How to Expand a Miniature Display as Your Collection Grows

October 10, 2026

WarSplay Hero modular display stand for large miniatures

Nobody plans a display for the collection they'll have in three years. You start with one squad, then a character, then a second army, and the shelf that looked generous suddenly looks crowded. The trick is to build a display that can grow in steps rather than one you have to replace.

The short answer: start with a modular stand sized for your most common base, leave a third of the shelf empty for growth, add matching modules as you finish units, and introduce larger-base stands for characters and monsters rather than squeezing them onto infantry tiers.

Growth stages at a glance

Collection size	Typical set-up	Next step
Up to 10 models	One compact stand or a desk spot	An 8-slot stand such as the Classic Mini
10–30 models	One full tiered stand	Add a matching stand alongside
30–60 models	Two or three linked stands	Add larger-base stands for centrepieces
60+ models	A dedicated shelf or cabinet	Rotate models and plan a second shelf

How do I plan a display that can grow?

Decide where the display will live long-term, measure the shelf depth and height, and leave space either side of your first stand. Plan around the base size you own most of. Our guide to how many miniatures fit on a shelf helps you work out the space.

Why choose modular stands?

Because you can add to them instead of replacing them. Matching modules keep the display looking like one piece as it grows, and you can rearrange the layout when a new army arrives. All WarSplay stands are modular and pre-assembled, and our stands are compatible with Warhammer 40,000® miniatures and most other games on standard bases.

What should I add first: more slots or bigger slots?

Add more of the same slots while you're mostly painting infantry, then add bigger slots when characters and monsters start piling up. Larger models on infantry tiers overhang and hide the row behind; see how much clearance miniatures need.

How do I mix different base sizes neatly?

Group by size: 28–32 mm models on a Classic, 40 mm characters on a WarSplay Pro, larger bases up to 80 mm on a Hero, and 54 mm-scale models on an XL. Put the tallest stand at the back or centre so nothing is hidden. The stand finder matches stands to your bases.

How do I keep a growing display looking tidy?

Stick to one stand colour and finish, keep armies together and leave small gaps between groups. Consistency matters more than size. Our guide to organising a miniature collection covers grouping by army and painting stage.

What if I run out of shelf space?

Rotate rather than cram. Keep your best and newest models on show and store the rest safely, swapping them every month or two. See how to rotate your display and storage vs display.

How can I expand on a budget?

Add one module at a time as you finish units, so the cost is spread out and every new stand has models ready for it. A Classic Mini at £11.95 or a Hero Mini at £11.95 is an easy next step, and stands make good gift-list items; see our gift finder.

Should labels and themes change as the display grows?

Yes, once you have several armies on show, small labels help visitors follow what's what. Our guide to labelling a miniature display covers sizes and placement.

Grow your display one module at a time
Classic (17 slots) £18.95 · Classic Mini (8 slots) £11.95 · Hero (up to 80 mm) £18.95 · Hero Mini £11.95 · XL from £14.35 · Pro from £24.95. All pre-assembled, made in our UK workshop and dispatched within 2 business days.

Shop the modular display system → | Size guide | Gifts for wargamers