Club open days, painting nights, store showcases and conventions are some of the best places to show off a finished army, but a busy table is a very different environment from your shelf at home. Models get knocked, lighting is harsh and people view from every angle. Here is how to set up a display that travels well, looks impressive and comes home in one piece.
The short answer: transport models in magnetic or foam cases, set them up on a pre-assembled tiered stand so every model is visible from the front, keep the whole display inside a defined footprint, add a small label card, and position it away from table edges and drinks.
How should you transport miniatures to a show?
Travel in a foam or magnetic case and only move models onto the display at the venue; never carry a loaded display stand across a car park. Pack the stand separately in a box or bag. Our transport guide covers cases in detail.
What layout works best on a shared table?
Tiered layouts win because visitors see every model from the front without having to lean in, and the display takes up far less table depth than a flat line of models. Put characters and centrepiece models at the top or centre, rank-and-file in front and leave a little space between units. Our guide to arranging miniatures on a display stand has layout ideas.
| Setup | Table footprint | Visibility | Setup time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat on a display board | Large | Back rows hidden | Slow (lots of positioning) |
| Books or boxes as risers | Medium | Good but wobbly | Medium |
| Pre-assembled tiered stand | Small | Every model visible | Fast (models drop into slots) |
| Acrylic case | Medium | Good, some glare | Medium; bulky to carry |
How much table space should you plan for?
Ask the organiser how much space you have and plan to use less of it, leaving room for a label and a gap at the front edge. A tiered stand holds a squad or two plus a character in far less depth than the same models laid out flat. Use the size guide to compare footprints before you go.
How do you stop people knocking models over?
Keep the display well back from the table edge, away from drinks and dice trays, and make models easy to look at so nobody feels the need to pick them up. A small sign saying please look, do not touch is perfectly acceptable. Magnetised bases on a stand with magnet holes add security for heavier or top-heavy models.
Should you label the display?
Yes: a small card with the army or unit name, your name or handle and perhaps the paints used starts conversations and helps judges or store staff. Keep it short and readable from a metre away. See how to label a miniature display for formats that work.
How do you deal with harsh venue lighting?
Halls and stores often have flat overhead lighting that washes out detail and creates shadows under tiers. A small clip-on or battery LED angled from the front helps, and a backdrop behind the display hides a cluttered background. Stands with a scenic backdrop, like the WarSplay Pro, do both jobs in one.
Which stand suits which kind of event?
For a squad-sized club showcase, the Classic or Classic Mini is the simplest option. For monsters, cavalry and big characters use the Hero, and for 40mm elite models the Pro adds a backdrop. Our stands are compatible with Warhammer 40,000® miniatures and most other games on standard round bases, so one stand can serve several armies.
Show-ready display stands, pre-assembled
- WarSplay Classic – £18.95, 17 slots over 5 tiers for 28–32mm infantry
- WarSplay Classic Mini – £11.95, 8 slots for a small squad or skirmish force
- WarSplay Hero – £18.95, 9 slots for bases up to 80mm
- WarSplay Pro – from £24.95, 40mm plinths, UV-printed scenic backdrop and optional magnet holes
Made in our UK workshop, modular and dispatched within 2 business days. Not sure which fits? Try the display stand finder or browse the full range.
What should you pack in a show kit?
Bring the display stand, labels, a soft brush for dust, superglue for emergency repairs, a small LED light and a spare case for anything that breaks. A cloth or display mat defines your space on a shared table. Pack everything in one bag so setup takes minutes.
Related reading
- Birthday Gift Ideas for Miniature Painters and Tabletop Gamers
- How to Show Off Your Miniatures on Video Calls and Streams
- How to Arrange Miniatures on a Display Stand
- How to Label Your Miniature Display
- How to Prepare Painted Miniatures for a Tournament or Competition
- Army Display Cases and Transport
Warhammer 40,000® is a trademark of Games Workshop Group PLC. WarSplay® and Blubbercove Ltd are not affiliated with, authorised by, endorsed by, or licensed by Games Workshop Group PLC. The name is used solely to indicate product compatibility.