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Stylish Figure Display Techniques | Eye-Catching Decoration for Social Media

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Stylish Figure Display Techniques | Eye-Catching Decoration for Social Media

Stylish Figure Display Techniques | How to Decorate for SNS Appeal

Have you purchased figures like Nendoroids or figmas but are unsure how to display them stylishly? If you've finally acquired your favorite figures, you want to enjoy them in an attractive display that you can show off on social media. This article thoroughly explains the know-how for beautifully displaying figures, from beginner-friendly display techniques to specific setup examples based on budget. Master the secrets of display that stand out on SNS, such as how to use lighting, set backgrounds, and tips for photography, to make your collection even more appealing.

【Related Articles】: Good Smile Company Complete Guide

Basics of Display: Three Principles for a Stylish Look

To make your figure display look stylish, it’s important to grasp a few basic principles rather than just haphazardly arranging them. Here, we will explain the fundamentals of display based on three pillars: unity, space utilization, and visual guidance. By understanding these principles, you can create a display that rivals professional setups even in limited spaces.

How to Create a Unified Layout

To give your display a sense of unity, it’s essential to be mindful of three elements: color, theme, and size. For example, grouping Nendoroids from the same series, collecting characters in shades of blue, or gathering school-themed figures in one place can create a pleasant cohesion for the viewer. Additionally, if the sizes of the figures vary greatly, arranging them in separate areas can help create a balanced space. Unifying the colors of the background and stages can further enhance the sophisticated impression.

Space Utilization Techniques

In figure displays, "negative space" is a very important element. Instead of cramming everything together, providing adequate negative space allows each figure to stand out. To create depth, it’s effective to place smaller figures in the front and larger figures in the back. Incorporating a triangular arrangement (placing three figures at the vertices of a triangle) can create a visually stable composition. Varying the heights of each shelf is also a key to creating a three-dimensional and dynamic display.

Methods to Attract Attention

By setting a "focal point" within the overall display, you can naturally guide the viewer's gaze. Place your favorite figure or a limited edition item at the center or at eye level, and use lighting to draw attention to it. Utilizing height differences by placing the main figure at a higher position is also effective. Additionally, arranging figures in dynamic poses can add vitality to a static display. A layout that considers the flow of sight is the key to a display that stands out on SNS.

How to Choose a Display Case | Features and Recommendations by Type

To beautifully protect and display your figures, selecting the right display case is essential. Cases can be broadly categorized into three types: acrylic cases, glass cases, and open shelves, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the optimal case based on your budget, installation space, and the scale of your collection.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Acrylic Cases

Acrylic cases are highly transparent, making them the biggest attraction for showcasing figures clearly. They are lightweight, easy to transport and rearrange, and are also safe as they are less likely to break if dropped. The price range is relatively affordable, with some available for around 1,000 yen. On the downside, they tend to attract dust due to static electricity and are prone to scratches. Regular cleaning and careful handling are necessary. Using individual acrylic cases for small figures like Nendoroids and figmas allows for a display that highlights each piece.

Comparison with Glass Cases

Glass cases have a luxurious feel and superior transparency compared to acrylic. They are less prone to scratches and can maintain their beautiful condition for a long time. The IKEA DETOLF, in particular, is known as a staple glass case favored by figure collectors. However, due to their weight, selecting the right installation location is crucial, and earthquake measures are essential. The price is also higher compared to acrylic cases, with DETOLF costing around 7,000 to 8,000 yen. If you want to display a serious collection over the long term, it is worth considering an investment in glass cases.

The Option of Open Shelves

Displaying figures on open shelves instead of in cases is also popular. This style allows for easy access to figures, enabling pose changes and rearrangements, making it suitable for those who enjoy arranging displays. The ability to freely combine backgrounds and accessories is also appealing for creativity. However, since dust can settle directly on the figures, regular cleaning is essential. Be sure to maintain them carefully using air dusters or makeup brushes. Open shelves are also suitable for temporary displays for photography purposes.

If your budget is 3,000 yen or less, combining 100 yen store acrylic cases or transparent storage boxes is recommended. With a budget of 5,000 to 10,000 yen, you can consider dedicated acrylic figure cases (vertical or horizontal) or small glass cases. Searching for "figure case acrylic" on Amazon or Rakuten will yield various sizes. For a budget of 10,000 yen or more, consider IKEA's DETOLF or custom-fit glass cases. These allow for multiple figures to be displayed together and can incorporate LED lighting, enabling the creation of a serious display environment.

Enhancing Appeal with LED Lighting | Effective Lighting Techniques

In figure displays, lighting is not just a "nice to have" option but a "must-have" element. Using appropriate lighting can dramatically enhance the three-dimensionality and colors of figures, making them appear almost like different objects. Here, we will explain in detail the types of LED lighting, installation methods, and effective presentation techniques.

Effects of Lighting on Displays

By shining light on figures, the shadows created by their shapes become prominent, significantly enhancing their three-dimensionality. Especially for figures with delicate paintwork like Nendoroids and figmas, the way light is directed can change their expressions. Illuminating only the inside of a case in a dark room creates a dramatic effect as if the figures are under spotlight, allowing for SNS-worthy photos. Additionally, transparent parts and metallic paints are particularly responsive to lighting effects, and their sparkling appearance looks great in photos. Simply changing the color temperature of the lighting can express a range from a cool atmosphere to a warm one.

