Displaying & Storing LEGO Minifigures
Collecting favorite LEGO minifigures is a common activity for many LEGO enthusiasts. Let's find the best way to showcase and protect your collection.
Introduction
From research among nearly 200 LEGO enthusiasts, I learned that storage for LEGO minifigures is the second priority, right after storage for the bricks themselves. I also learned that displaying their favorite minifigures is very important! That's why this part of the guide focuses entirely on LEGO minifigures.
The number of minifigures has grown enormously in recent years. As the number of minifigures grew, so did the number of people collecting them. This growth is due to various factors, including the introduction of the Collectible Minifigures Series in 2010. That series alone added hundreds of brand-new designs in a short time.
Whether you have a small collection of childhood favorites or a huge collection of rare items, let's look at some of the best ways to display or store your collection.
Types of LEGO Figures
The classic LEGO minifigure was introduced in 1978, but it's not the only figure: there are different types and sizes. A well-known addition is the Friends mini-doll, introduced in 2012. Both the minifigure and the mini-doll are approximately the same size, so most storage solutions work well for both.
Did you know?
A minifigure wearing a dress is 3mm longer than one with standard legs. (The dress is actually a 2x2x2 Slope - Part #3678).
Besides standard minifigures and mini-dolls, many enthusiasts also collect other figures, such as:
Maxi Figures
Larger molded figures like the Wampa (Star Wars), Trolls (Castle), or the Hulk.
TECHNIC Figures
These larger figures with more human-like proportions were produced between 1986 and 2001.
Animals
From small chickens to horses, elephants, and dinosaurs.
Displaying LEGO Minifigures
You have a nice collection of minifigures, and maybe even a few rare ones... Let's find the best way to showcase your collection while protecting it from damage and dust.
Consider your display requirements:
- ?How many minifigures do you want to display?
- ?Does the solution need to be dust-free?
- ?Do you have large figures that need a custom display?
- ?Do you want them on the wall or on a shelf?
- ?Do you need room to grow?
- ?Do you need to quickly remove the figures?
Minifigure Display Case & Frame (Official)
The only solution made by LEGO themselves is a hybrid solution: it can be used as a stackable display case on a table, or mounted on the wall as a frame.
- Suitable for: Children, small collections, easy access.
- Features: They have a transparent front to keep dust out and you can open them while they are hanging on the wall.
Recommended: On our homepage you'll find links to these official and stackable display cases.
Tabletop Display Cases
If you want to display your minifigures on your desk or a shelf, a display case is perfect. Most cases have a tiered platform, allowing you to show multiple rows of figures while the back row is still clearly visible.
- Suitable for: Large collections, unusual shapes, dust-free presentation.
- Tip: You can build a simple tiered structure yourself with basic LEGO bricks. However, if you want a dust-free environment, a ready-made acrylic case is often the best choice.
Recommended: We have selected the best display cases for you on our homepage.
Wall-Mounted Display Frames
Many LEGO enthusiasts already have every shelf in the house filled with complete sets. If that sounds familiar, you might be better off hanging your minifigures on the wall in a special frame. I recommend options with a glass or acrylic front to keep dust out, and a hinged lid so you can easily access them.
Suitable for: Large collections, limited space.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Solutions
There are a couple of reasons to make your own frame. First, you can save some money, and second, you can make a non-standard size.
Self-Built Frame
You can build your own frame with a baseplate (32x32 or 48x48) and some basic bricks. This is fun if you have lots of spare bricks, but often not dust-free.
Deep Photo Frames (Shadow Boxes)
A popular method is using deep photo frames (like the well-known frames from home furnishing stores). You can glue LEGO bricks to a background or create small shelves. This provides a professional, dust-free appearance.
Storing LEGO Minifigures
Do you have lots of minifigures from sets? Or are you trying to collect a complete series, but they don't all need to be on display? Let's look at how to safely store them.
Each of these options protects your figures and prevents you from losing parts. Plastic bags, for example, take up less space but make it harder to quickly find a specific figure.
Consider your needs:
- ?Do you need quick access to your figures (e.g., for LEGO Dimensions)?
- ?Do you want to keep accessories with the figure?
- ?Do you need the black stands or tags?
- ?Do you have limited space?
Sorting Boxes (Tackle Boxes)
Sorting boxes come in many sizes and are divided into smaller compartments with fixed or removable dividers. This is a cost-effective solution for both minifigures and small parts.
- Suitable for: Easy access, portability, storing accessories.
- Watch the dimensions: While you might think every minifigure is the same size, there is a lot of variation, especially in special series (think of figures with tails, dresses, or tall hats). Figures like Garmadon (with four arms) also need more space.
- Stands: If you want to keep the black 3x4 plates or LEGO Dimensions tags attached to the figure, you need compartments that are at least 32mm x 32mm x 62mm.
Recommended: On our homepage you'll find links to the best sorting boxes with adjustable compartments that are perfect for minifigures.
Plastic Bags (Resealable Bags)
Plastic bags are one of the most practical and affordable solutions. Even if you use another storage method, it's handy to have a supply of bags for the "overflow."
- Suitable for: Low cost, high storage density, shipping by mail.
Large Bags (approx. 7x12 cm)
Perfect if you want to store the minifigure together with accessories and the series leaflet. The wider opening makes it easy to put the figure in and take it out.
Small Bags (approx. 5x7 cm)
Suitable for individual minifigures without many accessories.
Recommended: You can find suitable bags through the links on our homepage.
Find Your Perfect Display
Browse our selection of minifigure displays and showcases on Amazon.
View Display Options