How to Stop Miniatures Falling Over on a Display Shelf

October 14, 2026

Why miniatures topple on display shelves and how to stop it: putty, magnets, weighted bases, level shelves and keeping models away from vibration.

Few things are as painful as hearing a clatter from the shelf and finding a freshly painted model face-down with a snapped spear. Most falls are not bad luck: they come from top-heavy models, small bases, a shelf that is not quite level, or vibration from doors, speakers and footsteps. Each has a simple fix, and most cost next to nothing.

The short answer: check the shelf is level, keep displays away from slamming doors and speakers, fix top-heavy models with a tiny ball of removable putty or a magnet under the base, and add weight inside hollow bases. Give each model its own space so one fall cannot cause a domino effect.

Why do miniatures fall over on display?

The usual culprits are a high centre of gravity (big weapons, wings, banners on a small base), a slightly sloping shelf, and vibration that slowly walks a model towards the edge. Smooth, glossy shelf surfaces make it worse because the base has nothing to grip. Crowding adds risk too, because one falling model knocks over its neighbours.

What is the quickest fix?

A pea-sized ball of removable museum or poster putty under the base holds most infantry and characters firmly while still letting you lift them off. Press it to the underside of the base, not the painted top, and use only as much as you need. Museum putty is designed for exactly this job and tends to leave less residue than general-purpose putty.

Do magnets stop miniatures falling over?

Yes, magnets are the most secure option for models that are moved often. Fit a small magnet under the base and either a matching magnet or steel in the surface it stands on. The WarSplay Pro has optional magnet holes in each plinth, so you can fit your own magnets if you want a positive hold; see our magnetic display guide for how it works.

Method	Holds against	Removable?	Cost
Museum / poster putty	Knocks and light vibration	Yes, easily	Very low
Base magnet + steel or magnet	Knocks, vibration, transport	Yes, with a firm pull	Low
Weighted base (washers inside)	Top-heaviness	Permanent	Very low
Levelling the shelf	Slow drift towards the edge	Not applicable	Free to low
Glass cabinet	Knocks from people and pets	Not applicable	Higher

How do you stop top-heavy models tipping?

Add weight low down. Steel washers, coins or self-adhesive lead-free weights glued inside a hollow base lower the centre of gravity dramatically and also make the base magnetic. Do it before painting the base if you can, or on the underside after.

How do you check whether the shelf is the problem?

Put a spirit level (or a level app on your phone) on the shelf front to back and side to side. If it slopes, adjust the shelf pins or slip a thin card or plastic shim under the low side. Bowed shelves holding heavy books are a common hidden cause.

Can vibration really move a miniature?

Yes. A display on the wall shared with a door, beside a subwoofer, on top of a washing machine or on a bookcase in a busy hallway will creep over days or weeks. Move the display to a quieter wall, or put a thin rubber or felt pad under the stand to absorb vibration.

How should you space models to prevent a domino effect?

Give each model its own footprint with a little gap all round, and keep long weapons and spears from overlapping. A tiered stand with a defined slot for each base keeps spacing consistent across a squad. Our guide to arranging miniatures on a display stand shows layouts that keep models apart.

What about children and pets?

Height and enclosure beat any adhesive. Keep displays above grabbing height and away from the edge of surfaces cats patrol, or move your best models into a cabinet. See displaying miniatures with kids or pets.

Which stands help keep models stable?

Stands that are pre-assembled and rigid avoid the wobble of self-assembled shelving. Ours are compatible with Warhammer 40,000® miniatures and most other games on standard round bases, and the modular tiers give each model a set position.

Stable, tidy displays

WarSplay Pro – from £24.95, 40mm plinths with a UV-printed scenic backdrop and optional magnet holes in each plinth for your own magnets
WarSplay Classic – £18.95, 17 slots over 5 tiers for 28–32mm bases
WarSplay Hero – £18.95, 9 slots for top-heavy monsters and cavalry up to 80mm

Pre-assembled, made in our UK workshop and dispatched within 2 business days. Check sizes in the size guide.