Amazing DIY Display Case Improvements!

Guide to making your display cases even better, by showing you ways you can improve every aspect of your shelf and the figures around them.
Some recommended artists:
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MFC: myfigurecollection.net/profil...
Ending Music (in video):
KODOMOi - Sunny - • KODOMOi - Sunny (Offic...

[@jpcollectibles8079]

Still the most underrated figure youtuber out there.. Everything you touch is perfection 👌

[@225lilmoma]

I love these ideas! Even scrap book paper is an affordable way for backgrounds and comes textured!

[@Battletide.]

Completely agree, adding any kind of color and even texture to the background would look much better than a plain wall background or shelf.

[@kurosakiichigo6453]

Huh, I never truly thought about decorating my detolf and figure shelfes like that, but I really feel hooked up now! You're really going all in when it's about getting the most out of this hobby.

[@Battletide.]

Haha, yeah. I kind of moved from creating custom bases to putting figures in dioramas. I feel it's easier to hide the base by covering it with props than it is to build a new base from scratch. Overall, it's pretty easy and fun to do.

[@juliuskazunaga8916]

This is a refreshing video for figure collecting. I'm looking forward with your future content because it gives me some inspiration seeing what you did to your figures.

[@Georami]

Thank you! As a Gundam, Warhammer, and mecha model kit builder who has numerous detolfs but owns zero figures I just want to say this video and others on your channel have been amazing and inspirational. Us model builders are here too and all your tips are applicable. Great vid keep it up!

[@Battletide.]

Glad the video can help. Oddly enough, a lot of inspiration I get has been from Gundam, Warhammer, and mecha collectors since building dioramas for their collection seems pretty common. I tend to scout out game shops just to see their diorama sections for these collectables. ☺

[@stefanbernet7207]

WOW those are next-gen displays for sure, thanks for the inspiration!

[@MrCarlillos18]

This video was great. I've seen a lot of collection with lot of figures but they are just there and giving no importance to display. This video shows that display can be even more important that the figures itself. Thanks!

[@FireFistMario]

Such a good video! I like how specific you are when it comes to dimensions required to make these things work. Also appreciate the links to make it easier to obtain the items from Amazon 👌

[@akirusu7745]

Something else I recommend with acrylic risers that make figures with pegs that stick out, is to flip the acrylic riser upside down :)

[@Battletide.]

That is a good suggestion. Thanks for sharing. ☺

[@monnarkh]

wow, I’ve just started collecting dolls and honestly, I can’t stand those shelves where people stack hundreds of dolls. It’s not only boring, but nothing really stands out. So, I’ve been brainstorming ways to display my dolls and thought about creating a diorama. however, considering the size of the dolls, the uncertainty of how many more will be released, and my lack of knowledge on how to create something like that, the task seemed either impossible or just too darn hard. But then I found this video that showed me a simpler way. Not only does it look great, but it also doesn’t steal the spotlight from the figures and really makes them stand out!

[@TheOmniBlade]

I've always just thought to put up the myriad prints and wall scrolls I have when I can display my collection one day but this is so much attention to detail and creativity I have to respect. Every set up you have shown is absolutely gorgeous! The Plachta one was stunning and I want to do something similar with mine now since you made such a cozy and inviting backdrop!

[@Battletide.]

Yeah, the Plachta figure is so easy to be creative with. She is definitely the figure I spent the most time with when setting up her diorama. I also appreciate she doesn't use any sort of pegs to fit on a base, also makes it easier to do something with her.

[@Missharuchan]

Very beautiful and creative display! I wish this video to reach all the figures collector it's really makes the shelfs way better~ 😍💕

[@roco9504]

I don’t subscribed often, but this one video alone is worth it was amazing

[@Battletide.]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@christieotaku]

I need to step my display presentation 🎉❤ this vide ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND SO DETAILED! one day I wanna get to this level! Definitely when I move I'm upgrading 🤟

[@Battletide.]

Hahaha, it's definitely a rabbit hole you can fall into, as if falling into the figure collecting rabbit hole isn't time consuming enough.

[@DreccoCollection]

Your videos are always a treat, love your displays 👏

[@wardystudios688]

This was amazing! Thank you! I have been slowing trying different things to enhance my shelves and I'm always trying new things to find the best setup on a budget. This just gave me a fresh perspective by breaking it all down. Also really nice to see how one or two figures on a shelf can be plenty and how beautifully eye catching it is to create a scene. Splendid! Caution to anyone who may be sensitive to motion sickness, the mirrors may not be a good idea. (I've tried it!)

