Playing Card Collection Displays (?)

[nicknamehere]

So I've been rooting around the forums wondering how you folk display your collections and it seems like people tend to just stack them or use those acrylic display cases. I'd appreciate your opinion on the following.

-Do you keep a rotating display, a fixed display, or no display at all?
-What do y'all do about playing cards that don't come in standard cases or come in boxes that you'd like displayed
-Do you keep them in the cellophane or do you open them?
-Do you display the back in any way (through a mirror or just displaying the back facing forward)?
-Do you mix your playing cards with other paraphernalia such as dice?
-Do you just hang them on a wall or do you have a case for them?

Post pictures? I'd love to see everyone's collections.

[KPopFever605]

1. I just store my decks in a shelf and stack them atop each other.
2. I don't have any deck that don't come in standard boxes, nor are there any that I'd like to display.
3. I open my decks.
4. I do not display the back.
5. I collect decks the majority of the time, and other cool playing card-related items occasionally.
6. Relate back to number 1.

[Don Boyer]

I've been keeping my decks stacked on the shelves of a small shelving unit.  The problem is that the shelves are narrow and the spacing between is high.  Removing a deck from near the bottom of a pile in the back can be a dicey proposition without reshuffling around the piles in front of them - another task that requires caution.

And that's just my open decks!  I keep the sealed ones in giant baseball card collector boxes.  A box designed to hold about five thousand baseball cards will hold about one-hundred-twenty-five typical packs of cards.  But the organization is lacking and accessing the cards difficult.

I'm looking to upgrade my storage - there are some plastic twelve-drawer office storage units that stand roughly a yard high and are stackable.  I'd like a few of those to put the collection in, for better organization.  I might display some of my more rare/vintage decks on a shelf but it would be ten times simpler to access the cards quickly and easily if I used drawers for storage.  One drawer holds a good number of decks in it.  The units are a bit under a hundred bucks each from a big-box office supply store.

[Curt]

Here is a little older picture of how I display my collection. I try to keep duplicate decks to a minimum but do have a few that I use and play around with on a daily basis. The frames are bought from a craft store in my area called "Michael's" and I have added miniature shelving to them so it works for playing cards. The acrylic piece is just a brochure holder that I managed to snag off of someone. Personally I really like how the frames look and I do plan to make more this summer.

[Edward]

I bought my Shadow box cases from Micheals also,, They have deals for Buy one get one free !!!   I buy the box that holds 33 decks   4 of them so far ,, All seald,,   It is a good deal when you catch it !!

[Fanofyankees13]

I keep most of my decks stored away in a dresser- it protects them from the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter. I have complete bricks on the bottom drawers, and decks I have multiples of organized together in the top drawers. I have some of my rarer decks and displays on the top of the dresser, and also have an entire desk covered in decks, although these are less organized and usually most of the decks on my desk are open- only sealed decks go in the dresser.

[Don Boyer]

I keep most of my decks stored away in a dresser- it protects them from the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter. I have complete bricks on the bottom drawers, and decks I have multiples of organized together in the top drawers. I have some of my rarer decks and displays on the top of the dresser, and also have an entire desk covered in decks, although these are less organized and usually most of the decks on my desk are open- only sealed decks go in the dresser.

I tried using a dresser for a while - until a gross of cards broke through the bottom of the drawer!

[Nurul]

I use to use a shoebox when I first started collecting lol I then bought a 4 tier plastic storage unit .. As well as cards, I store all my magic tricks, DVDs in there too, coins, dice, wristbands, sponge balls, rubber bands, thumb tips etc

[MrMollusk]

I buy sets of used brick boxes on ebay. I place the decks sideways (like books in a shelf) so i can easily scan through my decks. It protects the boxes, and it's compact.

[ruicorreia]

This is one of my actual headaches: I would really love to store them in one place only, protected of the dust, humidity and in a way that can be practical to access them. I've looked for furniture that could fit my needs but until now, I've had no luck. I'm thinking on storing them in white brick boxes. The bad part is that they won't be really displayed.
Wouldn't be great if Ikea designers created something for our collections?

