What’s the Best Way to Display Your LEGO Models?

For Lego enthusiasts, finding the perfect way to display completed builds is almost as important as the building process itself. In this blog, we’ll compare three of the most popular ways to display Lego models: wall mounts, glass cabinets, and shelving. Each display option offers its own set of benefits and challenges - there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right choice depends on your available space, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each to help you choose the best display option for your Lego sets.

3D Printed Wall Mounts

Pros

• Affordable: Compared to other display options, Lego wall mounts are an inexpensive choice (the 3Dudes & Dad mounts start from only £5.99).
• Space Efficient: Wall mounts are perfect for small rooms - they free up floor and shelf space by using your vertical areas (your walls!).
• Easy Access: Wall mounts make it easy to access to your models – meaning you can remove and redisplay your Lego as often as you like.
• Dynamic Angles: Some wall mounts will display models in "action" positions, which aren’t possible on flat horizontal surfaces.
• Wall Art:  Lego models become more than just a collection when wall mounted – the  visual impact can be stunning. Something that cabinets and shelving just can’t match.
• Reduced Dust Collection: Vertical positioning collects less dust than horizontal shelf surfaces.

Cons

• Installation Required: Involves drilling holes (which requires some DIY capability and may not be possible in rental properties).
• Limited Flexibility: Once installed, the position of the wall mount brackets is fixed. If you want to rearrange your space, you’ll need to move the mounts.
• Availability: Niche or older Lego models might not have pre-made mounting solutions.

Best For: Those who want to create stunning wall displays with their Lego and/or want to free up shelf space.

Glass Display Cabinets

Pros

• Premium Appearance: Creates a high-quality presentation with clean, modern aesthetics.
• Multi-angle Visibility: Transparency allows viewing from various positions.
• Display Multiple Sets: Each shelf may accommodate several models at once.
• Easy Surface Cleaning: Glass wipes clean and avoids the need to dust each Lego model.

Cons

• Expensive: Glass cabinets can be pricy. Custom or designer options can significantly increase the cost.
• Fingerprints Show Easily: Requires frequent cleaning to maintain appearance.
• Takes Up Floor Space: Unlike wall-mounted LEGO sets, glass cabinets take up floor space, which can be problematic if you have limited room.
• Heavy and Bulky: Glass display cabinets are typically bulky and heavy, making them difficult to move or adjust. They may also need to be anchored for stability.
• Complete Removal for Access: Models must be removed from the cabinet for handling, which may involve some disassembly.

Best For: Serious collectors who want to protect their models and are willing to invest in a premium, long-term display solution

Traditional Shelving Units

Pros

• Budget-Friendly: Shelves are inexpensive and may already be in position.
• Adjustable Options: Configure shelf heights as collection grows or changes.
• Higher Weight Capacity: Useful for displaying multiple models on a single shelf.
• Easy Access: Simple to rearrange, play with, or clean around models.

 

Cons

• Less Visual Impact: More ordinary appearance than specialised display methods
• Floor Space Required: Freestanding units take up floor space, unlike wall mounts.
• Dust Magnet: Horizontal surfaces collect dust more quickly.
• Risk of Clutter: Without proper organization, shelves can become overcrowded, making the display look cluttered or less visually appealing
• Limited Perspective: Primarily offers frontal view of displayed models.

Best For: Those who want a customizable, flexible, and affordable LEGO display option, and don’t mind doing regular cleaning.

Finding Your Perfect Solution

The most effective approach often combines multiple display methods:

• Use wall mounts for special showcase pieces and space-saving needs.
• Install glass shelving for collections deserving premium-quality presentation.
• Employ traditional shelving units for versatility and accommodating growing collections.

Consider your specific priorities—available space, aesthetic preferences, hands-on access needs, and dust concerns—to create a display system that both displays and preserves your Lego creations. Remember that the best solution allows you to enjoy viewing your models while maintaining their condition for years to come.

This page is part of our Ultimate LEGO Display Guide — explore more insights here.

If you need any further assistance then please do contact us, and we'd be happy to help.