How to Decorate a Display Case

Understanding Your Space

Consider where you'll place your display case. Leave enough room for easy access and for viewers to move around and inspect the contents. Before moving it into place, use masking tape to map out where you'll place the case. You can try out different options and get a better idea of fit.

Also consider the purpose of your showcases. A row of cases in a retail shop provides a continuous line of products for customers. But spacing out the cases creates more visual appeal. They'll have more space to view and appreciate the items and leisurely take in the collection.

As we mentioned above, seek to create the best, most comfortable layout you can within your space limits. Just as it's bad to overstuff a case with items, it's bad to overstuff a room with display cases. Lack of navigation space can make customers feel constrained and claustrophobic. Combine good lighting, plenty of maneuvering room, and some negative space in layouts to foster a welcome experience.

The Right Case and Materials

You have many options when it comes to what your display case is made of and how it’s built.

• Glass - A glass display case is the go-to cabinet for retail merchandising. Glass provides good strength and security, resists scratching, and is usually easier to clean than other materials.
• Acrylic - Displays with acrylic panels are much lighter than glass. This can be important if the cabinet is often moved. Acrylic offers stronger impact resistance than other materials, making it a good choice for exhibitors who need a portable display case solution.
• Metal - Metal-framed cases offer strength along with a light weight build. Cases can be built with minimal framework to maximize the display areas. Metal also tends to have a more modern look. Many cases use metal to create unique designs and shapes.
• Wood - Display cases with wood frames add an elegance and ambiance that's hard to match. Natural finishes create a classic look — but wood cases can also be finished or painted to match any room's decor.
• Freestanding - This is the most popular style. A freestanding cabinet is just that — it supports its own weight, stands alone, and needs no other support.
• Wall Mounted - Showcases mounted to walls bring lower shelves into higher sightlines. For better support, these cases usually sport thicker, more robust frames. Wall-mounted cases can be small, showcasing one precious item. But they also come in much larger sizes: 3, 4, or even 5 feet across with multiple shelves.
• Countertop - A countertop display case is a great way to add more items without increasing floor footprints. These are often made from acrylic. They can be small, single-item showcases, or larger multi-shelf units displaying many items. They can add vertical merchandising on top of free-standing cases.

The Visual Appeal

Once you have the right case or cases, use well-established composition techniques to capture attention, direct the viewer's gaze, and promote an interesting, balanced display. It's a subjective task, and if your designs don't work as well as you'd like, they're easy to change. There's no shortage of display case decorating ideas you can implement.

Styling and Props

When styling most retail display cases, there's only one level to worry about. But when we deal with vertical cabinets, we might have 4, 5, even 6 levels. No matter the number, style the middle or eye-level shelf first. Then move on to the adjacent shelves. The middle sets the tone for the rest of the case.

Mix object heights, shapes, and sizes. Elevate small items on stands or props to "shake up" the line. Space apart large items, and try arranging them at different angles to see which looks best.

Keep an eye out for accent props. Check thrift stores and flea markets for old silverplate and ironwork, vintage art, weathered books, tools, and other salvaged finds. Having a "prop house" on hand makes it easier to decorate, switch layouts, and modify styles.

A touch of greenery or flowers can add freshness to displays. It's an easy way to bring in a splash of color. Rely on dried or artificial plants to avoid maintenance issues inside your showcase.

Lighting

LED lighting comes in several options. Uplighting, or bottom lighting, produces dramatic effects when used with clear or translucent artwork. Inside-corner light strips offer diffused illumination fitting most any situation. For jewelry, top lighting and spotlights are the choice. Directed light beams enhance the sparkle and color of precious stones and faceted metalwork.

Mirrored backboards are another way to add light. They reflect interior and exterior light sources back into the product display. Mirrors can also make the back of the display seem to disappear.

Contrast

Visual appeal grows when there's good contrast between objects and surroundings. Lighter colors and clear objects stand out better against a dark background, and vice-versa. Likewise, contrast textures as well. Glass against stone, wood against metal, shiny items mixed with worn/antique surfaces. Contrast adds depth and interest.

Focal Points and Interaction

Without a clear, defined focal point, displays can look disjointed and lack cohesion. Include standout pieces here and there to anchor the presentation and focus the viewer's gaze. Create a series of focal points to move the viewer along the display. Focus on pieces that are larger, more colorful, or unique.

Organization

Arrange objects asymmetrically, not in regular patterns. For example, baseball cards laid out in a straight line are boring to the eye. Instead, alternate flat cards with cards held in vertical stands or propped against other baseball memorabilia.

Close placement of objects having similar colors, sizes, or appearances often feel "jammed together." Space apart similar items and weave in different items or props to build visual interest. Place objects of different heights in a row to create a feel of movement. If you must have a row of objects of the same height, stagger them forward and backward in the case to add layering.

Seasons and Holidays

Seasonal displays are a popular merchandising technique to increase sales. So, keep in mind that when a display case is styled, you may have to change it soon. Apply the same styling rules to holiday displays as we mentioned above. Tie together items for their greatest retail appeal.

Pro Tip! Take photos of your styled displays before making any seasonal changes, and photograph your seasonal displays as well. You might print out the photos and put them in a binder — a handy reference when making future changes. It helps recreate earlier designs with less work.

Experimentation

As you progress in your visual merchandising styling, don't be afraid to experiment. Try different styles to see what works. Refresh the display items from time to time.

Walk away for a while ... then approach the display as if you were a new customer. Look at it from a distance. Sneak up on it without looking at it, then when you're close, take it all in. Rework and improve it as needed to achieve your vision. Past masters like da Vinci and Monet painted over their works several times before they found satisfaction. It's a sign of progress, not failure.

Mistakes to Avoid

When decorating display cases, avoid these common mistakes that detract from visual appeal and impact.

• Overcrowding - Crowding causes a cluttered and chaotic look, diminishing the impact of individual pieces. Allow items some breathing room, with "negative space" to balance displays and give the eye some resting time.
• Poor lighting - Inadequate lighting obscures the visibility of items, and detracts from visual appeal. Ensure displays are well-lit, but lighting should complement display items without causing harsh shadows or glare.
• Mismatched theme/style - Mixing items with conflicting themes or styles can create visual confusion. Choose items that complement each other in style, color, and theme to create cohesive and harmonious displays.
• Ignoring scale and proportion - Failing to consider the scale and proportion of items results in awkward arrangements and visual imbalance. Arrange items in varying heights and sizes to create visual interest and balance.
• Not rotating or updating - A static display becomes stale and uninteresting. Periodically rotate items and update the display with new additions — keep it fresh and engaging.
• Disregarding maintenance - Neglecting to clean and maintain a display case detracts from its visual appeal. Items behind dirty panels appear less desirable. Regularly dust and clean both the case and the items inside. Read our guide on how to clean and maintain your display case.

The Takeaway

No matter where your display case is, or what it contains, good decoration and styling makes all the difference. Whether you're trying to sell items or just show them off, you'll want the best experience for your customers and viewers. Style for impact, and enjoy the results.

Displays2go has a wide selection of showcases suitable for in-home use, retail stores, and museums. From sports and model cases, flag cases, to retail cash wraps and counters, Displays2go covers all your showcase needs.