How to display massive LEGO® sets

Completing a big LEGO® set is an achievement. And just like you would want to display a trophy or a certificate of accomplishment, you’ve every right to want to display your completed big build somewhere in your home.

But sometimes that is a little trickier than it sounds. Finding space, getting the lighting right and making sure the build is safe are all considerations.

To help you work out how to display your latest set, we asked some of our big-set-loving fans to help you with their top tips…

And if you haven’t entered the big set arena just yet, why not check out the 10 biggest LEGO sets ever made...

It’s all about space

You’ll need spaces that match the dimensions of your chosen set. For example, the 3,601-piece LEGO® Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System model measures 27.5 in. (70 cm) tall, so you’ll need plenty of height to make the most out of this set.

“Sometimes these sets can get pretty large and it can be a challenge,” says Bri Duncan. “But it can be a bit of a fun exercise to figure out where you can best display a particular piece.”

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.

Customize your display

The LEGO Icons Titanic is one of the longest sets we’ve ever made, meaning that to display it you will need a suitably large area. To avoid display disappointment, a quick measure and reshuffle of your other pieces will ensure you’ve got enough space.

“I pamper it by displaying it in my custom LEGO shelving made with plywood boards and indirect LED lighting that separates my living room and hallway, it truly makes it shine!” says Saif Abouelseoud.

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”.