The Perfect Guide For Display Cases

Table of Contents

Introduction To Display Cases

Types of Display Cases

Commercial Display Cases

Collectibles and Cases

Other Uses For Display Cases

What To Look For In A Display Case

Tips for Displaying Your Items

Unusual Collections on Display

Introduction To Display Cases

If you want to display your photographs, memorabilia, prized possessions and collectables, there is no better way to do so than by using a display case. Display cases provide a unique, elegant and safe area to display your mementos. Since the dawn of time man has used display cases in various forms to show off private possessions. Today there are literally hundreds of different styles of display case to choose from. You can display single or multiple items with elegance and grace.

Most display cases are nothing more than a case made of sturdy materials, usually wood, that contain shelves and drawers to show off personal possessions. Some display cases are simply a square or rectangular shaped box where you can display a favorite item. You can find display cases made of oak, pine, walnut, cherry and many other forms of wood.

Most people think of a china cabinet when they hear the word display case. Just as you store your fine china in a cabinet like this, so too can you display other fine collectibles in a display case. There are displays specifically built to display china, but most display cases are suitable for any type of memento.

Types of Display Cases

There is no end to the choices available for modern display cases. You may be familiar with those made of wood. In fact wooden display cases are the most commonly used in private households. There are many other types of display cases however. Some are fashioned of wood, others metal, and still others glass. You may even find some fashioned of plastic if you look hard.

There is almost a different type of display case to display almost any item known to man. Think you can't display your favorite pair of earrings? Think again. Here are some examples of popular categories of display cases:

• Commercial pet display cases
• Die cast car display cases
• Flag display cases (military flag burial cases)
• Football jersey display cases (and other sports memorabilia)
• Jewelry display cases
• Sword display cases (and knife cases)
• Wooden display cases
• Bakery display cases

There are display cases for just about every item out there. And, if you can't find one that you like, you can always have your display case custom made to suit your individual needs and preferences!

Commercial Display Cases

There are many types of commercial display cases, including commercial pet display cases. These works well for showing off pets to potential owners and for displaying many pet products for sale. Most easily contain small dogs and cats, gerbils, guinea pigs and similar small animals.

All animal display cases should meet safety requirements. If you buy one, you want to make sure that your pet can't escape or harm themselves while in the display case. It is important when buying a display case for commercial purposes that you set it up in an attention grabbing manner. Most people will only review a display for a few seconds before moving on. If you are trying to sell something, you want to deliver a message that encourages them to buy.

Almost any item you see on 'display' at a retail store or shopping center is likely housed in some type of display case. Some are very large, capable of holding mannequins, while others are small. Small display cases are perfect for showing off unique and eclectic items. Remember the last time you walked by a jewelry store? All the jewels on display reside in commercial display cases. As you can see from a buyers perspective, the type of case as well as set up may influence your decision to buy a product. Thus, it is important that commercial display cases are set up in a professional looking manner.

Collectibles and Cases

You don't have to work in retail to own a display case. In fact, many people buy display cases to show off their treasured collectables. Display cases are most often used to present collectibles and other treasured mementos.

Depending on the accessories you have, you can select a display case to adequately represent your favorite memorabilia. Some display cases are built to hang from the wall while others are free standing. Most have shelves, doors and even locks available to store your goods. You can buy small display cases to highlight one or two of your favorite collectibles, or you can buy large ones to show off your entire collection.

One of the most common uses for display cases is showing off military memorabilia. There are literally thousands of ways to display military items. Some people choose to select one item to display, such as a collection of helmets or military awards. For these items a custom display case may be warranted. For other items you may need a frame display case, such as for military documents. Many military items look good all on their own.

The same is true of firearm and knife or sword displays. While you can showcase several different items at once, sometimes it looks better to display only a couple of pieces. This helps show off their uniqueness and prevents distraction. Place too much in a display case and your items won't look good no matter how you place them.

You can also think about displaying items form a themed perspective. For example, you can display military gear from the World War I era or something similar. This is also common with sports memorabilia. You can display items recognizing a favorite team or a certain year's world series. You might also decide to display all of your holiday ornaments in one area of your home. This too constitutes a display.

