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Choosing the Perfect Pedestal Display Case

Posted on 26, February, 2024

Last Modified on 20, November, 2025

Whether you are decorating a showroom, museum, or retail store, aesthetics matter. How you present yourself and your space makes an initial impression that will impact how others perceive you and your surroundings. That includes how you display your merchandise or pieces. Your displays are also the most influential factor that determines where and what people look at, guiding their line-of-vision throughout the room.

Incorporating elegant and functional elements, such as pedestal display cases, can enhance the overall visual appeal and sophistication of your presentation, creating a focal point that draws attention to your showcased items, and in a stylish fashion.

If you have an object or select merchandise you need to be a focal point for your visitors, a pedestal display case is the perfect choice. There are many options when choosing pedestal display cases, and we're here to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Understanding Pedestal Display Cases

First, let's define what a pedestal display case is! Aptly named, pedestal display cases are display cases that stand on a narrow base or pedestal. Plinths and pedestals are common fixtures in retail stores and museums, and pedestal display cases are simply an evolution of these fixtures with the addition of an enclosure to protect the object inside.

They are often used to display a single valuable or significant item instead of multiples or a variety of items, however some designs feature two or more pedestals supporting a larger showcase. They display items at an elevated viewing angle, drawing attention directly to the object. Pedestals are used for various purposes and in different locations to optimize space utilization and enhance merchandising or display strategy.

What are Pedestal Display Cases Used For?

jewelry and merchandise in an illuminated pedestal display case

Pedestal cases are a statement piece in any luxury store, showroom, or museum layout. They serve many purposes with key features that support the concepts of creating visual interest and maximizing the use of space.

  • Highlight Items: Whether a piece is valuable, sentimental, priceless, or otherwise deserves to be the center of attention, a pedestal display case will make sure all eyes are drawn its way.
  • Elevate an Item: Pedestal display cases raise an item off the floor, ensuring they are a focal point for everyone in the room.
  • Using the Base to Your Advantage: Many pedestal displays include storage cabinets or drawers in their base. The front surface of the base can also be used for additional information or branding in either a custom printed, sign-insert or digital format.
  • Versatility and Portability: Whether you have a large space to display one or more pedestal display cases or a landing or corner you would like to utilize, the narrow frame of pedestal cases may fit into areas other displays can't. Some pedestal display case designs are travel-friendly, making them a great addition to your trade show or exhibit booth.

Different Types of Pedestal Display Cases

Pedestal display cases have similar attributes, but many types and variations exist. Which pedestal case is best depends on your space and the items you wish to highlight.

Which Pedestal Display Case is Right For You?

man observing objects in a museum pedestal display

Although pedestal cases are beneficial to any space's aesthetics, not all pedestal cases are suitable for every situation. Consider which design, size, and material would best complement your decor.

First, Size it Up

Pedestal display cases come in various sizes. They can be small, standalone pedestals for a single object, up to large cases that accommodate multiple items. Knowing what you want to display and how much room you want to utilize is critical. To determine what size pedestal display case to purchase, consider the following:

  • The size or quantity of your object(s) and how much room they will need. This will determine the inside dimensions, usually expressed as depth, width and height in inches.
  • The amount of available space the case is going into. Here, you will want to consider the square inches of the base (width x depth) and ensure your display area will accommodate the footprint of the pedestal.
  • Do you need storage space in the base? If so, determine whether your items will fit into the dimensions of the base, typically expressed as the cabinet width x height x depth in inches.

What Material Should You Choose?

Manufacturers design pedestal cases using a wide variety of materials and colors. Knowing the pros and cons and which materials will best complement your coordinating decor is essential. Let's take a look at some common materials for the base (the pedestal) and showcase (the display case on top).

Let's talk about the Base

Wooden Bases

Wooden Pedestal Display Case

Wooden display pedestals offer a range of advantages. They are not only elegant and affordable but also come in a variety of colors and finishes from solid wood to more affordable laminate or MDF. Additionally, designs made with FCS-certified wood are available, helping your brand to align with eco-friendly practices. While wood may be susceptible to scratches and scrapes in busy environments or when being transported, their characteristic adds a unique, rustic charm to the pedestals, enhancing their visual appeal.

Overall, wooden display pedestals offer a great combination of style, versatility, functionality. They are an excellent choice for showcasing your products or artwork while adding a touch of sophistication to any space, whether you're a business owner looking to enhance your retail displays or a museum wanting to showcase your treasured possessions.

