Dear Lifehacker, I’ve been collecting D&D, Reaper and Pathfinder miniatures for a few years now and have a sizeable collection. But I don’t have a good system for storing and/or displaying these miniatures and keeping them dust free. Got any ideas? Thanks, Dwarf Addict
[credit provider=”Nomadic Lass, Flickr” url=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/nomadic_lass/”]
Dear DA,
Displaying all your miniatures is supposed to be half the point! This needs to be rectified immediately to avoid a -6 hit to charisma.
In the past, we’ve shown how to turn old CD racks into light-up display cases which would be ideal for your collection. The beauty of this solution is that it will house each of your miniatures in their own illuminated compartments which I’m sure you’ll agree is a lot cooler than just sticking ’em on a shelf. You can see how it’s done here.
Alternatively, you could try replicating this pantry shelving system in your bedroom (or wherever you happen to store your miniatures.) This is achieved by sliding plumbing pipes through holes drilled in wood boards which are supported in the back with pipe clamps and strips of medium-density fibreboard. You can make the space between each shelf as narrow as you like: for standard-size miniatures, around 3-4cm should be perfect.
Want to really go all out? Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a glass display cabinet complete with LED lighting. It’s a big job, but relatively easy to assemble – apart from the building materials, the only tools you need are some blue tack and a small wrench.
If you’d prefer not go down the DIY route, there are plenty of suitable display units available from IKEA and the like. This is the method favoured by Atomic editor and part-time dungeon master David Hollingworth, as he explained to us below:
IKEA do some great glass display cabinets, and you can even get lighting in them if you wants them on display. I’ve always wanted to get one of these set up for myself — it’s basically how you see figures on show in stores and events.
If any 12-sided dice owners are reading, please feel free to share your own miniature display tips below!
Cheers
Lifehacker
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Comments
One response to “Ask LH: What’s The Best Way To Store My D&D Miniatures?”
I like to keep mine in a big pile waiting to be painted.
If you are looking at storing/transporting option, try looking at Fishing Tackleboxes (i.e. Plano 4 Drawer Tacklebox).
The trays can fit small & medium mini’s (and some large) and the large & huge usually fit in the top section. Gargantuan & Colossal mini’s are probably best left visible on a shelf.
Plus, if you buy extra trays, you can use the tackle box for transporting, switching out the trays you need.
Ugh, this article completely avoids answering the question. There are any number of reasons someone might need to store these long term rather than display them. Reaper sells protective cases for storage / transport with foam padding. Outside of that, keep them in a controlled environment (not too hot or cold, avoid moisture, no direct sunlight, etc).
Budget: blocks of pluck foam, stacked in cloth supermarket bags
DIY: Tactix or Fischer compartment trays from KMart, Big W or Bunnings, lined with sticky backed foam tape, or cut up pieces of foame
Deluxe: KR cases (or Battlefoam, or a multitude of others)
I use two of these for the smaller miniatures:
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/x-4-high-storage-drawers-pp-frosted-x14p200252
Modular drawers mean I can categorize miniatures, and they are a good size for transportation. I have taken to storing them in Eski bags to stop the drawers sliding out all over the car.
Drawer height is the only problem. For Demons, Dragons and Giants, I have to store them separately on the affectionately-named Shelf of Doom, which makes for high drama when players notice that one of those minis are missing.