Putting something on display is always a good interior design idea. Whether you are trying to show off something with deep sentimental value or just want to have a nice display case that fits the theme of a room, properly displaying your possessions can make a big difference.
A good display setup can often help you draw attention to particular things that you are proud of and give you a place to show off a lot of smaller items without using up too much floor space. However, getting displays right can be difficult, especially if you are not sure what you actually want to display yet.
Open Display Shelving
The simplest option is shelving. As long as you have an available wall to mount the shelves on – and have checked that you would not be driving nails into a pipe or a weak section of the wall that could not support them – you can usually add them yourself with very little hassle.
However, like any display option, shelves still come in many different types. Some are simple platforms to stack things on, while others are more elaborate designs that are meant to be used in more attractive or stylish ways.
The important thing is to consider the amount of space that they give you, as well as how they will look in your home. Like any other piece of furniture, shelving should ideally mesh with the way that your space looks and this can be a difficult thing to manage at first.
Also, remember that shelves are generally open. This means that items are readily accessible, but also means that dust and curious hands can easily reach them. If you have something that you want to preserve and protect, a shelf might be too exposed.
Shelf Display Cases
Wall-mounted shelving cabinets can be a good option for smaller-scale displays that still need to be protected. These are usually a set of shelves contained in a box with a glass front, although there are obviously countless different design variations to think about.
These cases are a great option if you really want to display things on your wall rather than on a desk or floor-mounted cabinet. However, the obvious downside is that they are a contained case – unlike regular shelves, you can’t have things extend off the shelf without blocking the case door.
They also tend to be heavier in general due to being an actual display unit, which can mean that you will want stronger supports on a solid wall. In some homes, this can make it harder to find a suitable mounting spot and can be a source of anxiety for people who really worry about knocking things over.
All-Glass Cases
A large floor-mounted glass case can be a good way to show off a lot of items from multiple angles, usually with the benefit of being good for saving space. While these are all vastly different in terms of how the cases actually look and work, a lot of them are slim but tall display units.
These are ideal for showing off items while saving on space since you are usually getting a few shelves that are all contained within the same amount of floor space. The more shelves they have, the more you can fit in them, which can be great for keeping a display in a smaller room.
Some of these cases even some with a lockable door by default. This is good for keeping things safe at home and can even make them useful in other spaces. For example, many hobby stores may keep examples of hand-made hobby items in locked displays, and schools may use them to display trophies or awards.
Large-Scale Shelving
If you need something larger, then a retail-style display shelving system can sometimes be a good option. These are uncovered floor-mounted shelves that provide plenty of space against a single wall, often making them a good option for keeping a lot of items within easy reach.
While they are not protective like a cabinet would be, this can be a good option for anything that you want easy access to. Shelves like this can see a lot of use in spaces where display items are practical things or in larger bedrooms where you are mostly trying to keep things tidy for your own benefit.
These shelves are usually quite a straightforward choice, but that does not make them bad. They can be popular for making a general display area, where items can be removed and added at any time without having to worry about space restraints or a locked door.
Full Display Cabinets
One of the best display cabinet ideas to consider for any kind of interior design work is a full cabinet. While these can be large pieces of furniture compared to simple shelves, they are also the most practical for displaying a lot of items in a stylish and appealing way.
For example, you might use a full ornate cabinet to display things like collectible plates, silverware, awards, trophies, or even just items that you have a particular attachment to. These cabinets often dominate the room they are in, making them great for items that you really want to show off.
They also tend to be bulkier and sturdier than other display options, meaning that they are generally better for protecting whatever you put inside them. Since they are not entirely wall-mounted (but can be for stability), you can even move them around for future home improvement and interior design projects.
Really, the kind of display furniture you choose depends on what you are looking for. There is no perfect display option for every home, and you need to consider what you are trying to display as well as where you want to display it.
For example, if you are trying to show off something fragile, get a display case that can protect it. If you want somewhere to display things that you are using day by day, then get a shelving unit that can let you store a lot of items in a single accessible space.