[chris69uk]

I store mine in a collector's display cabinet, although it is getting rather full now, I will try and grab a pic when its been tidied abit 

[Don Boyer]

http://www.staples.com/Plastic-Storage-Drawers/cat_CL140604

Look at the 7- and 10-drawer cabinets.  I seem to recall someone telling me the small drawers can store three bricks each (probably out of the brick box).  The 7-drawer unit is good for storing larger, bulkier items in the bottom.  They're also made in a 12-drawer unit which I only saw in-store, the casters can be removed and the units can be stacked.  Bonus: just read that for all those same types of units, they're modular - you can mix and match drawers to a custom configuration!

[kdklown]

Finally got my deck displays done and hung.  Thought I would share a picture with the group.  Thoughts?

[MrMollusk]

Finally got my deck displays done and hung.  Thought I would share a picture with the group.  Thoughts?

Woah! That's pretty neat!
I'd love to get one, but my walls are absolutely plastered with posters.

[The Quadfather]

I have two aluminium flight cases that I plan to store the unopened portion of my collection in. You can cut the foam inserts so that it holds a fair amount of decks in great security (say around 54 decks per case). At the moment, my collection isn't that big so I keep one open deck and one unopened deck next to each other. I'm hoping to keep these for the 'rarer' parts of my collection.

I also have an old poker set that I never use. So I took out all the chips and felt inserts, and started putting decks in. Turns out, a 500 chip aluminium case can hold 81 decks of cards! It's really bare bones though, and you have to be careful of any rivets that the used during the production of the case. They tend to be fairly sharp and raised, and could cause your cards damage if you don't align them properly.

[Don Boyer]

I have two aluminium flight cases that I plan to store the unopened portion of my collection in. You can cut the foam inserts so that it holds a fair amount of decks in great security (say around 54 decks per case). At the moment, my collection isn't that big so I keep one open deck and one unopened deck next to each other. I'm hoping to keep these for the 'rarer' parts of my collection.

I also have an old poker set that I never use. So I took out all the chips and felt inserts, and started putting decks in. Turns out, a 500 chip aluminium case can hold 81 decks of cards! It's really bare bones though, and you have to be careful of any rivets that the used during the production of the case. They tend to be fairly sharp and raised, and could cause your cards damage if you don't align them properly.

Try some tape over those rivets.  I find Gorilla Tape better than duct tape, personally.

Remember those shelving units I mentioned?  They do hold about 45 decks per drawer, the drawers are stackable, but the units get VERY, VERY HEAVY when you load them up - use those felt pads on the corners and forget about using the caster wheels, they'll only break under the strain.  When I finish setting mine up, I'll take pictures.  My current set up is eight of the 5,000-capacity sports card boxes and two drawer units consisting of eight standard and two double-sized drawers.  (And the scary part is that it still might not be enough...)

Whoa, I just realized something...  My collection has grown to around 1,800 decks...  yikes...

[misterwizzerd]

I'm fairly new to collecting decks so my collection is fairly modest. I discovered woodgoodsbydon on eBay and bought two 16 deck displays he had already built. Then I ordered a 24 deck display which he custom built for me. He does great work and is more than willing to customize a display however you like. The prices aren't what I would call cheap but definitely reasonable. For my most prized decks i use a baseball display case. I pop off the baseball holders and install miniature black easels to hold decks. Included is the picture of the 24 deck display don sent me before shipping it off yesterday. When I get it all set up I will post pics.

[kdklown]

Display 2.0

[Don Boyer]

Display 2.0

Nice.  266 decks?

[kdklown]

Sounds about right.  I have 343 different decks in total and 71 not on display so thats 272.  But I have a couple holes left open for things I know are in route.   Pretty good Don.  That wall is done so I guess I have to move to the adjacent one.  Gonna have to cull out some sports memorabilia. 

[10ofclubs]

My grandfather and I are planning on making some cases similar to yours, kdklown. Any particular advice before we get started? Your's look fantastic.

