How to display massive LEGO® sets

We think you’d agree that once you discover LEGO® building as a hobby, there’s usually no turning back.

Often the more you build, the more you want to challenge yourself, so you move onto bigger and more complex sets!

The thing about bigger sets is that it’s often hard to find a place for them...

For example, the new LEGO Eiffel tower is 58.5 in. (149 cm) high making it our tallest LEGO set to date. You can spend days building it, it looks amazing – but it’s bigger than your standard coffee table. You see the dilemma.

Got your eyes on a big LEGO set but don’t know how to display it?

Well, it would almost be irresponsible of us to not give a helping hand with how to display such an epic build! So, we’ve roped in some of our big-set-loving AFOLs (Adult fans of LEGO bricks) to help you with their top tips on how to display massive LEGO sets…

Want more? Check out the 10 Biggest LEGO sets ever made...

Think outside of the display box

Cape Town-based AFOL Timothy Snyders had to get creative when it came to housing his two biggest builds, the Millennium Falcon™ and the Hogwarts™ Castle.

“I converted the linen cupboard into a display cabinet. Both sets sit there behind a custom glass plate.”

It’s all about the angles

Marc Philippi, a big-set fan from Germany, puts a lot of thought into the optimum angle to display each piece.

“Most LEGO sets are miniature worlds, so it’s usually best to look at them from above. In saying that, some sets, like the car models look great on shelves close to the ceiling.”

You can also use angles to build the story around your display. If your set is an airplane or spaceship, why not set your piece at a 45-degree angle to give the illusion of flight.

Match your style

Both Marc and Timothy recommend aligning your sets with the style in the room. If your home is minimalist, the LEGO Eiffel tower might be the contemporary statement piece it needs.

However, if you build the LEGO Titanic, we recommend putting it in a more traditional space where it’s grandeur can shine through.

This is art!

Think of your sets as works of art and display them accordingly, says Marc.

“I try to take my LEGO sets seriously. They are objects in my home that I want to display. I want to show them off and display them the way they should be, so I try to give them space and try not to make things too cluttered.”

Get crafty with your displays

“Showcases are great, but they are expensive,” Marc told us.

To make the most of your pieces and to ensure stability, both AFOLs recommend playing around with different displays. You can use computer monitors, plinths, shelving and glass to keep your set safe and well presented.

Make it an exhibition, not a museum

“Think of your space as temporary. When I lived in a smaller apartment, I made space for bigger sets for a period of two months and then either swapped them or put them back in the box,” says Marc.

The great thing about seeing your set as an exhibition is the freedom to tell more of a story. Timothy uses minifigures to create a narrative in his street: “I love the idea of not only creating the facade, but the interactive and play element in it and changing the configuration when I want to.

Shine a light on it

Make the most of your displays with clever lighting. Light your display from behind with LEDs to highlight details or below for added drama. Our AFOLs also recommend placing mirrors behind big sets to highlight details without having to move the piece.

Most of all, display it with pride

“Ultimately, you need to enjoy it,” says Timothy. He adds: “The whole idea behind LEGO [building] is to play well and have fun. I like to make my sets focal, so I can show my friends and family my enthusiasm for it. Just go for it and spread the joy through the display”.