When you invest in collectibles—whether autographed sports gear, military medals, or historical memorabilia—you want to showcase them with pride. A high-quality acrylic display case from BetterDisplayCases.com is the first step. But if you want your setup to feel like a museum-quality showcase, proper lighting is the game-changer.
This guide covers the best lighting for display cases, how to install it, and how to use lighting to elevate your collectibles without compromising their condition. If you're looking for display case lighting ideas or wondering about the best lighting options for acrylic displays, you're in the right place.
Why Lighting Makes a Difference
Lighting is often overlooked, but it’s essential for transforming a static display into an eye-catching focal point. Proper lighting can:
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Enhance the appearance of colors, textures, and signatures
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Add dimension and drama to the overall setup
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Improve visibility in low-light rooms or corners
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Make smaller items like coins or pucks easier to see
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Showcase your display as part of your home’s decor
If you're already using premium acrylic display cases, lighting completes the picture—both literally and figuratively.
Best Lighting Options for Display Cases
Not all lighting is created equal. Below are the top lighting methods used by collectors to enhance their acrylic display cases without damaging sensitive memorabilia.
1. LED Strip Lighting
Why it's ideal:
LED strip lights are thin, flexible, and easy to install inside or around your acrylic case. They’re available in various lengths and colors, and some even include dimmable or remote-control options. Best of all, they emit very little heat—making them a safe choice for long-term use.
Recommended placements:
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Along the top interior edges of the case
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Around the perimeter of wall-mounted cases
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Behind the base or around the outer edges for backlighting effects
Pro Tip: Choose warm white for sports memorabilia or cool white for metallic or modern displays like military medals.
2. LED Puck Lights
Why it's ideal:
Puck lights offer a concentrated, directional beam—ideal for spotlighting a single item. These can be battery-operated or hardwired and are perfect for adding depth and dimension.
Recommended placements:
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Mounted to the underside of a shelf above the display case
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Recessed in shelving units housing multiple cases
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Positioned slightly above and in front for a clean overhead glow
Pro Tip: Use puck lighting when you want to draw attention to specific details like autographs, stitching, or etching.
3. Backlighting with LED Panels
Why it's ideal:
For a subtle, ambient glow, consider thin LED panel lights placed behind or beneath your case. These create a soft halo effect and are especially effective with mirrored acrylic bases.
Recommended placements:
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Behind flat-backed acrylic cases mounted to a wall
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Under glass or acrylic shelving to illuminate a row of display cases
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Behind photo-and-award combinations to create separation from the wall
Pro Tip: Combine backlighting with reflective or mirrored bases to add depth to your display.
How to Install Display Case Lighting
You don’t need to be an electrician to get professional-looking results. Here’s a simple breakdown of your options:
Power Source Options:
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Battery-powered: Great for quick installs and flexibility
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Plug-in adapters: Ideal for permanent setups or areas with outlets
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USB-powered: Perfect for home offices or rooms with tech stations
Mounting Tips:
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Use double-sided tape or adhesive clips to secure strips or wires
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Hide wiring behind the case, along wall trim, or beneath shelves
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Choose lighting with remote or touch controls for ease of use
Cable Management:
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Secure all cords with clear wire clips or cable channels
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Hide battery packs behind the base of the case or in a nearby drawer
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Use cable covers if routing wires along visible surfaces
Lighting Techniques That Make a Difference
Even small changes in lighting placement can create big results. Here are techniques collectors use to make their items stand out:
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Edge Lighting: Mount LED strips along the inner edge of your case to create a “glow box” effect
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Top-Down Spotlighting: Install puck lights above the case to cast clean, downward light for dramatic shadows
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Front-Angle Illumination: Mount lighting just above eye-level and angled down to eliminate reflection
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Accent Colors: RGB strips let you use red, blue, or team-themed color combinations to enhance your collection's identity
Why Acrylic Works Best With Lighting
All cases from Better Display Cases are made from premium acrylic — not glass — and are ideal for lighting due to the following:
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Non-tinted clarity: Light passes through cleanly without distortion
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Less reflective glare: Acrylic reduces hard reflections compared to glass
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Lighter weight: Easier to mount or reposition with lighting components
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Safe for collectibles: No heat retention or UV risks associated with improper lighting setups
Pairing the right lighting with the right acrylic case gives you the cleanest and most effective way to highlight your memorabilia.
Real-World Collector Lighting Ideas
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A customer installed LED strips under floating shelves holding mini helmet cases, creating a soft underglow that defines each case.
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Another collector used warm LED puck lights to illuminate a single boxing glove inside a freestanding case. The result was a clean, museum-style presentation with zero glare.
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In a hallway, one setup used narrow LED panels behind wall-mounted puck displays, making the entire row appear backlit and floating.
Final Thoughts: Display What Matters, the Right Way
Your collectibles are more than decorations—they're part of your personal story. Proper lighting ensures that story is not only protected but celebrated in the best possible light.
To build a display that truly shines, pair your acrylic case with a thoughtful lighting setup. Whether you're using battery-powered strips or hardwired spotlights, your collection deserves to be seen at its best.
Ready to enhance your display?
Visit BetterDisplayCases.com to find the perfect case for your next great lighting idea.