A games room is the natural home for a painted collection: the table is already there, your friends visit it, and the models you play with can be on show between games. But a room built for playing has its own hazards, from chairs pushed back into shelves to snacks, dice and elbows. A little planning lets the display add atmosphere without getting in the way of the game.
The short answer: keep displays on walls and furniture that are at least an arm's length from the gaming table, put miniatures at eye level on tiered stands so every model is visible, store board games above or below rather than in front of them, and add warm lighting to the display rather than the table. Rotate the armies on show so the room feels fresh each game night.
Where should displays go in a games room?
Against the wall furthest from where players sit and stand, ideally behind a sideboard or on a shelving unit rather than on the table edge. That keeps models out of reach of swinging arms and dropped dice. If the room is small, a high shelf above the door or along one wall works well; see small hobby room display ideas.
How do you mix miniatures with board game shelves?
Give miniatures their own shelf or section rather than tucking them between game boxes, so they read as a display and not clutter. Board games are heavy and get pulled out often, so store them low and keep painted models on the shelves at eye level. A tiered stand fits neatly into a standard shelf and puts the back row above the front.
| Spot in the room | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Eye-level shelf | Your best painted armies | Dust; consider a glass-fronted unit |
| Sideboard by the table | Tonight's armies, ready to deploy | Drinks and elbows |
| High shelf | Large monsters and vehicles | Weight and secure fixing |
| Low shelves | Board games and storage boxes | Children and pets |
| Window wall | Avoid for painted models | Direct sunlight fades paint |
How do you show off the armies you play?
Display the armies you game with on a stand near the table so they can be lifted straight off for deployment and returned afterwards. Our stands are compatible with Warhammer 40,000® miniatures and most other games on standard bases, and because they are modular you can split tiers to show two forces facing each other. Combine them with a few terrain pieces for a scene; see displaying miniatures and terrain together.
How do you light a games room display?
Use warm, diffused LED strips or puck lights on the display shelf and keep the brighter, neutral light over the gaming table. Light from the front and slightly above so faces and banners are lit without harsh shadows. Battery LEDs avoid wiring if you rent.
How do you keep models safe during game night?
Leave a clear gap between the table and the display, keep drinks on a separate side table and avoid open displays where bags and coats get dumped. On busy nights, move fragile models to a higher shelf. Stable tiers and well-seated bases help; see how to stop miniatures falling over.
How do you stop dust building up?
Games rooms see a lot of foot traffic, so dust builds faster than in a spare room. A soft make-up brush and a weekly once-over keeps open stands clean, and a glass-fronted cabinet suits the models you rarely play. Varnished models are far easier to dust safely.
How do you make the room feel themed?
Group models by army or setting, add labels or name cards for squads and characters, and change the display between campaigns. A rotating ‘featured army’ shelf gives friends something new each visit; see rotating your display and labelling a display.
Display stands for the games room
- WarSplay Classic – £18.95, 17 slots over 5 tiers for 28–32mm bases
- WarSplay Hero – £18.95, 9 slots for bases up to 80mm
- WarSplay Classic XL – from £14.35, for larger collections
- WarSplay Pro – from £24.95, 40mm plinths, UV-printed scenic backdrop, optional magnet holes in each plinth
Pre-assembled, made in our UK workshop and dispatched within 2 business days. See the full modular display system or check the size guide.
Related reading
- How to Display Miniatures You No Longer Play With
- Gift Ideas for Women Who Paint Miniatures
- How to Display Miniatures and Terrain Together
- How to Display Miniatures in a Living Room
- Display Ideas for a Small Hobby Room
- Planning a Display for Your Whole Painted Army
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.