How to Size Your Custom Display Case

Before grabbing your tape measure, take a moment to think about how your display case will be used. Many people jump straight into measuring their item, only to realise later that they didn’t leave enough space for positioning, accessories, or even how it will sit in it’s final location.

In fact, before you start measuring, check out our Ultimate Display Case Guide to get a handle on all the considerations when choosing a custom display case.

Your item’s dimensions are not the same as the display case dimensions. To ensure a clean and professional look, it’s essential to add some extra space around the object.

General Clearance Guidelines:

• Small collectables (e.g., model cars, figurines): At least 2-5 cm of clearance on all sides.
• Larger memorabilia (e.g., signed footballs, helmets): At least 7-15 cm to prevent a cramped look.
• Delicate items (e.g., glass sculptures, antiques): 10-5 cm to ensure the display feels balanced and breathable.

Leaving “breathing space” is one of the most common issue we see.  Many people specify their case to the same size as the object, only to realise later that the case looks too tight or doesn’t allow for optimal visibility

Consider how the item should be positioned in the case. This impacts both the dimensions and the case style:

• Upright vs. Laid Flat: Some items look best standing (e.g., trophies, framed prints), while others should be laid flat (e.g., signed jerseys, delicate artifacts).
• Wall-Mounted vs. Freestanding vs. Tabletop: Will the case be fixed to a wall, placed on a shelf, or used as a centrepiece display?
• Single vs. Multi-Item Display: Will this case house just one item or a growing collection?

Example: A model car collector might initially plan for a single-car case but later realise they’d prefer a display case that can hold three or more models in an organised layout.

Beyond the object itself, other factors can impact the final dimensions:

• Bases & Stands: If your item has a plinth or decorative base, it adds to the overall size.
• Accessories & Labels: If you plan to include plaques, nameplates, or product descriptions, leave room for them.
• Lighting: If you want built-in LED lighting, extra space may be needed for wiring.
• Opening Mechanisms: Will the case be fully enclosed, or does it need a hinged or sliding access point?

A display case doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s part of a larger space. Consider:

• Proportions & Balance: A case that’s too large can overwhelm a room, while one that’s too small may look insignificant. Think about how it fits with surrounding furniture or fixtures.
• Traffic Flow & Accessibility: Will people need to walk around it? Could it be a trip hazard or block a doorway?
• Wall-Mounted vs. Freestanding: A bulky wall-mounted case can dominate a small room, while a freestanding case needs enough clearance for easy access.
• Lighting & Reflections: Natural and artificial light can impact visibility. A glossy surface might create glare, while dim lighting could make the display hard to see.
• Shape & Footprint: Square, rectangular, and round cases all take up space differently. A round or hexagonal case may allow for better visibility from multiple angles, while a rectangular case maximises shelf space.
• Visual Weight & Transparency: A large, clear acrylic case may feel ‘lighter’ in a room compared to a solid, opaque base. The colour of the base compared to the surface it sits on will also change the visual ‘size’ of the case. Do you want your case blend in or make a bold statement?

Before you start thinking about the case itself, you need accurate measurements of the object(s) you want to display.

What to Measure:

• Width: Side to side (widest point)
• Depth: Front to back (if irregularly shaped, measure at the deepest part)
• Height: From base to the highest point

Tips for Unique Objects:

• Group displays: If you’re displaying multiple items, lay them out in the desired arrangement first before measuring.
• Future-proofing: If your collection might grow (e.g., a series of awards), consider sizing the case with expansion in mind.

To prevent a cramped look, leave extra space around your item for both visual balance and accessibility.

General Clearance Guidelines:

• Small collectables (e.g., model cars, figurines): At least 1-2 cm of clearance on all sides
• Larger memorabilia (e.g., signed footballs, helmets): At least 5 cm for a more spacious look
• Delicate items (e.g., glass sculptures, antiques): 5-10 cm to ensure visibility without feeling crowded

Why this matters:

Too little space → Looks cramped, difficult to see details.
Too much space → Makes the object look lost inside the case.