[@MoDub18]

Thanks for this video. I'm currently working on a display for my Elf Village (Elf Mura) GK collection and you gave me a couple of idea that would work well with what I have in mind.

[@Battletide.]

You can do so much with a Elf Village setup, my mind is already exploding with ideas. I made a custom base for one of my elves (unfortunately, I only have 1 elf), but you can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIvNipiQnqeIjsksi=WF0bBpBwyM9REZVd&t=767

[@El_Ace]

ok this goes hard af

[@short_of_space]

Awesome video and great ideas ❤ I also use Displates as backdrop, but those will of course not work for Detolfs.

[@Battletide.]

I never thought of that, but that totally makes sense. I love the idea that you can easily swap the Displates and it's magnet oriented instead of 2-sided tape (which can be a pain to remove once in place).

[@t3hDave]

Incredible video! I hope to use some of these ideas someday!

[@geraldge1562]

Now this is a really great idea i need to do this on my figures as well

[@Tandor69]

Just found your channel and getting some great ideas! I have used detolf cases for years to store minis and some 3D printed figures. Never once thought about decorating the case itself.

[@semostuff1]

One hell of a video. Lots of great tips

[@xsd]

Man you are good. Great ideas

[@azureblueotaku]

You went over and beyond with designing each shelf! 🤩

[@blueberrypancakes7330]

The landscape idea is a great idea. You are a very creative and talented person. Love your ideas for making your figure collection to stand out.😊❤ This video is very helpful.

[@Battletide.]

Glad you found it helpful. I'm surprised myself how well the landscape pictures work with the right figure, and it's pretty easy to do. ☺

[@HolyDoomfish]

Awesome video! I especially loved the detailed explanation along with showing examples, your figure displays look amazing! I also got some inspiration for decorating my own collection. Thank you! I feel the Detolfs are perfect for using most of the techniques because they're not the most beautiful cases by itself and you usually either waste quite a bit of space with only one figure or it looks too cramped with too many figures in one compartment. Some decorations enhance the figure display a lot!

[@universe790111]

nice video! very inspiring!

[@bogavante13]

Amazing work

[@oOBlazeDragonOo]

Very helpful!!! Thanks you for your sharing :3

[@rey0107]

This is awesome bro. Thanks

[@lt.monday9912]

Thanks for the great vid and recommendation on the artist 👍

[@Puerile.]

Awesome video as always! Another idea for backgrounds is to treat them like scrap book pages. You can use a bunch of specialty papers, photo collages, beads, leaves, pins etc. A touch of chaos can also allow you to combine similar or different papers until you get to the size of your shelf's background instead of being beholden to printing art to exact dimensions in case that solution is inaccessible or difficult for you. (Case in point, me. 😂)

[@Battletide.]

That is a good idea! I can already envision how I would implement that one some of my free shelves, maybe I'll try to play around with it before my next video. Thanks for sharing. ☺

[@GrAnDmAMiTtEnSS]

Very well done as always. I've meaning to add background to my detolf for a while

[@CincyRaz]

So many great ideas! Thanks for sharing. Im definitely doing the alexa light contols.

[@Psygriffio]

Great job here. Very informative, detailed, and well-explained. Definitely gave me some new ideas for my own displays. Keep up the good work!

[@ajgs97]

Amazing ideas and tutorial, your display is jaw dropping good. Really fenomenal work mate

[@CourageousGoldfish]

Great video as always!!

[@Battletide.]

Thanks! And thanks for watching. 😁

[@dazgg9164]

you rock BT!!

[@Horcling]

this video is so cool! Thanks for sharing^^

[@leobeo0135]

For the problem of using acrylic risers that are too small for the figures and the foot pegs sticking out, just turn the acrylic riser upside down so only the sides are supporting the base of the figure. If you are afraid of scratches, just put something in between the acrylic and the base :)

[@Battletide.]

That is a cool idea, I didn't think of that. Thanks for sharing! ☺

[@claudezgaming]

very nice collaction gl

[@TN-ic3nb]

Saw this video, and oh man this looks crazy!! I love them ideas you have going on. I’m thinking about making one for my Disney lorcana and Pokemon cards. Where would you search for background pics? And I’m new to background editing, so app would you recommend. Thank you!!

[@Battletide.]

