Got collection of Transformers figures? Need some help deciding how you should display that collection? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to give you some tips for how to display that Transformers collection (however large or small it may be). I’m also going to give you some display options along with some fun ways you can jazz up that collection display. Read ahead, and then get to displaying those figures.
How Many Figures Are You Going to Display
First off, how many figures do you have and how many of them do you plan to display? For those of us with larger collections, it’s very likely that we don’t display the whole collection at once and choose to only display a select number of figures at a time.
The number of figures you choose to display at once is going to have an impact on which display option you choose. Its pretty much common sense, but if you plan to display only fifty figures, then you don’t need a massive display case with five levels of shelves—each being 6 x 2 feet. Now, if you would like to display 500 figures, then you might want to think about getting that big display case.
Are Your Transformers Opened or Unopened
Are your figures opened, or do you keep them sealed in their original packaging? Your answer will be a determining factor in how your go about displaying your figures. For example, one popular method of displaying unopened Transformers (or action figures in general), is to hang the unopened, carded figures on the wall using push pins. You obviously can’t do this with opened figures.
If your figures are opened, you’re probably not going to be hanging them from the walls. Instead, you will likely be standing them at attention on bookshelves, in a cabinet, or in display cases.
When displaying unopened figures that come in boxes, you may choose to stack them against your walls. You obviously would have a difficult time doing this with opened figures, and even if you could pull it off, it wouldn’t look very good.
Will You Display Your Transformers in Robot Mode or Alternate Mode
So, we’re getting pretty specific to Transformers figures with this one. Transformers figures have two, or more, different modes: robot mode and an alternate mode (usually a vehicle mode). Most of us probably choose to display them in robot mode, but that doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with displaying them in vehicle mode if that’s what you want to do. Honestly, having some displayed in robot mode while others are displayed in their alternate mode would probably be pretty cool. 
One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to display some of your figures in their alternate mode, they will likely take up some more shelf space than if they were displayed in robot mode.
What Figures Will You Display and Which Lines/Characters
If you have a been collecting for a while, then your collection probably spans multiple Transformers toy lines. If you are not going to display your entire collection, then you have to pick which figures are going to be displayed. Displaying figures from a particular line together will create a sense of uniformity which will make for a great looking collection.
Really, you can do whatever you want, but if you chose to display figures from multiple different lines together, it could end up making things look sloppy depending on the toy lines you chose to display. Some lines have more similarities between them than others. For example, if you choose to display figures from the Transformers live-action movies all together, that would probably look pretty good. On the other hand, displaying your movie figures with figures from one of the cartoons like Transformers Armada probably wouldn’t look so good, since about the only things these two lines have in common with each other is that the figures transformers and they’re both labeled as “Transformers”. Other than that, they’re completely different.
Size is a Major Factor to Consider When Displaying Transformers
So, one of the major things that makes displaying Transformers action figures different from displaying a collection of Star Wars or Marvel figures is the size factor. For most of your traditional action figures, their size is going to be between 6 and 8 inches. With Transformers figures this is far from the case. There is going to be a lot of variation in size.
Yes, most of your deluxe class Transformers figures are probably around the same height, but Transformers get much larger and much smaller than that, and you need to take that into account when buying a display shelf, case, cabinet, etc.
Bleacher Method of Display
Speaking of size, when displaying your Transformers figures, it’s a good idea to have the big ones in the back and the smaller ones upfront so that everyone has a chance to shine. If you have a lot of figures that are about the same size, then perhaps considering buying some tiered display stands/steps so that the figures occupying the front row are not the only ones that are visible.
BYCY Acrylic Black 2-Tier Riser Display Shelf (Amazon)
| Number of steps (tiers): | 2 |
| Estimated Total Dimensions (inches): | 7.7 x 12 x 4 |
| Estimated Dimensions Per Tier: |
3.9 x 12 x 2 (first tier) 3.9 x 12 x 4 (second tier) |
Combination of Life 3 Tier Indoor Acrylic Potted Plant Stand (Amazon)
| Number of steps (tiers): | 3 |
| Estimated Total Dimensions (inches): | 12 x 11 x 6 1/8 |
| Depth of Each Step (inches): | 3.75 |
5 Pack Large Clear Acrylic Display Risers (Amazon)
| Number of Stands: | 5 |
| Number of Sizes: | 5 |
| Dimension of Each Stand (inches): |
7.08 x 3.14 x 1.57 7.87 x 3.14 x 2.36 8.66 x 3.14 x 3.14 9.44 x 3.14 x 3.93 10.23 x 3.14 x 4.72 |
OR you may want to try out something complete different and little off-the-wall, like this Leatherette Risers Set by Gems. Yeah, its different, but it might make for an awesome display option for your Transformers.
