Too big for Billy Bookcases: Displaying huge collections

[kellyponyfeathers]

After 35 years of collecting ponies, I've amassed a really huge collection of all gens. I don't know how many, but it's got to be close to 2000 by now, plus plushes, merch, and other vintage toys.

I've been moving around a lot for the last 10 years trying to launch my career. I've finally landed a permanent salaried job and am happy to put down roots for a while in southeast Ohio.

My collection has mostly been boxed for many years, but I'm looking forward to finally displaying them in my new home. The last time I was able to display them all, they numbered around 600. One bedroom probably won't be enough to show so many toys now, ha ha! Wall space will be precious, which brings me to my problem.

I know most collectors recommend Billy bookcases from Ikea. They're cheap, look nice, and have glass doors to keep out the dust. But they're only about 11 or 12 inches deep, enough for about two rows of ponies per shelf, maybe three if you squeeze in some babies in front. And many playsets don't fit.

With so many ponies, I really need a system that can accomodate four rows of ponies per shelf, plus playsets. So I need something twice as deep as Billy, at least 20 inches, preferably 24.

I've read that Ikea recently started a new line of deeper Billy bookcases. But they're still only 15 inches deep; that's not going to cut it for me. I'm considering systems of customizable Ikea wardrobes or pantries. The Pax wardrobe system looks good, though it doesn't seem to come with glass doors.

I'm wondering if anyone else has found a good shelving system for huge collections. Any suggestions? I know I'm not the only one here with a giant collection.

[Emberfly]

I hope some people with really big collections help out.  I don't have a large collection but I live in a small space and know what you mean about limited wall space.  Some things I though of when reading your post is that even with a deeper shelf, when stacking the ponies so that you can see them most likely will mean a higher space between shelves so that you end up with fewer shelves and less ponies displayed.  One thing I've been toying with in my space is putting walls perpendicular to the walls.  If you had 2 back to back Billies and anchor them to each other and the wall, I'd think they'd be pretty secure.  Doing this is dependant on the size and shape of your new pony room.  They also have the corner systems for Billy, and while they do take up some room for the angles, they look great.  Just a thought.  Good luck with displaying your ponies finally, it must feel great.  I can't wait to see pictures of your final product.

[FantasticFirefly]

I don't know what combos they offer (frames that can include shelves, and door styles) but what I would look into is the PAX system. If I had a wider room, I would have gotten a few of those too. I do plan too for my office.

I believe the depth on them is somewhere around 22"

*edit*
Also check out some of the BESTA pieces.

[aintnobuffalo]

I actually just posted about my IKEA set up in another thread, I thought I would quote myself here in case it helps.

I don't have the lovely Billy shelves just yet, but I do use IKEA for my ponies. I have the longest LACK shelf which is just the right depth for the G4 castles or a stepping spice shelf to allow for a equal size step at the shelf level.

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I also have the DETOLF cabinet. It's great foe 360 viewing.

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Downside is that the shelves aren't covered by glass.

[reddsetgogirl]

The main question is do you want a way to display your collection that will hold the most possible ponies, even if they aren't displayed well and some are hidden, or do you want to display them as nice as possible, at the expense of space?

If you have the space for multiple cabinets, I used three full size Billy-type cabinets, one half size, one all glass cabinet for large playsets and two small stacking cube units.  This takes up a lot of space but I've got maybe 900 ponies, 100  mini ponies, 30 playsets and merchandise - and I'm pretty close to maximum capacity.  That's with four rows of ponies per shelf.  You definitely can fit four rows in a Billy but they won't all be visible.

My biggest tip is to use every cabinet surface as best you can.  If the sides of your cabinet aren't against a wall, use the side to display carded items on sticky hooks and stick any pony artwork you have to the sides.  When I still lived with my parents I would screw tiny hooks into the underside of my wall shelves and hang pegasus ponies from them with thread.  I also store large items on the top of my cabinets.  Basically, if it has somewhere to put something, it's got something on it.

[Elfpony]

My collection isn't huge, but my roommate and I are sharing a 15x9 foot room as our "Geek Cave".  That room is displaying my 700+ ponies and playsets, my strawberry shortcake collection (which is a lot bigger than what's pictured below), and her She-Ra/MOTUC collection (100 figures, beasts, and vehicles - including giant 2014 Castle Greyskull). We've got a combo of Billy, Kalax, and Gnedby shelving and Lack tables (plus a small built in that's in the closet).  It's important to both of us to be able to display our collections, and that's why we've picked out the furniture we have and arranged it as we have. The majority of the playsets do fit on the Billys, and with risers, you can easily get three-four rows of ponies on each shelf.  I even fit that giant new castle from last fall into the system we have now.
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(There are two more kalax cubes as well as two small cheap bookshelves)
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Maybe that will help give you some ideas?

Elf

[Flitter]

Can you double stack Billy shelves? Like don't put the back piece on one and bracket them together?
I'd have concerns though with shelves of that depth that it'd be difficult to see ponies towards the back; Even with taller risers would they not seem boxed in?