I current use Adobe Photoshop, it's a very powerful tool, it does require a monthly or yearly license, and it's a bit overkill for background editing. Not recommended if you are just starting out. For a free photo editing tool, I would recommend using GIMP. Great open source tool that can be installed on any OS. For my photos, I got most of them from stock.adobe.com/. Again, requires a subscription, and I just wouldn't recommend it when you can find the content elsewhere. I would stay using a free AI tool, or going to wallpaper sites may provide backgrounds you are looking for.

[@lowo69]

perfect ideas, where can I buy that doll house room divider?

[@Battletide.]

You can actually get it here: www.etsy.com/listing/895269331/miniature-furniture-handmade-red It's a little pricey, but made of wood, and pretty good quality.

[@iTanniKii]

So much inspiration for rebuilding my display cases. I've watched your Detolf riser videos before, but do you mind telling me which ones you use for the 2 side by side ones? Or are they custom made ones?

[@Battletide.]

Are you referring to the detolf risers I have? They are custom made, the detolf riser video briefly touched on how I built them, though it might not be the most helpful unless you are into woodworking.

[@iTanniKii]

Thank you @@Battletide. for the response. I'm sadly not. I went for your idea of getting a besta and found the long one second hand and going to take your recommendation for install L Brackets for them. I'm just trying to figure out where I should install them. 😅

[@em84c]

ikea sells square mirrored tiles you can stick to the wall..You get 4 in a pack

[@Battletide.]

I did not know that, wish I saw them sooner. But thanks for letting me know. ☺

[@Akane55501]

Hey! Just curious if you had a link for the landscape image used for the Mei Raiden shelf ? Thanks!

[@Battletide.]

You can find the photo I used here: stock.adobe.com/images/generative-ai-night-scene-of-big-city-in-cyberpunk-style-futuristic-nostalgic-80s-90s-neon-lights-vibrant-colors-photorealistic-horizontal-illustration/618150254

[@henrylance2362]

Im planning to stick an a3 print at the back of my detolf, Is there a way to protect the print from creases incase i wanna move the print elsewhere?

[@Battletide.]

A few thoughts would be to frame it, might be able to find something with a thin frame. Vinyl Sheet protectors may also be an option that can add a bit of protection. Laminating it is also an option, though not reversible. Hope that gives you a few ideas. And sorry for the delayed response.

[@SugarFreeMocha]

Is the black figure case in the center also a detolf? And if it's not, did you install the lights yourself?

[@Battletide.]

The black display case in the middle is a Terravault. They are really nice, but incredibly expensive. Their parent company has cheaper versions of the case however: sgtoydisplay.com/.... but still a bit expensive. And yes, I did install the lights on it. Though the Terravault case comes with it's own lighting system since the case is pre-wired. That being said, I do have an unreleased lighting video, I plan on releasing soon where I installed a wide variety of lights, on multiple different display cases and bookshelves. So, if you have any questions, I might be able to answer in advance. ☺

[@NoahWiiinter]

Hey, I’m very new to collecting figures but I’m looking for a shelf that looks professional. Would you say that I could also achieve this style with an ikea Billy and a högbo glass door? Because the BLÅLIDEN is too small for my taste and the other ones you recommended are to expensive for me atm. Thanks in advance

[@Battletide.]

I really like the look of the Billy shelves with the Hogbo doors. Personally, I like the single width look with the glass shelves, like these (Though these have the Oxberg doors): www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fanyone-use-the-billy-bookcase-with-glass-doors-v0-qfuwe5gyg60c1.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1285%26format%3Dpjpg%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D90bee35474473f05c6fe573250cd26ef9687e814 www.reddit.com/r/hottoys/comments/xumdvy/slowly_organising_my_collection_in_my_custom_ikea/#lightbox But the wide look also is pretty clean (though not a total fan of the gap between the doors): www.reddit.com/r/AnimeFigures/comments/12xmp7c/new_billy_with_h%C3%B6gbo_doors_came_out_better_than/ And I agree, I wasn't impressed with the Blaliden, if only they kept it the same size as the detolf (or slightly larger to give more space for the frame to not block figures as much from side viewing). As for display cases being too expensive, don't be fool by trying to get the most expensive display case; the value for the $ isn't worth it. Most people won't even notice the display case if you make the attention drawn to the figures and make it presentable. I have 4 Detolfs, and when I bought them they were $59 dollars, not the most expensive cases at all. And when I look at my figures, I don't even notice they are in detolfs. Good luck, I am confident that you can get the look you are going for with the Billy/Hogbo or Oxberg combo.

