For years, hobbyists defaulted to “that one glass cabinet everyone uses.” But with changes in availability and space, many are searching for better alternatives. The real question isn’t just which cabinet to buy—it’s how to maximise visibility and capacity without your army looking like a cluttered pile.
Whether you are showcasing a Compatible with Warhammer 40,000® strike force or a grand Age of Sigmar® host, this guide breaks down how to plan your layout for maximum impact.
Step 1: Choose by Measurements (Not Hype)
When selecting a cabinet (IKEA® or otherwise), ignore the branding and focus on three specific numbers:
- Internal Shelf Width: Determines how many squads fit side-by-side.
- Internal Shelf Depth: Critical for planning tiers to avoid "lost" back rows.
- Vertical Clearance: Ensures taller monsters and banners fit without reconfiguring shelves.
Step 2: Use “Stadium Tiers” to Fix Wasted Depth
Deep shelves create a classic problem: the front row looks great, while everything behind it disappears into the shadows. This is where "The Foam Case Burial" happens even inside a glass case. The fix is to tier your rows. The gain is bigger than it looks: our own measurements show that raising a standard 20mm-tall model onto a 49mm tier more than triples its visible display height (a 245% increase) and lifts it nearly six times higher off the shelf — which is exactly how a raised back row clears the heads of the models in front.
Unlike standard acrylic risers that reflect overhead LEDs and create distracting glare, our Modular Miniature Display Stands use a matte finish that "disappears" into the shelf. This ensures the focus stays on your paintwork. They are the ultimate IKEA Detolf® upgrade, designed to fit perfectly into standard glass cabinet depths. For magnetised 40mm armies, our newest stand — the WarSplay Pro — builds magnets into every podium, so models stay locked in place even if the cabinet is bumped.
Step 3: Plan Your Shelf Like a Professional Showcase
A high-end wargaming showcase requires an intentional layout. We recommend the "Product Photography" approach:
- Front Row: Your hero models and unit leaders with the most detail.
- Middle Row: Core squad members and specialists.
- Back Row (Raised): Bulk infantry and support units.
This creates "visual chapters" that are easy to scan. For more on creating clean layouts in tight areas, see our guide on desk display setups.
Tiered visibility turns a crowded shelf into a curated exhibition.
Step 4: Eliminate Display Killers
Visual Clutter: Using random boxes or mismatched stands steals attention from your miniatures. Consistency is key to a premium look. Choose one system and repeat it across your entire collection.
Wasted Space: If you have large gaps behind your models, you aren't using your shelf's full potential. Tiering the back allows you to fit significantly more models per shelf while improving visibility. If you're struggling to choose between different setups, read our breakdown of Acrylic Cases vs. Open Stands.
Upgrade Your Cabinet Today
Don't wait for a new cabinet to fix your display. Elevate your current setup with our signature matte-finish modular system—the professional choice for serious collectors. It is time to stop hiding your miniatures and give them the stage they deserve.
👉 Browse the WarSplay® CollectionCompatibility & Legal: WarSplay® modular stands are independent designs. They are compatible with Warhammer 40,000®, Age of Sigmar®, and other tabletop systems, but are not affiliated with or endorsed by Games Workshop Group PLC. IKEA®, Detolf®, and Billy® are trademarks of Inter IKEA Systems B.V.