Some Display Options for Your Transformers
Here’s where we get into the meat and potatoes of this topic. What should you actually use to display your Transformers figures? Well, you have a lot of different options. I’ll present a few for you, but really this is going to require that you do some research yourself to find out what specifically is best for you. Anyways, here are a few options for you:
Display Cases:
Bowery Hill 4-Shelf Glass Curio Cabinet Display Case (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 14.25 x 16.75 x 63.75 |
| Material | Wood, Tempered Glass |
| Weight | 80 Pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 4 |
| Shelf Height | 12 inches |
| UV Protection | No |
| Adjustable Shelves | No |
| Built-in Lights | Yes |
Displays2Go Tempered Glass Curio Cabinet (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 78 x 40 x 16.5 |
| Material | Aluminum, Tempered Glass |
| Weight | 185 Pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 5 |
| Shelf Height | 14 3/8 inches |
| UV Protection | No |
| Adjustable Shelves | No |
| Built-in Lights | Yes |
SSWBasics Infinity Countertop Display Case (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 12 1/4 x 14 1/4 x 27 1/4 |
| Material | Tempered Glass, Wood |
| Weight | ??? |
| Number of Shelves | 3 |
| Shelf Height (Estimate) | 8 inches |
| UV Protection | ??? |
| Adjustable Shelves | No |
| Built-in Lights | No |
Monarch Specialties I Bookcase (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 58″ x 24″ x 12″ |
| Material | Tempered Glass, Not sure about the shelves |
| Weight | 75-80 pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 4 |
| Shelf Height (Estimate) | 12.75” inches |
| UV Protection | ??? |
| Adjustable Shelves | No |
| Built-in Lights | No |
Plastic Cabinets:
Sterilite 01423V01 4 Shelf Cabinet (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 69.38 x 25.63 x 18.88 |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 41 pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 5 (including the bottom shelf) |
| Shelf Height (Estimate) | Varies |
| UV Protection | Not Applicable |
| Adjustable Shelves | Yes |
| Built-in Lights | No |
KETER Storage Cabinet with Doors and Shelves (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 26.77 in. L x 14.96 in. W x 67.32 |
| Material | Resin |
| Weight | 24 pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 5 (including the bottom shelf) |
| Shelf Height (Estimate) | Varies |
| UV Protection | Not Applicable |
| Adjustable Shelves | Yes |
| Built-in Lights | No |
Suncast Mega Tall Storage Cabinet (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 20.25 x 40 x 80.25 |
| Material | Resin |
| Weight | 80 pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 5 adjustable shelves included (can support more) |
| Shelf Height (Estimate) | 12 inches minimum/adjustable |
| UV Protection | Not Applicable |
| Adjustable Shelves | Yes |
| Built-in Lights | No |
Book Shelves:
Bush Furniture Universal 5 Shelf Bookcase (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 36.92 x 11.69 x 71.65 |
| Material | Wood |
| Weight | 96.9 pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 4 adjustable shelves included |
| Shelf Height (Estimate) | Varies |
| UV Protection | No |
| Adjustable Shelves | Yes |
| Built-in Lights | No |
Giantex 3 Shelf Bookcase (2 bookcases included) (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 17″×11.5″×31.5″ |
| Material | MDF veneer material and composite wood structure |
| Weight | 20 pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 2 adjustable shelves included |
| Shelf Height (Estimate) | Varies |
| UV Protection | No |
| Adjustable Shelves | Yes |
| Built-in Lights | No |
Furinno Jaya Simply Home 5-Shelf Bookcase (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 9.5 x 24.5 x 71.2 |
| Material | CARB compliant composite wood |
| Weight | 47 pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 5 adjustable shelves included |
| Shelf Height (Estimate) | Varies |
| UV Protection | No |
| Adjustable Shelves | Yes |
| Built-in Lights | No |
Ameriwood Home Lawrence 4 Shelf Ladder Bookcase (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 60 x 20.56 x 18.5 |
| Material | Metal, Particle Board |
| Weight | 70 pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 4 |
