Discover creative and budget-friendly methods for storing, organizing, and displaying your anime collection.
As anime fans, we’ve all been there before. You see something you really want to buy, and so you buy it. Over time, you’ve got a growing stash of DVDs, Blu-rays, manga, figures, and all sorts of anime merch piling up. And at some point, you start asking yourself: Where am I even gonna put all this?!
Should you store it in the closet? In the basement? Under your bed? In your parents’ room?
If you’ve ever worried about this or are currently worrying about it, then no worries – we’ve got you covered, and we can assure you it is none of the options above. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to flex your collection, keep things organized, and make space for even more anime goodness! Here are some easy (and budget-friendly) ways to store and display your prized anime possessions.
Step 1: Get Your Collection in Order (Before It Takes Over Your Room)
Before we talk about how to display your collection, let’s get things sorted—literally. There’s nothing worse than hunting for that one Blu-ray or manga volume when everything’s in chaos.
Here are some ways to organize:
✅ By series – All your One Piece, Naruto, or Demon Slayer stuff together.
✅By alphabetical order – The old classic. We all know that Bleach goes before Naruto, don’t we?
✅ By format – DVDs/Blu-rays on one shelf, manga on another, figures in their own section.
✅ By vibe – Group by color, aesthetic, or even genre (dark & edgy anime vs. wholesome feel-good shows).
✅ By release order – Great for long-running franchises (looking at you, One Piece series).
Once you’ve got your stuff sorted, it’s time to show it off!
Step 2: Finding the Best Way to Display Your Anime Haul
Now for the fun part – figuring out how to make your collection look good.
📚 Good Shelving = A Game Changer
A solid bookshelf is your best friend when it comes to storing anime merch. Adjustable shelves are perfect for different-sized items, and acrylic cases help keep your prized possessions dust-free.
Budget tip: IKEA’s Billy bookshelves are super popular with collectors—affordable, sleek, and sturdy.
🖼️ Floating Shelves for a Clean Look
Want something more modern? Floating shelves make it look like your figures and DVDs are literally floating on the wall. Arrange them in a cool pattern for extra style points.
🔮 Glass Display Cases for That Museum Vibe
If you’re serious about collecting rare figures or limited-edition sets, a glass display cabinet is 100% worth it. Not only does it keep everything safe from dust, but it also makes your collection look high-end.
Pro tip: Pick one with adjustable shelves and LED lighting for that extra wow factor.
💡 LED Lights = Instant Glow-Up
Speaking of lighting—if you wanna make your collection pop, LED strip lights are the way to go. You can go classic white for a clean look, or RGB lights for a full-on anime aesthetic (imagine your Evangelion figures glowing in purple and red).
Step 3: Getting Creative with Your Display
🎭 Theme Your Setup
Why not take it a step further and create a display that reflects your favorite anime?
Character Shrines – Dedicate a small space to your #1 fave.
Series Sections – Keep all things Attack on Titan together for a dedicated corner.
Aesthetic Displays – Minimalist? Cozy? Neon cyberpunk? Design your display around a theme for that personal touch.
💸 DIY Display Hacks for Collectors on a Budget
No need to spend a fortune – there are plenty of creative ways to set up your collection without dropping big bucks.
Repurpose bookshelves – Got extra shelf space or a shelf with unused junk sitting on top? Use it for your anime collection instead.
Shadow boxes – Perfect for figures and keychains.
Pegboards – Great for hanging small merch like pins and lanyards
Stacked crates – A cool industrial look and functional storage.
A Blastoise Pokémon card stored inside of a card sleeve protector. – Image provided by Erik Mclean on Pexels
Step 4: Keeping Your Collection in Top Shape
Now that your anime stash is looking awesome, let’s make sure it stays that way.
✅ Use protective sleeves for DVDs, manga, and rare prints to keep them safe from dust and sunlight.
✅ Dust regularly – Yeah, it’s annoying and we all hate it, but your collection will thank you.
✅ Invest in figure protectors if you’ve got expensive collectibles – prevents scratches and fading.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, displaying your anime collection is all about your style. Whether you go for sleek glass cases, floating shelves, or a DIY setup, the most important thing is that it makes you happy.
And if you’re looking for inspo, check out anime collector communities online – there are tons of cool ideas out there. Now go make your setup look as awesome as your anime taste!
