From ancient temples to today’s sleek sports rooms, display cases have always had one job: protect what matters and show it off with pride. The story of display cases is really the story of how humans have treated their most treasured possessions — and today, it’s reaching a new chapter with the rise of acrylic display cases.
Let’s take a journey through history and see how we got here — and why acrylic is the material of choice for modern collectors who take preservation seriously.
Ancient Beginnings: The First Displays
The earliest display cases weren’t made of glass or plastic — they were carved from wood, stone, or even ivory. Ancient Egyptians placed sacred objects in decorative chests to protect them from the elements. Greek temples used wooden reliquaries to hold offerings and artifacts. These cases were as much ceremonial as they were practical, elevating their contents to a higher status.
Takeaway for Today’s Collector: Displaying your collection isn’t just about storage — it’s about honor and storytelling. Every case you choose should make your item feel special, not hidden away.
The Middle Ages and Renaissance: Wealth on Display
During the medieval period, nobility commissioned ornate cabinets to house precious books, jewels, and relics. These weren’t just storage boxes — they were status symbols. By the Renaissance, wealthy patrons filled “cabinets of curiosity” with rare specimens, coins, and artifacts from around the world. These rooms became early private museums, meant to impress and inspire visitors.
Modern Connection: Your man cave, office, or living room can be your own modern cabinet of curiosity — if you use display solutions that feel intentional, not cluttered.
The Museum Revolution: Public Displays for All
The 18th and 19th centuries changed everything. With the rise of great museums like the Louvre and the British Museum, display cases became standardized, secure, and functional. Glass-fronted cabinets allowed the public to admire priceless artifacts while keeping them protected. This era cemented the idea that valuable objects should be both seen and preserved.
This period also gave birth to innovations like locking mechanisms and more durable frames — the ancestors of today’s collectible cases.
The Industrial Era: Mass Production, Mass Display
The Industrial Revolution made display cases widely available. Factories could produce metal frames and glass panels cheaply, allowing shops, schools, and collectors to display items in a professional way. Glass was king — it was clear, relatively affordable, and considered “museum quality.”
But glass had its downsides: heavy, fragile, and dangerous when it broke. Collectors who accidentally knocked over a case risked losing not just the case, but the item inside it.
Modern Innovations: Enter Acrylic
Today, technology has brought us a far better solution: acrylic display cases. Premium acrylic delivers everything glass promised — and solves its biggest problems:
- 17× Stronger Than Glass: Acrylic won’t shatter if bumped or dropped, keeping your collection safe.
- Lighter Weight: Easier to mount on walls, move to new rooms, or rearrange your display layout.
- Crystal-Clear: Provides museum-quality visibility without the risk of shards.
- UV Protection: Many acrylic cases block harmful UV rays that can fade autographs and fabrics — glass rarely offers this unless specially treated.
- Modern Style: Sleek edges and customizable bases (mirrored, turf, black, clear) turn your display into a design feature, not just a box.
Simply put, acrylic has replaced glass as the gold standard for collectors who want to preserve value and show off their passion.
Better Display Cases: Taking Acrylic to the Next Level
At Better Display Cases, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of acrylic displays. Our cases are designed not just to hold your collectibles, but to tell their story. With options for every item — from baseballs and helmets to military flags and Funko Pops — we help you transform shelves and walls into curated, protected, gallery-worthy displays.
Choose from bases that match your décor, add risers for depth and layering, and use nameplates to turn your collection into a conversation piece.
The Future of Display
Tomorrow’s display cases will combine smart technology, better materials, and even climate control for ultimate preservation — but one thing won’t change: collectors will always want to show off what they love in a way that keeps it safe for generations.
Upgrade Your Collection’s Story Today
If your items are sitting on open shelves or behind heavy, outdated glass, it’s time for an upgrade. Protect your investments, keep them dust- and UV-free, and give them the display they deserve.