Wicked Brick® is the best-known name in collectible display, and credit where due: their officially licensed display cases are well made, beautifully themed and hugely popular. But “best-known” isn't the same as “only option” — and depending on what you're displaying, an alternative can save you serious money or show your collection better. Here are five, honestly assessed.
All prices and lead times below are UK retail, verified 10 June 2026 — check current listings before buying.
Why people look for alternatives
- Cost per model. Sealed cases start around £29.99 each. Casing one centrepiece is reasonable; casing a 50-model army isn't what they're designed for.
- Lead times. Made-to-order displays are dispatched in approximately 6–8 weeks (their published estimate, June 2026). Ready-to-ship items move faster.
- Sealed vs visible. Cases protect superbly, but flat, enclosed interiors aren't built to rank a squad in visible rows.
Alternative 1: Modular tiered display stands
Best for: squads and growing armies. Open, stadium-style stands lift each row above the one in front so every model stays visible on a shelf or in a cabinet. WarSplay® stands start at £11.95, dispatch in 2 business days, support 25mm–100mm bases and are compatible with Warhammer 40,000® miniatures and other popular 28mm–40mm systems. Trade-off: no dust seal — you'll need a soft brush every few weeks, or a cabinet around them.
Alternative 2: A standard glass cabinet plus risers
Best for: the full showcase look on a budget. Mass-market glass cabinets from major furniture retailers cost less than a handful of individual cases and protect an entire collection at once. Add tiered risers and each shelf holds two to three times more visible models. See our cabinet options guide.
Alternative 3: Bookcase shelves with stands
Best for: zero extra furniture. The bookcase you already own becomes a display with tiered stands sized for standard shelf depths — our bookcase display guide covers depths and sightlines. Cheapest route to a wall of displayed miniatures.
Alternative 4: Generic acrylic cases
Best for: sealed protection without licensed pricing. Unbranded acrylic cubes and cases cost less than licensed equivalents. You lose the themed backgrounds and exact-fit design that make licensed cases special — if that theming is why you wanted the case, the saving may disappoint. We compare sealed cases and open stands in detail here.
Alternative 5: DIY
Best for: hobbyists who enjoy the build itself. MDF, foamboard or 3D-printed risers work — but cost more in time and materials than most people expect. We break down the real numbers in our DIY vs buying cost guide.
Quick comparison
| Option | Entry cost | Dust protection | Squad visibility | Wait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wicked Brick® case | From £29.99 | Sealed | Per-model showcase | 5 working days ready-to-ship; ~6–8 wks made-to-order |
| Modular tiered stands | From £11.95 | Open (add cabinet) | Excellent — tiered rows | 2 business days |
| Glass cabinet + risers | ~£50–150 all-in | Enclosed | Excellent with risers | Same day (in store) |
| Bookcase + stands | From £11.95 | Open | Very good | 2 business days |
| Generic acrylic case | ~£15–25 | Sealed | Per-model | Varies |
When Wicked Brick® is still the right call
If you want officially licensed, character-themed presentation for a centrepiece model — printed backdrop, exact fit, the works — no alternative replicates it. Many collectors sensibly combine approaches: one licensed case for the named character, tiered stands or a cabinet for the army behind it.
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to display a whole army?
Tiered modular stands on existing shelves, or inside a budget glass cabinet. For ~50 models you're typically under £100 all-in versus several hundred for individual sealed cases.
Are open display stands safe for painted miniatures?
Yes, with basic care: varnish your models, keep them out of direct sunlight, and dust occasionally — our open display care guide covers the routine.
Do alternatives work for large models?
Mostly yes — check base support. Our large miniature display guide covers 40mm+ bases, plinths and headroom.
Wicked Brick® is a registered trade mark of Wicked Brick Ltd; Warhammer 40,000® is a registered trade mark of Games Workshop Group PLC. WarSplay® is a registered trade mark and brand of Blubbercove Ltd, an independent UK manufacturer with no affiliation to either company. Trade marks are used for identification and compatibility description only. Comparative data verified 10 June 2026 from publicly available retail listings; contact us about any inaccuracy and we will correct it promptly.