Display Tips for Cardboard Standees Indoors

Introduction

Cardboard standees make a big impression without taking up much space. They’re especially loved by film and TV enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re into classic blockbusters or modern franchises, there’s something fun about seeing your favourite character brought to life in standee form. These standees have become more than collectables. They’re conversation starters and touches of creativity in any room.

As the colder months roll in by November, most people are spending more time indoors. It’s the perfect time to rethink how your space looks and feels. Maybe you want to add a bit of personality to your living room, give your home theatre an upgrade, or bring something eye-catching to your workplace. Displaying cardboard standees well can really change the feel of a space. Let's walk through how to get it right indoors and why layout, lighting, and care all matter.

How To Display Your Cardboard Standees Indoors

Film and celebrity collectables have a strong following, and cardboard standees take centre stage when it comes to display choices. They bring something playful and nostalgic while being easy to move and arrange. Whether it’s a life-size sci-fi character or a favourite music icon, these figures find their place in homes and local businesses alike.

Using standees indoors is a fun way to show off your interests while adding character to the space. Instead of just hanging up posters or rearranging furniture, a standee can change the mood of a room more instantly. They're ideal for home cinemas, games rooms, offices, and cosy corners that need a focal point.

A customer once shared that placing a standee of their favourite superhero near their office doorway led to compliments from clients and sparked easy conversations. That’s the sort of reaction you can expect when your display choices reflect your space and personality.

Choosing The Perfect Spot For Your Cardboard Standees

Where you place your standee can make all the difference. These aren’t items to just tuck into a corner. Think through each room and how much foot traffic it gets. Try to match the theme of the space with the character or figure you’re displaying. Here are some practical ideas by room:

- Living rooms: Great for standees that bring fun without overwhelming the space. Try placing one at an angle near a bookshelf or beside a media unit where it can be seen but isn’t in the way.

- Home theatres: Probably the best spot for a standee. Flank your screen with a film character or two to create a small cinema vibe. You could rotate them based on your current movie night theme.

- Offices or commercial spaces: Use a well-known figure to draw attention and interest from visitors. A standee near the entrance, by reception or in a waiting area can liven up any room.

Be mindful of areas with a lot of movement to keep your standees from being bumped often. In spaces where children pass through, placing a standee slightly back or near a corner of the room helps reduce wear. Choose a spot with a clear backdrop so the design stands out. Look for areas that give the standee high visibility without cluttering your main walkways. This ensures the figure adds value to the space without becoming a nuisance.

Lighting Tips To Avoid Damage

Wherever you place cardboard standees, lighting plays a big role in how they look over time. It’s not just about making them easy to spot. The wrong lighting can cause fading or discolouration, especially if they're near windows or under strong artificial lights most of the day.

One of the best ways to avoid this is by keeping them away from direct sunlight. Even low winter sun through a nearby window can slowly dull the colours over time. If your chosen spot tends to get sunlight throughout the day, consider shifting the standee to a shadier location or use blinds during the brightest hours.

Ambient lighting is a good choice. It lets the figure be clearly visible while avoiding intense beams that could heat or bleach the surface. Wall lights or uplighters offer a softer approach and spread light more evenly. LED bulbs are usually safer than halogen ones when it comes to heat exposure.

Try not to place standees directly under spotlights or near desk lamps, even if it seems like a good idea to highlight the figure. Over time, those spots can start to lose their bold colours. If you’re going for a spotlight effect, aim adjustable lights at a wall close by. This casts a soft glow without putting the standee at risk.

Also, check for reflections if your standee’s surface is glossy. You don’t want bouncing light distracting the eyes or masking details. A slight position shift or a matte backdrop behind the figure usually solves this.

Maintaining And Cleaning Your Cardboard Standees

Once you've found the right spot with the right lighting, it’s worth taking small steps to keep your standee looking its best. They’re low maintenance, but regular care can give them a longer life, especially if your space sees a lot of traffic.

Here are a few tips to keep them in tip-top shape:

1. Dust regularly with a clean, dry cloth. Microfibre cloths are perfect for this without scratching the surface.
2. Avoid using water, sprays, or any cleaning products. Cardboard doesn’t go well with moisture. If you see a smudge, try gently using a dry cloth or soft eraser.
3. Don’t rest items against the standee. Even something light could cause creases or bends over time.
4. If you need to move it, grab it from the base or centre. Lifting from the head or top edges can risk tearing thinner parts.
5. When not in use, store the standee folded and upright in a dry place. Avoid areas that are damp or very cold, especially in winter, to prevent curling or warping.

If you rotate your room display throughout the year, switching out standees now and then can help reduce wear and let you enjoy more of your collection.

Give Your Display Some Extra Spark

A little care and thought in setting up your cardboard standees can make them feel like part of your space rather than just a temporary decoration. From picking the right corner in the room to adjusting the lighting and brushing off some dust now and then, it’s the small things that add up.

This kind of display is easiest to enjoy during autumn and winter when everyone’s spending more time indoors. Add a memorable touch to your décor using icons from pop culture that reflect your interests or lighten the mood in your work area. Whether it’s a movie legend in your home cinema or a funny figure waiting by your reception desk, a well-placed standee adds personality.

With soft light, smart placement, and a little care now and again, your collection can keep turning heads for a long time. When you’re ready to refresh your room’s look or add a new favourite to the mix, having your current pieces in great shape will make the update all the smoother.

To add a creative flair to your space with something you’ll love seeing every day, take a look at our range of cardboard standees. Whether it’s a favourite film icon or a character that makes you smile, Starstills has just the thing to bring your room together.