[kdklown]

Thanks.  The two large cases are actually shadow boxes that are made to display a golf club or hockey stick.  I turned them sideways and fitted shelves.  Those are nice as you can go about 4 decks deep to account for duplicates, tin cases etc...  Let me know if you have any other specific questions.  Otherwise good luck and have fun with the build.   It was a very rewarding process, getting them displayed.

[WhySoSerious12]

Display 2.0

pretty neat display, i wish my room have some extra place for this. atm i just keep all my deck in a drawer..

[Anthony]

Very nice displays, shadow boxes do seem to work real well. My display project is still in the works, I have a 5' x 6' space of bare wall next to my desk reserved for it. Originally planned for my Zippo collection, now I'm trying to design something to display both my lighters and decks.

I made a very small lighter display early on using a hinged frame from Micheal's, again very inexpensive with their sales and coupons. I also used a piece of PVC 1/4 round for the "Shelves", a couple bucks at your local hardware store and spray painted black. The thickness of a deck is very close to that of a lighter so this should work well. I'm sorry that the pic has lighters in the display rather than decks, but I got my 1st 2 decks yesterday, lol

Very simple, just thought I would share for anyone looking for ideas.



...to be continued.

[Curt]

That is an awesome display Sparkz, I'll have to look into finding those frames with the hinged glass cover. That is originally what I was looking for when built my displays but I couldn't find any at the time so I'll have to look again. I really like the idea of using pvc for the shelves.

[Anthony]

That is an awesome display Sparkz, I'll have to look into finding those frames with the hinged glass cover. That is originally what I was looking for when built my displays but I couldn't find any at the time so I'll have to look again. I really like the idea of using pvc for the shelves.

Thanks Curt, they work out well and the PVC is easy to work with. This was the smallest one they had 11x14, ran like $12....they do have 20x24 (Poster Size) also.

[Curt]

Here is a new 1 or 2 deck wall display I made from a box that game with a flask set I was given last year.

[kdklown]

Very sharp looking Curt!

[Don Boyer]

That's a mighty vintage-lookin' deck you got there, Curt!  Care to dish? 

[speedyy400]

I am looking forward to the day where I have enough decks to require display cases. I have all of my decks sitting in a cigar box. It is certainly doing the job. I do have a number of decks ordered though so I think I may be maxing out that box. I am currently working on making a DJ Booth for my fraternity so I can't wait to actually be putting display cases together for my collection in the near future. The sense of satisfaction after you finish the case and see your collection sitting there must be unbelievable.
When scrolling through these pages of displays, people have some awesome displays. It is awesome to see how many people are taking pride in their collections. I especially admire your collection kdklown. I hope maybe one day I can make something look as nice as yours =D

[Don Boyer]

I am looking forward to the day where I have enough decks to require display cases. I have all of my decks sitting in a cigar box. It is certainly doing the job. I do have a number of decks ordered though so I think I may be maxing out that box. I am currently working on making a DJ Booth for my fraternity so I can't wait to actually be putting display cases together for my collection in the near future. The sense of satisfaction after you finish the case and see your collection sitting there must be unbelievable.
When scrolling through these pages of displays, people have some awesome displays. It is awesome to see how many people are taking pride in their collections. I especially admire your collection kdklown. I hope maybe one day I can make something look as nice as yours =D

Actually, the real fun is when you're PAST that point 'cause you have too many decks to hang on your wall without looking like a playing card dealership.  I launched past that point over a thousand decks ago...    And don't get me started on uncut sheets!

[Curt]

That's a mighty vintage-lookin' deck you got there, Curt!  Care to dish? 

That is the deck I purchased from Jonathan Rock, about a year ago. He put a thicker plastic covering on it to protect the tuck/seal. The deck has a class A tax stamp, placing it's printing date roughly between 1919-1924, it's the pride of my small vintage collection ( which is something that I hope to expand over the next year or so ).

Very sharp looking Curt!

Thanks mate, I am happy with how it looks as well.

