How to Make a LEGO Minifigure Display Case: A Complete DIY Guide for Collectors (UK Edition)
Creating a LEGO minifigure display case is one of the most enjoyable projects for any collector. Whether you collect Star Wars armies, Marvel heroes, CMF series, Classic Space, or Disney favourites, displaying them properly elevates your room and protects your figures from dust over time. The best part? A DIY LEGO minifigure display case is surprisingly simple to build, fully customisable, and often far more affordable than buying premium furniture.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make a LEGO minifigure display case in several styles, from easy wall-hung frames to premium acrylic covers and full wooden cabinets. We’ll also introduce optional upgrades, display ideas, dust-proofing methods, and pro-level finishing tips — all tailored for UK homes and collectors.
To support inspiration, we’ll reference brickzonehub.co.uk, a specialist display brand offering premium acrylic cases and accessories. Even if you're building a custom LEGO minifigure display case, their ready-made solutions and measurements can help guide your own designs.
1. Decide the Style and Size of Your LEGO Minifigure Display Case
Before you cut materials or buy acrylic, decide what type of LEGO minifigure display case you want to create. The style determines materials, tools, and overall cost.
1.1 Popular Case Styles
A) Wall-Hung Shadow-Box Case (Most Popular DIY Style)
A shallow frame with a backing board, acrylic front, and rows of LEGO plates.
Pros: Lightweight, dust-resistant, looks like framed artwork.
B) Desktop Display Case with Acrylic Lid
A wooden or MDF base with an acrylic “shoebox” cover on top.
Pros: Professional look, excellent dust protection.
C) Wooden Minifigure Cabinet with Clear Doors
A furniture-style solution with multiple shelves and glass or acrylic doors.
Pros: Best for large collections; highly durable.
Each can qualify as a custom LEGO minifigure display case, depending on how personalised you want the result to be.
1.2 Choosing a Size
DIY display guides — including those from brickzonehub.co.uk — recommend designing around how many minifigures you want to show.
Typical layouts:
6 × 5 grid = 30 minifigures
8 × 4 grid = 32 minifigures
10 × 6 grid = 60 minifigures (good for Star Wars armies)
Sizing Tips:
Allow 4–5 studs of width per figure.
Ensure enough vertical room for tall helmets (Mandalorians, Stormtroopers) or capes (Vader, Batman).
Add a clean visual border around the grid to make the LEGO display case feel like intentional décor.
If you're unsure, browse cases at brickzonehub.co.uk to compare standard internal dimensions used for professional displays.
2. Materials & Tools You'll Need
A DIY LEGO minifigure display case usually uses simple woodworking supplies plus an acrylic sheet.
2.1 Materials
Shadow-box frame OR timber/MDF strips
Acrylic sheet (safer and lighter than glass)
Backing board (plywood, MDF, or foamboard)
LEGO plates (2×2 or 2×4 plates work best)
Optional: mirrored acrylic, themed backdrops, LED strips
For a custom LEGO minifigure display case, many builders add:
Vinyl backgrounds (galaxy, cityscape, Marvel colours)
LEGO baseplates for easy repositioning
Magnetic closures for easy access
2.2 Tools
Saw (if making your own frame)
Drill + screws
Clamps
Wood glue
Acrylic-safe cleaner + microfiber cloth
Strong double-sided tape (for plates or risers)
If you're less confident cutting acrylic yourself, you can review cut-to-size options from suppliers or use pre-cut acrylic from brickzonehub.co.uk as inspiration for measurements.
3. Build a Simple Wall-Hung LEGO Minifigure Display Case (Beginner-Friendly)
This is the easiest and most common DIY method — perfect if you're making your very first DIY LEGO minifigure display case.
3.1 Prepare the Frame
You can either:
Buy a ready-made shadow-box frame
Build a shallow timber box (40–60 mm deep)
Fit the backing board securely using screws or brad nails. This backing board will carry the load of your minifigures.
3.2 Plan the Minifigure Grid
Lay the backing board flat and lightly mark:
Horizontal rows
Even spacing for each figure
Enough height for hats, helmets, wings, and accessories
Attach LEGO Plates:
You have two options:
Permanent method:
Glue 2×2 or 2×4 plates directly to the backing board.
Replaceable method:
Screw a thin strip of wood across the row, then glue plates to that strip.
(This lets you remove or replace plate rows later.)
Spacing tip:
Allow 4 studs per figure horizontally, and ensure no collisions between helmets or backpacks.
