Collecting things is by no means an instinct to hoard; it is a hobby with its own unique appeal, that allows you to fully indulge in your special interest and cultivate something both personally and aesthetically fulfilling. Collector industries have exploded in recent years, as the pastime has far outgrown the fustier days of stamp collection and war artefacts to include popular culture and modern cultural history.
But whatever it is that you choose to collect – be it film props, guitar pedals, anime figurines or even mugs – storage and display are vital things for you to consider. Not only do you need room for your collection, but you also want it to look its best. With this in mind, what are some of the best ways to display your collection?
Shelves
Shelving is a simple yet elegant solution for your collection display endeavours. Shelves come in a wide variety of types, and are extremely easy to install if you’re handy with a drill. Whether you’re on your first Funko Pop and looking to give your burgeoning collection a lofty home, or you have an array of tactile toys you’d like within easy reach, shelves are a great idea. Different design like stepped or zig-zag shelving add some creative flair, too.
Figure Stands
Figure stands are almost like mini-shelves, designed to allow you to pose any action figures or figurines and display them without fitting an entire item of furniture. These stands are commonly included in the box with more collectible poseable figurines, particularly those attached to Japanese IPs such as Madoka Magicka. For Funko Pops or Nendoroid figurines though, action figure stands exist in the form of plinths that can be wall-mounted.
Bookcase
The humble bookcase is an excellent candidate for displaying collection items – particularly forms of media, such as VHS tapes, cassettes, 8-tracks, vinyl records or even older tape reels. A combination of bookends and comic book stands can be used to display standout items, with the rest stacked against one another and filed in order.
Display Case
Taking your collection display to its logical conclusion, display cases are purpose-built for showing off your curated items at their very best. Display cases are typically glass, with built-in lighting to illuminate your collectibles.
Some more expensive models might incorporate some form of hermetic seal, to prevent more vulnerable items from suffering the detrimental impacts of humidity. As such, display cases are the best place for expensive and semi-perishable items.
