Open shelf or behind glass?

[Morbach]

I have mine on open glass shelves

 

[Maglor]

Guess it depends on what you collect. With 1/6 figures, I like open so I can pose them and such.

The thing that you're missing though by having an open display is two huge factors. One is preventing dust (maybe not completely) but the biggest loss is lighting. Just like in movies, when they put together costumes, lighting has a huge factor in design.
Take for example HT wolverine, if you have him in the open, sometimes he has this stoic look, but put him in a lighted display and tilt his head down, it highlights the lines on his face and the figure can have an angry look. I can see a huge difference whenever I take a figure out of the display case to change his pose, and when you put it back in the case, you can see a huge difference in the look of the figure.

You can still do cool lighting with open shelves:

 

[FlyAndFight]

I've got "8" detolfs filled mostly with figures. I've got some open glass shelves as well. The slow accumulation of dust has me seriously considering replacing those open shelves with even more detolfs.

 

[sigep756]

This subject came up on Sunday SDCC chat as well, and it's really interesting to me. I have a glass case that I keep most of my stuff in, but I first noticed a problem when I got my Venom CQ...he was too big to fit in there!

The other problem I have are the glass shelves. The case I have has a 25 lb limit per shelf, which means I can fit MAYBE 2 Sideshow pieces.

For now, the case is full of busts, 12-inch figs, and some comiquettes on the bottom, wooden row. I'll be looking at Pottery Barn to purchase some mountable shelving for Venom and the other large pieces I acquire...

Although if there's anyone who can recommend a glass case large enough to house Venom and pieces of his girth, kindly post!!

 

[Silent December]

I've got "8" detolfs filled mostly with figures. I've got some open glass shelves as well. The slow accumulation of dust has me seriously considering replacing those open shelves with even more detolfs.

I also have detolfs but I'm seriously getting really weary of the small amount of space in there. But unless something better comes along these will have to do for now.

 

[Wanderer]

The high end 1/6 figures, SS busts and statues must surely be glassed up. I'd hate to dust that ____ every week. I'm sorted..my gear is boxed away waiting for some display room

 

[DarthMagnus]

Behind glass all the way.Plus if you own a detolf just add the weather stripping around the edging and you wont need to dust pretty much at all.

 

[LoneWolf]

Guess it depends on what you collect. With 1/6 figures, I like open so I can pose them and such.

^^^This

Every week or 2 weeks, I pose my 1:6 action figures and photograph them. Practice makes perfect.

Glass cabinets are added costs, which I cannot afford right now. I'd rather spend on buying more 1:6 figures.

 

[FlyAndFight]

I also have detolfs but I'm seriously getting really weary of the small amount of space in there. But unless something better comes along these will have to do for now.

I hear ya. I wish they were a bit "wider", allowing additional figures per shelf. Presently, I don't display more than "4" figures per shelf. Usually just "3". But you can't beat the price, though.

What I have done is set up particular "themes" with each Detolf and within each shelf, in particular. Gives the displays some type of order and looks great to me.

 

[farrrs]

glass detolf with gaps sealed with cellotape! done properly it looks neat-the tape doesnt really show up and ive had little to no dust bulid up inside the detolf/shelves itself since sealing it over 5 weeks ago! i also added cup of water inside to keep up moisture levels!

 

[Chigger58]

I'm a little bit of both but I prefer behind glass. My decision mostly stems from the fact that I like the Ikea Detolf's probably the best and they are inexpensive. Well, for the most part they are inexpensive unless you live in Idaho and have to have them shipped here!

So, that said, I would put everything I own (besides some statues that I would put on top) behind glass but the cost of figures alone is enough....I don't need the cost of nice display cases on top of it.

 

[Razor Hanzo]

I'm going to have to go with glass all the way on this one. A nice glass display case makes your collection a showpiece, while a bunch of figures crammed on a bookshelf reeks of elementary school. As others have mentioned, lighting makes a huge difference. I also keep my shelves minimal, as it allows each displayed piece to stand out. Overcrowding is very unpleasing to the eye.

I use the IKEA Norden https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40116876

It is strong enough to handle PFs; the lights I had to install myself.

 

[AStar]

How do you guys go about dusting? I mean do you use any special type of method? Its a pain to keep figures looking "fresh" when their open shelf. My DX Batman seems to attract more dust than anything. The cowl/head-sculpt & the rubber-suit are really dust magnets. Any tips?!

 

[Devil_666]

@ Cheungkinmen and Wanderer voting for the last option.

 

[jstep13]

Behind glass by default seeing I have a 4-year-old son

 

[Lejuan]

How do you guys go about dusting? I mean do you use any special type of method? Its a pain to keep figures looking "fresh" when their open shelf. My DX Batman seems to attract more dust than anything. The cowl/head-sculpt & the rubber-suit are really dust magnets. Any tips?!

There're a few handy tips in this thread:

Sideshow Freaks > Collectibles > General Collectibles
Reload this Page Is it safe to use canned air to dust figures?

 

[knowsnotoys]

what about vacuuming our figures..is it safe?

 

[tnaig001]

This subject came up on Sunday SDCC chat as well, and it's really interesting to me. I have a glass case that I keep most of my stuff in, but I first noticed a problem when I got my Venom CQ...he was too big to fit in there!

The other problem I have are the glass shelves. The case I have has a 25 lb limit per shelf, which means I can fit MAYBE 2 Sideshow pieces.

Yup, that's why i'm ok with semi hollow stuff so long as its not paper thin

 

[Minigt]

Everything looks better behind glass. Everything.

 

[Jedah Kalm]

I voted open shelf because that is what I have. However, if I could afford it I would go for glass cases with everything except a few little things.