upright in a larger container.

7. Toy Boxes or Plastic Drawers (for Kids' Figures)

• Best For: Children’s action figures or casual storage.
• Benefits: If you have figures intended for play, a toy box or plastic drawers are a simple, functional way to store them while keeping them easily accessible.
• Tips: Clear plastic drawers let you see what's inside, and you can organize by character or series.

8. Wall Mounts or Hooks

• Best For: Small action figures or figures you want to keep out of reach.
• Benefits: Wall mounts or hooks are great for hanging action figures that are in packaging or are small enough to be displayed on the wall. It saves space and turns your figures into art.
• Tips: Use high-quality adhesive hooks or nails for secure mounting, and consider wall-mounted shelves for larger figures.

9. Display Cases with Lighting

• Best For: Collectible or high-end figures that you want to highlight.
• Benefits: Display cases with built-in lighting can really enhance the appeal of your action figures, making them the focal point of the room. Many collectible brands offer cases with specialized lighting systems to highlight your figures’ details.
• Tips: Use LED lighting with adjustable brightness to ensure your figures are well-lit without overwhelming the display.

10. Desks or Tables (for Easy Access)

• Best For: For action figures that are often used in play or photography.
• Benefits: Keeping action figures on a desk or table allows you to easily interact with them or arrange them for photo shoots. It’s a great option for collectors who enjoy setting up their figures in different poses or creating scenes.
• Tips: Add small risers or props to make the figures stand out. Keep your workspace tidy to avoid clutter.

Additional Tips:

• Keep Dust Away: Use display cabinets or boxes to protect figures from dust and accidental damage.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading and damage to action figures, especially those made of plastic. Store figures away from direct light to preserve their colors and materials.
• Use Soft Materials: When handling or storing figures, avoid harsh chemicals or rough materials that could damage the paint or joints.

Conclusion

The best place to put your action figures depends on how you want to display them and the level of protection you want for them. Display shelves, glass cabinets, and dioramas are great options for showing off your collection, while storage bins and toy boxes work well for keeping them safe when not in use. Choose the solution that best suits your collection's size, value, and your personal preferences!