[speedyy400]

I am looking forward to the day where I have enough decks to require display cases. I have all of my decks sitting in a cigar box. It is certainly doing the job. I do have a number of decks ordered though so I think I may be maxing out that box. I am currently working on making a DJ Booth for my fraternity so I can't wait to actually be putting display cases together for my collection in the near future. The sense of satisfaction after you finish the case and see your collection sitting there must be unbelievable.
When scrolling through these pages of displays, people have some awesome displays. It is awesome to see how many people are taking pride in their collections. I especially admire your collection kdklown. I hope maybe one day I can make something look as nice as yours =D

Actually, the real fun is when you're PAST that point 'cause you have too many decks to hang on your wall without looking like a playing card dealership.  I launched past that point over a thousand decks ago...    And don't get me started on uncut sheets!

Do you seriously have over a thousand decks? I couldn't even imagine attempting to store them all, let alone display them in a room at once. That must be some collection of stuff!

[Anthony]

Very nice Curt and an even nicer item to display in it    I hope to eventually have a few vintage decks in my collection.....got nothin but time 

[John B.]

My house looks like USPCC blew up inside. Decks all over add cards on the wall. You can be anywhere in my place and not see playing cards.

[CBJ]

So a friend and I have been working on deck displays for my collection. 4 in total, all identical.
They hold 84 decks each if the decks are facing out, and 350 decks each if they are stored an their side (see pics).
There's a groove along the shelf that the decks sit in.
These still need some more sanding, and will be painted black.

What do you guys think?































CBJ

[Anthony]

That's fantastic CBJ, can't wait to see the finished product. I wish I had the right tools to make a custom display.

[kdklown]

They look great CBJ.  I'm leaning towards doing something like that floor to ceiling.  My displays have become cluttered looking.  I've taken to "bookcasing" decks on top of the long cases.  I'm not happy with the layout anymore.  Thanks for the comment Speedy.  Here's one of the more recent pictures.  There's an overhaul coming soon. 

[Don Boyer]

Do you seriously have over a thousand decks? I couldn't even imagine attempting to store them all, let alone display them in a room at once. That must be some collection of stuff!

On my last count, it was over 1,700 decks.  My collecting has slowed a lot recently - saving to buy a car.

So a friend and I have been working on deck displays for my collection. 4 in total, all identical.
They hold 84 decks each if the decks are facing out, and 350 decks each if they are stored an their side (see pics).
There's a groove along the shelf that the decks sit in.
These still need some more sanding, and will be painted black.

What do you guys think?

Jay, they're really good.  I'd suggest displaying some turned to their side, some faced out, like you would in a bookstore.  You're going to want some high-strength anchors - loading 84 decks shouldn't be much of an issue, but it's a strain for me to lift a box containing only 125 decks, so imagine the weight of 350 hanging from one box on the wall...  A support framework might even be a good way to go, with some steel L-bars on a wooden frame and legs that reach the floor.

[PrincessTrouble]

I have my wall done, finally.

[Don Boyer]

I have my wall done, finally.

Now that looks very nice.

[Anthony]

I have my wall done, finally.

Fantastic wall Princess 

[52plusjoker]

I have my wall done, finally.

That is some impressive - looks terrific!

[PrincessTrouble]

I have more decks, so I now I need to find more wall space. 

[aldazar]

Very nice displays, shadow boxes do seem to work real well. My display project is still in the works, I have a 5' x 6' space of bare wall next to my desk reserved for it. Originally planned for my Zippo collection, now I'm trying to design something to display both my lighters and decks.

I made a very small lighter display early on using a hinged frame from Micheal's, again very inexpensive with their sales and coupons. I also used a piece of PVC 1/4 round for the "Shelves", a couple bucks at your local hardware store and spray painted black. The thickness of a deck is very close to that of a lighter so this should work well. I'm sorry that the pic has lighters in the display rather than decks, but I got my 1st 2 decks yesterday, lol

Very simple, just thought I would share for anyone looking for ideas.



...to be continued.

Amazing looking! I'm gonna have to get something like that done in my place... If I ever have enough wall space... Hong Kong is rough!