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I've been collecting 40k mini's for a about 2 or 3 years. My collection is currently spread across an old computer desk I acquired from a friend when he moved, but I'd like to move the figures to something a bit nicer. I'd specifically like something that will keep out a majority of dust (I live in an old house with a poor ventilation system, so dust settles EVERYWHERE), I'd like to see into the case without opening (so glass / plexiglass / clearplastic doors), and I'd like it to be somewhat simple (and thus cheaper).

I need a pretty decent amount of space as my models currently take up about 15.5 square feet (4.7 square meters). I'm also planning to start collecting some more figures as well as creating terrain from old, models I have laying around, so more space is better!

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: Due to me living in the middle of nowhere and the price of shipping, Ikea furniture is not practical.

Ikea is what most people use

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/10384/

The ikea detolf is the go-to wargamers display cabinet.

I briefly looked at Ikea, but I would need to buy no less than 3 detolf's to house what I already have. And that's not including the stuff I'll be getting or the terrain I'll (hopefully) be making. :<

Look for display cabinets on like Craig lists and stuff.

Some times you can get them cheaper.

You can jerry rig your self some extra shelves too if you are crafty

 ShadowMageAlpha wrote:
I briefly looked at Ikea, but I would need to buy no less than 3 detolf's to house what I already have. And that's not including the stuff I'll be getting or the terrain I'll (hopefully) be making. :<

Buying something else isn't going to make that volume suddenly less. There's a reason why they're so popular - they're cheap, even including the extra money you shell out to the local glass company for extra shelves, but still nicely display a lot of models. The only problem is that they are tall and narrow, so not so good for holding terrain or other things with a potential height and large footprint.

Other than that, you're not going to get a cheap solution unless you get really really lucky, there's no good commercial solution for what you're asking for. Display cases are rather pricey things, especially the kind you're looking for.

Heres what I use, not sure if you have Argos in the US?
They are not cheap however but do look great once setup. You get an extra shelf VS the ikea ones (two if you count putting stuff on top) and the width is quite a bit bigger too.

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/2457424/c_1/1|category_root|Home+and+furniture|14417894/Trail/searchtext%3EDISPLAY.htm

this is a good article on how to add extra shelves to the standard Ikea cabinet

http://forthelimey.blogspot.ca/2013/03/putting-shelves-in-ikea-cabinets.html

I also found these acrylic tiered stands which work great in a deltoff, to add height for your display for only $10. They're currently sold out, but restock frequently. I havent seen any other display stands cheaper.

http://www.smalljoes.com/apex-action-figure-collectibles-display-case.shtml

I have so many of those detolf glass cabinets that it's not funny. After my last round, I think 15 inside my house. They are very, very easy to put together (or disassemble). Keep in mind that you cannot take them between floors without disassembling them, though you can easily slide them around.

Size-wise, each level is just slightly larger than a closed skyshield (and smaller than an open one)

I was kinda sold on the detolf cabinets, so I just went to check out to check the shipping costs.

No, no, no. A thousand times no.

Shipping more than TRIPPLED the cost of the cabinet. And the nearest Ikea store is about 3 hours away from me.

Ikea is no practical for me. :/

 Talys wrote:
. Keep in mind that you cannot take them between floors without disassembling them, though you can easily slide them around.

You can if you are strong enough and have someone to steady the top, I moved mine upstairs fully assembled (aside from the shelves obviously). I did a lot of research on this a few years ago and the Detlof was by far the cheapest option although it is pretty small.

Depending on how good at carpentry you are you could try making your own cabinet?

I know Ikea's been ruled out, but if you're going to link to articles on adding shelves to the Detolf, show Dakka some love!

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Customizing_a_Glass_Display_Case_by_AesSedai