How to Display Your Collectible Figures in an Affordable Yet High-Quality Display Case
An impressive figure collection deserves a stylish display, but high-end display cases can be expensive. The IKEA Blaliden is an affordable, modern, and functional solution that lets you showcase your anime and gaming figures perfectly—without breaking the bank!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to optimize your Blaliden display case and arrange figures of various sizes, featuring an example from our own collection.
The Successor to a Classic – Blaliden Replaces IKEA Detolf
For years, the IKEA Detolf was one of the best entry-level display cases for figure collectors. It offered a full glass design, an affordable price, and a sleek aesthetic. However, IKEA has discontinued the Detolf, and the Blaliden is now its official successor.
💡 Key Differences Between Detolf & Blaliden:
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Blaliden is 12cm shorter than the Detolf, making it slightly more compact
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Blaliden has built-in LED lighting, unlike the Detolf, which required separate lighting
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More dust protection with Blaliden’s closed sides and metal frame
If you can still find a Detolf in good condition on the second-hand market, we’d recommend picking one up, as it remains an excellent option. However, for those looking for a new display case, the Blaliden is the best modern alternative.
Why Is the IKEA Blaliden Ideal for Collectors?
✅ Affordable price – One of the best budget-friendly display cases
✅ Built-in LED lighting – Perfect presentation without extra lamps
✅ Dust protection with closed sides – Less maintenance required
✅ Fits figures of various sizes – Ideal for scale statues, prize figures, and Nendoroids
✅ Sturdy metal frame with glass shelves – A sleek, modern look for your living room or gaming space
How to Arrange Your Figures in the Blaliden Display Case?
1. Large Statues & Scale Figures (1/6, 1/7, 1/8 Scale)
🔹 Placement: Upper or middle shelves for best visibility
🔹 Why? Large figures, like the Elysia Herrscher of Human: Ego Ver. 1/7 Figure, look more impressive on upper shelves
🔹 Tip: If your figure has delicate details, an Display Box offers extra dust protection
2. Medium-Sized Figures (1/10, 1/12, Prize Figures)
🔹 Placement: Middle or lower shelves
🔹 Why? These figures are often found in large numbers in a collection and should be clearly visible
🔹 Tip: Group figures by series or theme to create a cohesive look
3. Small Figures (Nendoroids, Chibi Figures, Trading Figures)
🔹 Placement: Use acrylic risers or platforms to create height differences
🔹 Why? Small figures can look "lost" without elevation
🔹 Tip: Clear risers help make smaller figures more noticeable
4. Storing Merchandise & Collector’s Editions
🔹 Manga boxes or special editions fit perfectly on the lower shelf
🔹 Postcards or art books can be used as background elements
Affordable Upgrades for a Premium Look
The Blaliden is already a great collector’s display case, but a few affordable upgrades can enhance it even further:
1. Extra Lighting for a More Dramatic Look
💡 Why? The built-in LED is useful, but additional lighting improves visibility
🔹 LED strips for even illumination
🔹 Spotlights to highlight premium figures
2. Dust Protection for Less Cleaning
🛡️ Why? Less dust means less cleaning and better preservation!
🔹 Self-adhesive dust-proof strips for the glass doors
🔹 Acrylic display boxes for rare collectibles
3. Dynamic Presentation with Acrylic Stands
📦 Why? Figures look more interesting at different heights
🔹 Acrylic risers or podiums improve visibility
🔹 Mirror back panels create depth and make the display appear larger
Alternative Affordable Display Case: IKEA RUDSTA
If the IKEA Blaliden is unavailable or you need a slightly larger option, the IKEA RUDSTA is a great alternative.
Why Choose IKEA RUDSTA?
✅ More storage space than the Blaliden
✅ Two sizes available (wide & narrow) to fit different room layouts
✅ Better for larger collections due to its extra height
✅ Metal frame with glass panels for a sleek, minimalist look
✅ Dust-resistant design to keep your figures clean
💡 Blaliden vs. Rudsta – Which One to Choose?
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If you want built-in LED lighting → Blaliden
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If you need more storage space → Rudsta
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If you have limited space → Blaliden’s compact design is ideal
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If you want a wider display for multiple figures → Rudsta’s larger variant is better
Both options work great for figure collectors, so it depends on your space and storage needs.
Discover Exclusive Figures & Collectibles at Pardo’s Shop!
Looking for high-quality, officially licensed anime and gaming figures? Then check out Pardo’s Shop! We offer:
✅ Limited-edition figures & statues
✅ Exclusive merchandise
✅ Premium collectibles for serious fans
🔗 Visit our shop and find the perfect figure for your collection!
Follow Us for More Inspiration!
Want more tips and ideas for displaying your figure collection? Follow us on our social media channels:
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We regularly share new figure releases, collector’s tips, and creative display ideas!