[@NoahWiiinter]

@@Battletide. Thank you very much, really appreciate it

[@totaldestructions]

Just wondering where you got the little dollhouse room dividers at 4:36 ? I cant seem to find a small enough version on Amazon. Also, correct me if I’m wrong but are you using a custom backplate image for Mei from wicked brick at 0:33? Sry for asking a lot of questions! I would like to say, you have a really insane set up! And I’d like to incorporate your sense of style into my own set up.

[@Battletide.]

The divider can be found here: www.etsy.com/listing/895269331/miniature-furniture-handmade-red . It's really nice, but a little bit pricey, but it is made of wood not plastic. As for backplate, it is from Wicked Brick. That being said, Wicked Brick is wicked expensive now. Then again, I guess it's around the same price as what others are selling on etsy. I think one option is you can do which is pretty cheap is to get foamboard and cut the dimensions you need with a razor, then get a print out your background and stick it on it. And don't worry about questions, I'm happy to help.

[@totaldestructions]

@@Battletide.thanks for the response! I like it when you always have new and interesting ideas to share with your audience. And yeah I agree that Wicked brick is a bit more on the pricey side however it requires way less time and effort so it balances out, and I personally find the white borders to be quite alluring and I think it will go especially well if you have the white color detolfs. Also I’ve got another question if you don’t mind. Do you by chance have the link to the landscape image behind Yae Sakura (I believe is her name) the shelf above Mei Raiden. I think it will go pretty well with one of my grails which is the Rem Estream Demon Ver. Thanks for all that you do!

[@Battletide.]

@@totaldestructions Yes, I got the image from here: stock.adobe.com/images/street-view-of-an-old-city-in-japan-with-blooming-cherry-blossoms-night-time/644675094

[@arvinchris7834]

Where do you usually order that display case??

[@Battletide.]

Which display case are you referring to? The Terravault one? I worked directly with them. That being said, the partent company SGToyDisplays has other nice display cases: sgtoydisplay.com/. Though shipping may a pain these days.

[@arvinchris7834]

@@Battletide. OMG TYSM!!

[@chaoticstuff2357]

Which LED lights do you get for your shelves

[@Battletide.]

It really depends on your display case. My Detolfs will use a Commercial Electric 12in LED Under Cabinet lights (very first lights I've used), but I would recommend Luke Lights now for Ikea Detolfs and Blalidens (if you aren't planning on customizing your shelf height). Another display case that wasn't presented in this video uses white Govee Strip LEDS. I also use LED RGB strips on my Ikea Hemnes book cases because I like the blue hue. Overall, I prefer bar lights LEDs in a v-channel that have a frosted diffuser if I was to install lights for displaying something. I've been working on a display case lighting guide for the last 4 months, it turned out to be 30 min long when I need it to be no longer than 15, so I'm still in the process of reworking it, so it may still be a while before I release it. But with that being said, lighting is pretty fresh on my mind. So, what kind of display case are you looking to light?

[@chaoticstuff2357]

@@Battletide. I have a wooden shelf that I want to put some lights in so it can pop out with my books and figures showing

[@HeyImGreenArrow]

Hmmm i wonder if the 14×14 4pcs mirror would be fine for detolf. Its pretty close in dimensions

[@Battletide.]

You might have to tilt the mirror slightly to get it in past the initial metal frame. But after measuring it, it seems like it should fit.

[@HeyImGreenArrow]

@Battletide. Its only $35 so I'll give it a shot. I'll let you know how it looks

[@HeyImGreenArrow]

I got it all set up. The mirrors are actually 13.5 × 13.5 and the spacing is noticeable. What I did to help that was I bought a black roll of paper and taped it behind the stand. Looks much better but the real test will be when my luke lights come in 👍

[@Battletide.]

@@HeyImGreenArrow Good idea with the black roll of paper. I can imagine how nice it looks.

[@TheFigureFrontier]

Such a helpful video? Is there a printing company or service that you would recommend based on your experiences with them?

[@Battletide.]