The main types of LED lighting used for figure displays are tape LEDs, spotlights, and indirect lighting. Tape LEDs are the type that can be attached to the edges of shelves or cases, providing uniform brightness. If powered by USB, wiring is also simple, making it recommended for beginners. Spotlights are suitable for illuminating specific figures and can create a dramatic effect. Indirect lighting creates a soft atmosphere by shining light from the back or bottom. When choosing, it's convenient to select one with a brightness adjustment feature (dimming function), as it allows you to set the optimal brightness according to the scene.

Differentiating Warm, Daylight, and Cool Colors

The color temperature of LED lighting greatly affects the atmosphere of the display. Warm colors (bulb color, about 3000K) have a warmth that suits fantasy or heartwarming characters. Daylight (about 5000K) has a natural brightness and is ideal for accurately reproducing the colors of characters. Cool colors (daylight color, about 6500K) give a cool and sharp impression, making them perfect for sci-fi or mechanical figures. Recently, RGB-compatible LED tapes that allow for color temperature changes are available at reasonable prices, allowing for differentiation according to the work or character.

Utilizing Dimming Functionality

With a dimming function, you can freely adjust the brightness, which is very helpful for creating atmosphere during shooting or display. You can set it brighter during the day to enjoy the details of the figures and dimmer at night to create a fantastical atmosphere. If you have LED lighting with a remote control, you can change the brightness and color from a distance, making it convenient for shooting for social media. The dimming function is one of those features that once you use, you can't live without.

Effective Lighting Installation Position

The position of the lighting greatly changes how the figures appear. Lighting from above creates natural shadows and evenly illuminates the entire figure. It is common to attach tape LEDs to the ceiling part of the shelf. Lighting from below can create a dramatic and extraordinary atmosphere, suitable for horror or dark characters. Backlighting has the effect of highlighting the silhouette of the figure and works well with figures that use transparent parts. By combining multiple lights, you can achieve a professionally finished display. When installing, pay attention to how the wiring looks and try to make it as inconspicuous as possible.

Affordable LED Lighting Sets

LED lighting may have a high-cost image, but in fact, there are many products available for around 1,000 to 2,000 yen. USB-powered LED tapes are sold on Amazon and at Daiso, with lengths of 1 to 2 meters that provide sufficient brightness. If you are introducing LED lighting for the first time, USB tape LEDs with dimming and color adjustment functions are recommended. With just this one, you can try various effects, making it cost-effective.

Creating Scenes with Backgrounds and Stages

To elevate the quality of your figure display, utilizing backgrounds and stages is essential. You can either make the figures stand out with a simple background or create a narrative with a more elaborate one. Here, we will explain how to choose background materials, use stages for three-dimensional layouts, and utilize 100-yen shop goods.

How to Choose and Install Background Materials

The background is an important element to enhance the figures. The simplest is a plain background, and monochrome colors like white, black, and gray are easy to match with any character, bringing out the charm of the figure itself. Gradient backgrounds change color from top to bottom, creating a natural atmosphere like the sky or sunset. Printed backgrounds depict specific scenes like classrooms, cityscapes, or outer space, making them ideal for recreating the character's world. For installation, a simple method is to attach background paper to foam board or cardboard and lean it against the back of a case or shelf. If you fix it with double-sided tape or masking tape, it can be easily replaced.

Three-Dimensional Layouts Using Stages

By using a tiered display, you can create a three-dimensional display with height differences for your figures. By placing the figures in the back row at a higher position, all figures become visible, enhancing the photo appeal. If you use a transparent acrylic tier, it will not stand out, making the figures appear to float. When using wooden or plastic tiers, unifying the colors with the background creates a sense of cohesion. Creating a three-tiered step-like display allows the gaze to flow naturally from the back to the front, resulting in a well-balanced composition.

Display Accessories Made with 100 Yen Store Goods

The backgrounds and tiers needed for displays can actually be sufficiently substituted with 100 yen store goods. Daiso and Seria offer a wide variety of materials suitable for displays, such as styrofoam boards, acrylic cases, wooden boxes, artificial flowers, and fake greenery. For example, you can stack transparent acrylic cases to use as a tier, use colored paper as a background, or create a natural atmosphere with fake greenery, allowing you to achieve a display that rivals professional setups with a little creativity. Enjoy your own original display while keeping costs down.

Themed Display Examples

Setting a theme according to the world of the figures creates a more story-like display. For a school theme, recreate a classroom using miniature desks, chairs, and a blackboard background. For a battle scene, arrange effect parts, rocks, and rubble to create a battlefield. For a slice-of-life theme, use miniature furniture and café items to create a living room or café, expanding the possibilities with your ideas.

Photography Techniques for SNS Appeal | How to Take Figure Photos

Even beautifully displayed figures cannot convey their charm without accompanying photography techniques. Here, we introduce techniques for anyone to easily take SNS-worthy figure photos using a smartphone.

