It’s every collector’s worst nightmare: running out of space. Your shelves are full. Your counters and kitchen table are covered. It’s time for a new level of organization that lets you display your LEGO creations proudly without feeling overcrowded in your own home. Read on to learn what steps can best help you organize your personal LEGO collection.
The Problem
Even if you’re not a hardcore LEGO collector, the limited space in your house or apartment can disappear quicker than you’d think. And we’re not even talking about bulk pieces or unbuilt sets. (For tips on how to store bulk LEGO pieces, follow this link and for minifigs follow this link).
As one of the experts on large LEGO collections, Bricks & Minifigs® knows just how frustrating it can be to have more beautiful LEGO builds than you have space for. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve got organization, decoration, and storage recommendations to help you make the most of your space and your beloved sets!
The Solution
Let’s start with this. Having too many LEGO sets is the best kind of problem to have, and we see you! That being said, how you approach this depends on whether you want your sets on full display, just organized well, acting as full decorations, or in storage to make the most of the space you have for your favorite sets. Jump to whichever section speaks to you, and learn how to make your sets and space work for you.
Dedicated Collection
If you’re just looking to maximize space and make sure that your sets have a designated space somewhere, then we’re calling this the dedicated collection. This can be one specific room in your house (if you’re that lucky) or areas throughout your living space that are solely focused on your LEGO sets.
Here’s some different ideas for you to try:
- Designated Shelf: This can be as simple as a regular bookshelf that’s filled with LEGO sets. The nice thing is that it can be in the living room, your bedroom, the kids’ room or nearly anywhere a regular bookshelf will fit. There’s plenty of different shelves from the classic bookcase to the open storage cubbies that double as an end table or media center. There’s no limit to how you organize your sets
- Floating Shelves: A fun twist on regular shelves, floating shelves are a great way to give space for your shelves without having to drastically rearrange furniture. Whether it’s one shelf for a prominent display or a whole wall of floating shelves, the possibilities with this style are some of the most flexible to organize your sets.
- Display Cases: If you’re looking for clear organization of your sets with a degree of protection–especially from dust or wandering hands–then display cases can be a great idea. Not all of them have to be museum-quality cases. There’s plenty of cheaper plastic options available that will protect your set. If you’re looking for display cases, Bricks & Minifigs can be a great place to start. Our knowledgeable can point you to the right display in stores or help you find the right fit if we don’t have it.
Integrated Decorations
If you’re looking to make the most out of your space but also integrate your LEGO into decorations this is where you can get really creative. Some of these are similar to your dedicated collection but just vary in the amount of sets on display.
Check out these tips for some creative ways to add your LEGO sets to your current decor.
- Hang from the Ceiling: This may not integrate into your current decorations as easily as others, but hanging certain builds from the ceiling is a great way to display them without taking up much usable space. Think epic battles between Star Wars™ gunships in your kids room or da Vinci’s Flying Machine hanging above your office desk.
- Picture Frames or Wall Attachments: Some builds may fit perfectly in a picture frame or be just the right size to hang directly on the wall. If this is you, then you have the perfect opportunity to create a wall of LEGO art!
- Bookends/Furniture Accents: Not every display has to be packed to the brim with LEGO sets and pieces. Sometimes, you’ve got just the right set to look pretty on your kitchen table or as a bookend on your shelf. LEGO Botanicals and other Adults Welcome themes can make great accent pieces on the coffee table, counter, desk and more. It all depends on your vibe, but your love of all things LEGO doesn’t have to just be something for your collection. It can be a fun and creative part of your everyday decor.
Storage
Sometimes, you don’t need your LEGO sets to be out in the open as decorations but still want them accessible to play with or display later. Everything that we’ve already talked about can technically count as storage, but there are other options available.
- Traditional Storage Containers: If you’re just looking to keep your LEGO sets in good condition but also out of the way, then there’s plenty of options. Plastic storage containers exist in countless sizes and are easy to tailor for your specific sets.
- Easy Access Storage: This is a great option especially if you have kids looking to play with your sets or bricks. Whether you’re buying something pre-made or creating custom shelves, you can take bins, tubs, or other containers and create a neat shelf that allows you easy access to your bricks.
- For other storage ideas you can also go to the LEGO Group themselves. They’ve got a whole list of tips and ideas.
The Conclusion
One of the best parts of building with LEGO bricks is getting to see that set displayed prominently for you to look at every day. But sometimes, you’ve just got too many. Whenever that happens, there’s a chance to get creative with your organization and storage.
And if you’re goal is to free up some space, you can always sell unwanted sets at your local Bricks & Minifigs. Whatever you choose to do, there’s a great organizational system for every builder. Sorting your collection isn’t just about cleaning up; it’s about clearing the way for your next great masterpiece.