Metal Bases

merchandise on display in museum style pedestal case

Constructed primarily from aluminum, metal display pedestals are favored for their robustness and lightweight nature. This makes them particularly suitable for trade show environments where easy transportation and frequent setup are essential. Besides being portable, these pedestals offer durable support for showcased items, ensuring worry-free use over time. The inherent resilience of metal means these pedestals resist scratches and stains, maintaining their polished appearance for longer. This durability, coupled with ease of cleaning, makes metal a practical choice for high-traffic environments.

On the aesthetic front, metal display pedestals are available in silver and other sleek finishes, and can enhance the visual ambiance of your retail space. Their modern and industrial look aligns seamlessly with various decor styles, creating a stylish backdrop for displayed items. Metal display pedestals promise to add a touch of modern industrial charm while providing a captivating display solution.

Which Showcase Material is Right for You?

Acrylic Cases

woman placing merchandise in acrylic pedestal

Acrylic is a popular material choice for pedestal display cases, and there are plenty of reasons why. The material offers sharp clarity at a more affordable price point than glass. High-quality recycled acrylic is becoming increasingly available, which helps reduce the environmental footprint of the display. Many consumers choose acrylic over glass due its similarity in appearance but slight advantages in affordability and impact-resistance.

Acrylic pedestal display cases come in many different varieties, including options with acrylic panels on the base, which can act as supplemental display areas for coordinating merchandise, or simply add a modern touch to the display.

Glass Cases

Glass cases are a popular choice for displaying items in stores and museums. Their elegant appearance exudes luxury, and most are built with strong tempered glass, which helps protect your merchandise and avoid damage to the display. Glass is easier to clean than acrylic, and in general is slightly more resistant to scratching and potentially harmful UV radiation.

Pedestal Display Cases Lighting Options

A pedestal case is already a centerpiece, but choosing the right lighting can make it stand out even more. Lighting options for pedestal cases are extensive and contribute to the ambience and strategy of the display in many different ways. When we're talking about lighting we're primarily referring to LED, which offers a combination of energy efficiency, longevity, low heat emission, and design flexibility, making it an ideal choice for illuminating pedestal display cases with valuable items on display.

  • Spotlights: Spotlights are a powerful lighting option for pedestal display cases, as they direct intense light onto specific areas or objects within the case. This focused illumination reveals intricate details and enhances the visual appeal of the displayed items. By using spotlights, exhibitors can guide viewers' attention to the most important features of their exhibits, making them ideal for showcasing glass sculptures, jewelry, or other valuable items that benefit from close examination
  • Interior-Lighting: Interior-lighting, also known as uplighting or bottom-lighting, projects light upwards from the base of the display case, creating an ambient glow around the merchandise or object on display. This type of lighting is particularly effective in highlighting the overall shape and form of displayed items, and it also adds a dramatic effect that can enhance the visual interest of the display. Bottom-lighting can be especially useful in cases where the object is translucent or transparent, allowing the light to pass through and illuminate the object from within.
  • Base and Side Lighting: Base and side lighting options for pedestal display cases offer a versatile way to create various moods and accents around the display. Lights installed at the base or along the sides of the case can cast soft, diffused light onto the displayed objects, creating a sense of depth and dimension. This lighting strategy can be used to add visual intrigue to the display, drawing viewers in and encouraging them to spend more time engaging with the exhibit. Depending on the color and intensity of the lights used, base and side lighting can also be used to evoke specific moods or themes, making them a valuable tool for storytelling within the display

Special Designs & Features to Consider

There are many options when choosing a pedestal display case. To help narrow down which case is best for you, consider some unique features that will separate your standard display pedestal from the rest.

  • Digital: Digital display pedestals and other integrated solutions incorporate cutting-edge technology to showcase dynamic digital content, enhancing visual appeal and engagement. Digital display pedestals can draw in more visitors and be more engaging than a standard showcase, increasing dwell time around the display.
  • Custom Printed: Custom printed display pedestals offer a personalized touch, allowing businesses to showcase their brand or artwork in a unique and eye-catching way. Custom printed pedestals are commonly used in promotional environments like trade shows and educational spaces like museums.
  • Sustainable: Sustainable display pedestals are crafted from eco-friendly materials or designed for long-term reuse, reducing environmental impact without compromising on style or functionality. Displays2go's Greenprint display cases offer a variety of sustainable display pedestals and options for eco-conscious consumers.

Now You're Ready to Put Your Product on a Pedestal

Pedestal cases are an excellent way to display unique, highly valuable, or special items. They create a focal point and demand attention with their gallery-appropriate presence and natural ambience. Now that you're educated on the features you can shop with confidence and explore the exciting assortment of display case pedestals available here at Displays2go!

Displays2go has a large variety of pedestal display cases to fit every space. Our team is knowledgeable and ready to assist. For questions or to get more information, contact us today.

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