Basic Settings for Beautiful Smartphone Photography

Smartphone cameras come equipped with various features. First, turn on the grid display to make it easier to balance the composition. Using the HDR function can prevent overexposure and underexposure in scenes with significant light and dark contrasts. By using portrait mode, you can blur the background and highlight the figure. Additionally, to prevent camera shake while shooting, it is recommended to hold the smartphone firmly with both hands or use a mini tripod. Focus on the figure's face and aim for an exposure that is neither too bright nor too dark. It is also important to get as close as possible to capture the details of the figure clearly.

Basic Composition: Rule of Thirds and Leading Lines

The "Rule of Thirds" is a basic composition technique in photography. By dividing the screen into thirds both vertically and horizontally and placing the figure's face or important parts at the intersections, you create a well-balanced composition. Leaving space in the direction the figure is looking creates a natural flow. Shooting not only from the front but also from a 45-degree angle emphasizes three-dimensionality, resulting in more attractive photos. Low angles (looking up from below) add impact, while high angles (looking down from above) make it easier to grasp the overall scene.

How to Combine Natural Light and Lighting

When shooting by a window, utilizing natural light can result in soft and beautiful photos. Avoid direct sunlight; soft light through sheer curtains is ideal. If shadows are too strong with just natural light, place white paper or reflective items (like styrofoam boards) on the opposite side to reflect light and soften the shadows. Combining LED lighting with natural light can produce more three-dimensional and beautiful photos. For nighttime shooting, use only LED lighting, but by illuminating from multiple angles, you can create natural shadows.

Simple Editing Techniques After Shooting

After shooting, you can further enhance the quality by making simple adjustments with a smartphone editing app. Adjust the brightness (exposure) to make the figure more visible. Increasing the saturation a bit will make the colors vibrant and create impressive photos, but be careful not to overdo it as it can look unnatural. By moderately increasing the sharpness, the outlines become clear, and the details of the figure stand out. Apps like Snapseed, Lightroom, and VSCO are recommended.

Display Examples by Budget | Start with 3,000 yen, 10,000 yen, or 30,000 yen

The budget for displays varies from person to person. Here, we introduce specific display setup examples for three different budget ranges. From configurations that beginners can easily start with to full-fledged premium displays, use this as a reference according to your budget.

Start with a Minimum Setup for 3,000 yen

Even with a budget of 3,000 yen, you can create a display that looks great on social media with some ingenuity. By combining a 100 yen acrylic case (300 yen × 3 pieces), a USB-powered LED tape (1,000 yen), foam board (100 yen × 2 sheets), and colored paper (100 yen), you can assemble a basic set for about 2,000 yen. Use the remaining budget to add a transparent acrylic stand or small items. You can separate the cases individually or arrange them side by side. Choose your favorite color for the background with colored paper, and place the LED tape at the top of the case to complete a simple yet sophisticated display. This setup is perfect for a first-time display challenge.

A Full-Fledged Display for 10,000 yen

With a budget of 10,000 yen, you can create a full-fledged display environment by combining a dedicated figure case and LED lighting. You can get an acrylic figure case (vertical or horizontal, 4,000 yen to 6,000 yen), a USB LED tape with dimming and color adjustment features (2,000 yen to 3,000 yen), a dedicated background sheet (1,000 yen), and an acrylic stand set (1,500 yen). With this setup, you can beautifully display multiple Nendoroids and figmas, and freely adjust the color and brightness of the lighting, allowing for various effects. Adding miniature items will also enable you to create original scene setups. This configuration will provide a satisfying display for intermediate users.

Create a Premium Display for 30,000 yen

With a budget of 30,000 yen, you can build a professional-level premium display. You can combine an IKEA DETOLF glass case (8,000 yen), high-performance RGB LED strips (with remote control, 5,000 yen to 7,000 yen), a dedicated background panel set (3,000 yen to 5,000 yen), a multi-tier acrylic stand (3,000 yen to 4,000 yen), and a miniature furniture and accessory set (5,000 yen to 8,000 yen). The DETOLF has four shelves, allowing you to display a large number of figures at once. With high-performance LED lighting, you can finely control the color and brightness using a smartphone app, creating the optimal lighting environment for each scene. By changing the background for each tier, you can enjoy a variety of worlds simultaneously. This configuration will create a high-quality display that attracts attention on social media and maximizes the value of your figure collection.

Summary: Expanding the Enjoyment of Figures with Displays

Figure displays are not just an act of "decorating"; they are a creative activity that allows you to create your own art piece. By utilizing a cohesive layout, appropriate display cases, effective lighting, carefully chosen backgrounds and stands, and SNS-friendly photography techniques, you can maximize the appeal of your figures. The ease of starting with a budget of 3,000 yen is also one of the attractions of this hobby. Starting small at first and gradually finding your own style is part of the enjoyment.

Through the display, your time with your favorite characters becomes richer, and it also serves as an opportunity to connect with others who share the same hobbies on social media. Please try out the techniques introduced in this article to create your own original display. I hope you can fully enjoy the fun of displaying figures, the joy of photographing them, and the happiness of sharing. Now, let's take the first step towards becoming a display master starting today.

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