Choosing the right clearance around your item isn’t just about leaving a few centimetres—it’s about maintaining proportion and balance to create a well-framed display.

Proportional Spacing vs. Fixed Spacing
Rather than thinking in terms of strict measurements, consider the overall size ratio between your item and the case:

• Small objects (e.g., jewellery, figurines) look best when they fill 60-80% of the display case’s interior
• Medium-sized objects (e.g., trophies, model cars) should take up around 50-70% of the case for a balanced look
• Large objects (e.g., helmets, instruments, memorabilia) might only need 30-50% of empty space around them, depending on visibility

Example:
A small object in a large case with excess empty space may look lost, while a large item with too little clearance can feel cramped and awkward.

General Clearance Guidelines (For Reference)
To help visualise proportional spacing, here are some baseline measurements:

Small collectables (e.g., model cars, figurines): 10-20% of the case volume should be open space.
Larger memorabilia (e.g., signed footballs, helmets): At least 5 cm or 20-30% of case volume should be left open.
Delicate items (e.g., glass sculptures, antiques): 5-10 cm or 30-40% for safety and breathing space.

Instead of thinking in just centimetres, focus on how much visual balance the space creates.
Objects should feel intentionally placed—not stuffed in or floating in emptiness.

Your case isn’t just about size—it also needs to function well and complement your item.

• Wall-mounted cases? Allow room for brackets and airflow
• Pedestal display? Make sure the weight is evenly distributed
• Hinged or sliding access? Leave clearance for smooth opening and closing

Common Mistake: Forgetting the thickness of the case itself!
If the case material is 5mm acrylic, that thickness needs to be added to each dimension in your design. Large free standing cases can be made of acrylic up to 12mm thick.

Not all display cases are created equal—and where and how your case will be positioned plays a big role in determining its final dimensions. Whether you’re mounting it on a wall, placing it on a tabletop, or setting it up freestanding on the floor, your case needs to be sized and styled accordingly.

These are ideal for framed items, sports memorabilia, medals, and small object collections. Wall-mounted cases need to be light enough for safe installation, but also deep enough to accommodate your display pieces.

Wall mounted cases don’t tend to need as much breathing space around pieces as other cases, so they can sometimes be more economical than table top cases when displaying collections of small items.

Important considerations:

• Brackets or Mounting Systems: Factor in space needed behind the case for hardware
• Protrusion: Make sure the case doesn’t jut out too far into walkways or interfere with furniture
• Access: If the case opens from the front, allow extra clearance for hinged or removable panels

Often used for small/medium statement pieces and highly detailed pieces that benefit from being viewed from various angles – we’re talking replica model cars, art sculptures, Lego builds, jewellery, or collector figurines.  These cases should feel balanced and unobtrusive on the surface they’re placed on.

Important considerations:

• Footprint: Your case should leave breathing space around its edges to avoid feeling crowded on the surface.
• Accessories: Don’t forget to allow room for extras like plaques, risers, or plinths – especially if they add height to your display.
• Access: Will the case be opened regularly? If so, make sure it’s easy to lift off (some cases can be heavy or fragile), or if it has a lid or doors, check there’s enough clearance to open them fully

Perfect for large or multi-level displays — think musical instruments, mannequins, museum pieces, or sculptures. These cases are often used in public or high-traffic areas and need to be built for both visibility and stability.

Tall free standing cases are sometimes divided into multiple tiers to house collections of medium-sized items.

Important considerations:

• Stability: Larger cases often need a wide base, extra weight, or secure bolting to the floor to ensure they remain stable — especially in public spaces or high-traffic environments
• Height & Viewing Angles: Consider how tall the case needs to be for comfortable viewing. Is it meant to be seen from a distance (like at an exhibition) or up close?
• Access & Maintenance: If the contents are rotated or cleaned frequently, you’ll want a case that allows easy access and uses durable fittings that can withstand regular use.