| Shelf Height | 13.5 inches |
| UV Protection | No |
| Adjustable Shelves | No |
| Built-in Lights | No |
Cube Shelves:
TomCare Cube Storage 12-Cube Closet Storage Shelves (Grey – Amazon) (Black – Amazon)
| Dimensions of Each Cube (inches) | 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 |
| Material | PP plastic panel, ABS connector, iron wire |
| Weight (Total) | 15.07 pounds |
| Number of Cubes | 12 |
| Shelf Height | 11.5 inches |
| UV Protection | No |
| Adjustable Shelves | Cubes Can be Arranged |
| Built-in Lights | No |
Rolling Shelves:
HOMEFORT 4-Tier Metal Rolling Utility Cart (Amazon)
| Dimensions (inches) | 23.62 x 12.6 x 49.21 |
| Material | Metal |
| Weight | 14.22 pounds |
| Number of Shelves | 4 |
| Shelf Height (Estimate) | Varies |
| UV Protection | No |
| Adjustable Shelves | Yes |
| Built-in Lights | No |
There are a lot of different options; the important thing is that you find the display option that works the best for you. When selecting a display option, consider the following:
- How many figures are you going to be displaying?
- What is the size of the biggest figure you will be displaying?
- How much floor space do you have available for something like a display cabinet?
- Where in your room are you thinking of setting up the display?
- Will the figures be exposed to any sunlight?
I have a whole post on how to display action figures in general. If you’re interested in diving a little deeper into this subject, feel free to check it out.
Jazz up collection with LED lights
Depending on what type of display option you go with, you may be able to utilize LED lights to add something really cool to your collection display. When searching for LED lights, there are too major categories that work great for action figure displays: LED light strips and LED pucks. I’ll provide a list of options for both.
LED Light Strips:
Daybetter Led Strip Lights (Amazon)
| Number of Lights: | 300 |
| Number of Rolls: | 2 |
| Length of Each Roll: | 16.4 feet |
| Total Length: | 32.8 feet |
| Colors: | RGB/Unlimited |
| Dimmable: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | No |
Daybetter 65.6ft Led Strip Lights (Amazon)
| Number of Lights: | 600 |
| Number of Rolls: | 2 |
| Length of Each Roll: | 32.8 feet |
| Total Length: | 65.6 feet |
| Colors: | RGB/Unlimited |
| Dimmable: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | No |
Minger Led Strip Lights (Amazon)
| Number of Lights: | 300 |
| Number of Rolls: | 2 |
| Length of Each Roll: | 16.4 feet |
| Total Length: | 32.8 feet |
| Colors: | RGB/Multicolor |
| Dimmable: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | No |
Bailongju LED Strip Lights (Amazon)
| Number of Lights: | 300 |
| Number of Rolls: | 2 |
| Length of Each Roll: | 16.4 feet |
| Total Length: | 32.8 feet |
| Colors: | RGB/Multicolor |
| Dimmable: | No |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
LED Pucks:
OxyLED Wireless LED Puck Lights (Amazon)
| Number of Pucks: | 6 |
| Colors: | 16 |
| Dimmable: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Batteries Required: | Yes |
Wobsion Puck Lights (Amazon)
| Number of Pucks: | 2 |
| Colors: | 16 |
| Dimmable: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Batteries: | Not needed. Rechargeable. |
Where Will You Be Displaying Your Transformers Collection?
When it comes to what room specifically that you will be displaying your Transformers figures in, you want to make sure that it is environmentally friendly to your figures. Action figures should not be kept in an environment that experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, extreme temperatures altogether (especially extreme heat), high humidity, and exposure to sunlight. All of these factors have negative effects on your figures that could result in colors fading over time, rusting of metal components, loosening of joints, discoloration, etc.
Conclusion
When you have a Transformers collection of any size, you are going to want to show it off to friends and family. And not just that, part of displaying your figures is for your own personal enjoyment. You feel a sense of pride looking at the collection you have amassed over the years in all of its glory. Displaying figures can be quite the task because you want to make sure you do it right. Hopefully this post will help you figure out what is “right” for you.