Unfortunately, I went to a local shop that isn't far from where I live. I do live in a city, so I just searched for print shop, and there were ton. A lot of them cater to businesses for printing billboards or banners or advertisements, etc. I went to 3 of them, got to see their printer setup, and choose one based on reviews. It was a little awkward at first, because I'm sure most of their business comes from people coming in and ordering like 1000 flyers or something... and I'm like... I need you to print off these pretty pictures for my anime figures, haha. Moral of the story, don't be afraid to search locally (if there are businesses nearby). That being said, let me look into this a bit more into the online shops and see what I would recommend based on my own experience with searching.

[@Battletide.]

Update, I just ordered a poster board print on posterninja.com, I am guessing it will take a week or two to get here, so I will let you know the result.

[@TheFigureFrontier]

@@Battletide. Thank you so much!

[@Battletide.]

@@TheFigureFrontier So, I got poster boarding printing from posterninja, it came pretty fast, and was packaged really well. It came out pretty good. I would personally use them again (which I may very soon). The process overall was pretty easy. Now, this was done on posterboard and not foamcore or pvc, I picked it because they rate their print quality the highest on it. The poster board itself isn't super thick, but solid enough to hold straight under it's own weight. On top of that, I did use 2 sided tape to fix it to the railings of the detolf. Hope this helps.

[@Soratiq]

what is the size of the backdrops you used same with the flooring?

[@Battletide.]

The backplate plexiglass is 38.5cm wide x 37.5cm high. The backdrops stickers are 38cm wide x 37cm high. The floor print outs are 38cm wide x 30cm deep.

[@Animexstrelizia002]

What websites do you use to buy all your figurines?

[@Battletide.]

I typically pre-order here on these sites: www.amiami.com/eng/ solarisjapan.com/ www.goodsmileus.com/ www.bigbadtoystore.com/ (if I can't find it anywhere else) There are some other places to get figures, but I would start with the sites listed above.

[@mikolthomas9238]

Do you have a link for the easels?

[@Battletide.]

You can find the easels here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HYMXMVB/

[@danteonthebeat]

i really want that middle display casing but jesus too expensive

[@Battletide.]

Yeah, post-pandemic they really increased the price (just like everything else), but then again, it was still expensive. The parent company to Terravault makes a similar case for a fraction of the price which can be found here: sgtoydisplay.com/product/destroyer/ But it's still expensive. The price range falls into that retail store display case kind of range. I need to research other display cases like this, because I'm sure there are other options.

[@goatkueditz12]

What is the best affordable display case that holds lots of figures in your opinion?

[@Battletide.]

This all really depends. If you are looking for an open display that is cheap, but has a lot of space, I think book cases like the IKEA Billy or Hemnes are great options. And if you want a door on it, I would get the Hogbo door for the Billy book case. But note: lighting is easier though on the Hemnes since you can hide wires/lights behind frame. But ultimately, I prefer glass display cases. The well known Ikea Detolf or Blaliden are not great for space. The IKEA milsbo is not a bad option, but I hate the door frame that goes right down the middle of the display. Personally, I think something like this: www.amazon.com/dp/B01IQGGKIU/, or this www.amazon.com/dp/B0C77YK58J/ would be interesting to start off with, if you are looking for something wider that is glass and lacks thick frames. I haven't used them myself, but I have seen my fair share of pictures. And while they are probably not the most sturdiest, or highest of quality, most people seem pleased once they get them together. Note: there are a lot of cases similar to these (all around the $200-$300 price range), so look around.

[@kofipang]

This is the collection I strive to have ╰(艹皿艹 )🔥🔥🔥

[@fgytred8915]

Regret not buying a bunch of these when it was just 59.99. Detolf not longer available and if they are its costly

[@darrelparks4651]

Promo sm ☺️

[@levibuilta8596]

Don't play this video around echo devices, or else it will activate it.

[@Battletide.]

Fair comment, I should have given a warning. When editing this video, I did have to unplug my Alexa.

[@sarahtakeshita5209]

Finding the right background in an age of stock-photo dominated google searches is the biggest hurdle...

[@Battletide.]

Can completely relate, finding the perfect background is hard. I would find a stock photo that I think would look awesome, then when I photoshop with my figures, it wasn’t as awesome as I thought it would be. Doing this over and over again got tiresome. Eventually you’ll find one.

[@kobii4112]

problem 1: they don't sell detolfs anymore🥲

[@Battletide.]

True, unfortunately they don't. Though the ideas can be used in other display cases. Hopefully a new display case comes out soon similar to the dimensions of the detolf. I would even be happy if they made an XL version of the Blaliden, one where the frames don't get in the way of the figure.