Other Uses For Display Cases

There are many things you can do with a display case. Some of them are traditional whereas others are very unusual. Here are some examples of items people commonly place in their cases:

• Coin collections
• Antiques
• Dolls and figurines
• Collections of holiday figures
• Awards, ribbons and metals
• Sports jersey's
• China and glassware
• Rifles and other firearms
• Military memorabilia
• Trophies
• Souvenirs
• Baseball equipment
• Autographed cards
• Treasured baby items
• Family heirlooms

What To Look For In A Display Case

You should look for a display case that might allow room for accents. These may include fresh flowers or inscriptions. Some display cases will allow lighting. This is especially nice for lighting figurines and other collectables.

You may need several display accessories. Remember that once you buy your display case it is your job to set it up correctly. Make sure you have handy all the supplies you need so you can successfully set up your collectibles. Some of the more common must have accessories include:

• Anchoring wax
• Polish
• Self-Adhesive materials
• Furniture skate
• Shelf holder clamps
• Stick on feet

When shopping for a display case, look for one that is large enough to house the items you have, but small enough to take up only as much space as necessary. Many people select large displays as the focal point of a room. This is very often the case with wooden displays. You may however decide on a smaller display to highlight one or two of your items.

Regardless of the size of the case you buy, be sure to find one that is sturdy and durable. You want the case to last a lifetime. You should look for one that includes a mirror or two to reflect your collectibles, if you have more than one item to display.

Tips for Displaying Your Items

There are many things you can to do make your collections look great while displaying them. Whether an expert collector or a novice, you may or may not know how to present your collectibles in the best possible light. Here are some steps for assuring your collectables look great when on display:

• Measure the space you have available. You don't want to buy a display that is too large or too small. If you buy a unit that is free standing, measure how far out it may stick from the wall. You don't want people bumping into it. You also want to display your collectibles in an area of the home that is well traveled and easy to get to. This will allow more people to gawk at your impressive collections.
• Consider limiting the number of collectibles you put on display. You don't want your collection to appear overcrowded.
• Make note of the size and width of all items you want to display. Some items will take up more space than others. You want to be sure your case is large enough to house each of the items you plan to display.
• Pull together all collectables of the same theme. Keep in mind you can always rotate items if you have too many items for a single display.
• When displaying small collectables, group them. This will help them make a more dramatic impact.
• Find items to accessorize your collectibles and include them in your display. Some examples may include a small memo or typed explanation of the items on display.
• When displaying figurines or other smallish items, put larger collectibles in the back and smaller ones at the front.
• Look for cabinets with a mirror that lines the back. This will help reflect your items elegantly.
• If appropriate, clean your items before putting them on display. This may help preserve the.
• Keep your display clean and free from dust or other contaminants.

Unusual Collections on Display

Have you heard of Ripley's Believe It or Not? They are one of many specialty collectors that use display cases to showcase unusual items. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Is one of the largest museum attractions in existence today. They display exhibits that are genuine but unusual. Other bizarre displays include:

• The wooden nickel museum, which boasts the largest collection of you guessed it, wooden nickels in the world!
• Furnace Sticker Museum - This is a collection of stickers removed from furnaces from the 1940’s through the 1960's. This goes to show you can display almost anything from anywhere!
• Transit Uniform Buttons of N. California - This display features uniform buttons that street, cable and other transit car workers used to wear in California.
• Imelda Marcos shoes - Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady to the Philippines, is infamous for her collection of shoes. She has so many pairs of shoes she recently opened a museum to place them on display.
• Natural History Museum of London - Home to more than 45,000 different species of fossils, on display in varying size cases. The collection includes fossils from the Pleistocene era as well as from Creswell Crags caves.
• Nottingham Naturalists Society - Boasts more than 5000 specimens of rocks and minerals on display in classic display cases.
• Natural History Museum of London - Here again, also home to almost one million different species of insects. How is that for an unusual display? The museum boasts collections of beetles, butterflies, moths and more!

Museums are well known for displaying unusual items, including plants, animals and insects. Many people have mini versions of museum displays in their home. If you are a nature loving person, you may create beautiful displays of changing leaves, butterflies and flowers. Dried flowers work equally as well as silk flowers in a display. Virtually anything you happen on has the potential to be displayed magnificently with your loving care.

There is no end to the unusual things people display. You can use a display case to showcase any objects or items that catch your eye. You can even display your first love letter, first dollar made or even your graduation memorabilia. Remember that you should select a case that reflects your personal style, but also highlights the object you want to display appropriately.