3.3 Fit the Acrylic Front
Cut or buy an acrylic sheet sized to the frame opening.
Fix it using:
Magnetic catches
Frame clips
Small screws
Internal battens that act as a lip
A removable front keeps dust out while allowing you to swap minifigs at any time.
3.4 Add Wall Hardware
Install:
Metal hangers
Keyhole brackets
D-rings
Wire hangers (for lightweight frames)
Add felt pads to protect painted walls.
This finished frame is officially a LEGO minifigure display case, fully functional and visually appealing.
4. Create a Desktop LEGO Minifigure Display Case with an Acrylic Lid
This style looks premium and makes an excellent custom LEGO minifigure display case for desks and shelves.
4.1 Build the Base
Cut a wooden or MDF base slightly larger than your grid.
Add a shallow rim so the acrylic cover sits neatly without gaps.
4.2 Add Risers for Better Visibility
To avoid hiding figures in the back row, create stepped risers:
Wood strips
MDF blocks
Stacked LEGO bricks or plates
Attach LEGO plates to each step so the minifigures click securely into place.
This “stadium seating” is especially popular for:
CMF series
Star Wars clone armies
Marvel teams
4.3 Build the Acrylic Cover
Cut five panels for the cover:
Front
Back
Left side
Right side
Top
Glue with acrylic cement using the capillary method.
Dry each joint before moving to the next.
Your transparent box now forms a beautiful acrylic LEGO display case that protects against dust and fingerprints.
If you prefer a ready-to-use lid, brickzonehub.co.uk offers precision-cut acrylic covers whose design can inspire your own DIY case.
5. Build a Wooden Minifigure Display Cabinet (For Larger Collections)
If you collect hundreds of figures, this option turns your wall into a miniature museum.
5.1 Build or Repurpose a Cabinet
Use MDF, plywood or timber to create the carcass:
Cut sides, top, and bottom
Add shelves
Sand smooth and paint or stain
Depth of 80–120 mm is ideal so figures aren’t lost at the back.
5.2 Add Clear Doors
Build wooden door frames and install:
Acrylic panels
Glass panels
Magnetic latches
Soft-close hinges
Acrylic is recommended for kids' rooms or low-hung displays because it’s safer.
5.3 Add Interior Details
Options:
Acrylic risers
Long LEGO plate “shelves”
Baseplates for armies
LED strips for premium lighting
This transforms the cabinet into a true custom LEGO minifigure display case that also functions as furniture.
For design ideas, browse tall minifigure display units at brickzonehub.co.uk.
6. Design Tips, Safety Guidelines & Finishing Touches
6.1 Spacing & Clearance
Leave room for:
Capes
Armour
Tall headgear
Large accessories
Avoid cramming figures too tightly — this is a display, not storage.
6.2 Preventing Dust
A good LEGO display case is at least semi-sealed.
Tips:
Add a small lip around acrylic panels
Use magnetic closures
Avoid large gaps around edges
This reduces cleaning time dramatically.
6.3 Cleaning Acrylic Properly
Use:
Microfibre cloth
Plastic-safe cleaner
Avoid:
Paper towels
Alcohol
Harsh chemicals
These can cause scratches or clouding.
6.4 Add Optional Enhancements
Themed printed backdrops
Mirrored back panels
Nameplates or custom engravings
LED lighting strips
Lighting is one of the fastest ways to elevate any LEGO minifigure display case.
7. Why Many Collectors Use brickzonehub.co.uk as a Reference (Even When Building DIY)
Even if your goal is a DIY LEGO minifigure display case, many collectors check brickzonehub.co.uk for:
Precise case dimensions
Inspiration for layout
LED light integration ideas
Professional dust-proof case designs
Their acrylic LEGO display solutions are ideal if you prefer to buy rather than build, but they also serve as excellent size benchmarks when crafting your own.
Conclusion
Learning how to make a LEGO minifigure display case opens the door to endless customisation. Whether you build a simple wall-hung frame, a premium acrylic LEGO display case, or a full wooden cabinet, the key is thoughtful planning, accurate measurements, and high-quality materials.
A DIY LEGO minifigure display case is not only functional — keeping your minifigs dust-free and organised — but also a beautiful piece of décor that celebrates your LEGO collection.
For those who want professional inspiration or ready-made options, brickzonehub.co.uk remains one of the best UK resources for LEGO display cases, bases, risers, and accessories.
With your new custom LEGO minifigure display case, your collection becomes a curated gallery — a showcase worthy of your favourite heroes, villains, troops, and characters.