Music and Art & Media Collectibles: What to Look For

Quick answer

Buy game music collectibles and video game art prints based on where they will live, not just the franchise. For a turntable or shelf, choose pieces with a clear display purpose and durable materials. For wall art, prioritize framing and placement before you buy. If you are unsure, start with one functional music item and one small art piece, then expand based on what you actually use.

Game music collectibles and video game art prints sit in a strange middle ground: they are decorative, but they are also functional objects that take up real space. The best purchases are the ones you can actually display without damaging them, and that fit the room you already have.

This guide gives you concrete decision rules for choosing music and art & media collectibles, including what to look for in materials, sizing, and display. It also covers when to skip a piece and what to prioritize if you are buying your first one.

Start with the display surface, not the franchise

Before you buy any game music collectible or art print, measure the exact spot where it will go. A record slip mat needs a turntable platter; a metal license plate needs a wall or door with enough clearance; a mini figure needs a shelf that will not crowd it. If you cannot name the surface, you are not ready to buy.

This rule prevents the most common mistake in gaming art buying: buying for the love of the game and then storing the item in a box. A piece that never gets displayed stops being a collectible and becomes clutter. Decide the location first, then let that location narrow your choices.

• Measure width, height, and depth of the intended spot before browsing.
• Check whether the item needs to be seen from one side or all sides.
• For wall pieces, note whether you can drill or need damage-free hanging.

Match the material to the room's conditions

Music and art collectibles are not equally durable. Felt slip mats are soft and can compress or stain; resin figures are detailed but can chip if knocked over; metal plates resist bending but can scratch. Match the material to the room's traffic, humidity, and sunlight.

A sunny windowsill will fade printed art and warp some materials over time. A dusty garage shelf will dull a resin figure. If you cannot control light or dust, choose a piece that is easy to clean or keep it behind glass. The catalog facts for each product tell you the material, so use them as a filter.

• Felt: keep away from moisture and heavy direct sun.
• Resin: display above waist height to avoid accidental drops.
• Metal: wipe with a dry cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners.

Decide between functional and purely decorative

Some music collectibles do a job: a record slip mat sits under a vinyl record and protects it. Others, like a mini figure or a license plate, are purely decorative. Functional pieces earn their space because they are used; decorative pieces need a stronger emotional pull or a clear display plan.

If you are building a gaming media collection, mix both. One functional item, such as a slip mat, keeps your turntable in use. One decorative item, such as a small figure, gives the shelf personality. This balance keeps the collection from feeling like a storage problem.

• Ask: will I use this weekly, monthly, or never?
• Functional items can justify a higher price if they replace a plain version.
• Decorative items should fit an existing shelf or wall without rearranging the room.

Scale and proportion: small pieces, big impact

Scale is where many video game art prints and figures go wrong. A 5.5-inch figure can look lost on a large bookshelf, while a 12-inch slip mat is invisible until you lift the record. A metal license plate is roughly the size of a real plate, so it needs a wall with enough empty space to read clearly.

Group small items together to create a single visual weight. Place larger pieces alone. If you are buying a print, choose a size that fits a standard frame; custom framing often costs more than the print itself. For figures, a riser or a dedicated shelf edge can make a small piece feel intentional.

• Use a riser for figures under 6 inches tall.
• Hang metal plates at eye level or slightly above.
• Keep at least 2 inches of space around wall art for visual breathing room.

Storage and protection before you buy

If you rotate your collection or store pieces seasonally, plan the storage before purchase. Resin figures should go back in their original box or a padded container. Prints should be stored flat or in a portfolio, not rolled tightly. Felt slip mats should be kept flat and away from heavy objects.

Original packaging adds protection and often holds value, but it also takes space. If you do not have room for boxes, choose pieces that can stay on display year-round. This is a trade-off: display convenience versus resale or archival protection. Decide which matters more to you.

• Keep original boxes for resin figures if you have the space.
• Store prints flat in a dry, dark place.
• Never stack heavy items on a felt slip mat.

Decision rules for music and art & media collectibles

• If you have a turntable and play vinyl regularly: Choose a felt slip mat with a full-color print and a standard 12-inch diameter. It protects the record and adds a visual detail when the platter is empty. Buy the mat only if the turntable is already set up.
• If you want a wall piece but cannot drill: Pick a lightweight metal plate or a small framed print. Use damage-free hanging strips rated for the weight, and avoid glass frames in high-traffic areas. Check the weight limit on your hanging method before buying.
• If you are buying your first video game art print: Choose a size that matches a standard frame you can buy locally. Custom framing often costs more than the print and adds weeks of waiting. Measure the frame first, then buy the print.
• If you have limited shelf space: Prioritize one functional music item and one small figure. Skip large statues or multi-piece kits until you have a dedicated display area. One good shelf beats three crowded ones.
• If you care about resale or archival value: Keep original packaging and store prints flat. Resin figures should return to their box when not displayed. Storage space is part of the purchase decision.

Product facts that matter

• DOOM: The Dark Ages Shield Saw Record Slip Mat: Material: Felt. Diameter: 12 in (30.48 cm). Full color printing on front side. A 12-inch felt mat fits standard turntable platters and protects vinyl. The printed graphic only shows when the record is off, so it is a display piece for the moments between plays.
• DOOM: The Dark Ages Cyberdemon Mini Collectible Figure: Material: Resin. Height: 5.5” (13.9 cm). Weight: 1 pound (450 g). Resin holds fine detail but can chip, so display it on a stable shelf away from edges. At 5.5 inches, it works best grouped with other small figures or on a riser.
• Fallout Series Vault 33 Metal License Plate: Premium metal plate, built to endure the test of time. Can be hung or displayed. Metal resists bending and is easy to wipe clean, making it a low-maintenance wall piece. It needs a flat surface and enough wall space to be read from a distance.
• Fallout Wasteland Treasures Kit: A kit of treasures from the Fallout universe, presented like opening a long-forgotten safe. This is a mixed-media collectible rather than a single display piece. It suits collectors who enjoy the act of opening and sorting more than maintaining one item on a shelf.

Who this guide is for

Best for

• Collectors who want to display game music and art pieces without damaging them
• Fans buying their first video game art print or music collectible
• Anyone building a gaming media collection on a shelf or wall

Not for

• Buyers looking for investment-grade art with documented resale value
• Collectors who want large-scale statues or premium framed prints
• Anyone who cannot dedicate display or storage space to the item

Choose music and art & media collectibles by where they will live and how you will use them. A felt slip mat, a resin figure, or a metal plate each has a different job and a different set of trade-offs. Start with one functional piece and one decorative piece, display them properly, and expand only when you have the space.