What Are Display Boxes Called?

A Guide to the Names, Types, and Uses of Display Solutions for Collectibles, LEGO, and More

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Introduction: What’s in a Name?

Hook： Looking for a way to showcase your favorite LEGO build, model, or collectible—but not sure what kind of “box” to search for?

Core Question: Should it be called a display case or a display stand? And is it a glass showcase or a shadow box?

From custom acrylic LEGO display boxes to elegant museum-style glass cabinets, here’s a detailed guide to the most common types of display cases and the best ways to use them.

1. Display Case / Showcase

🔹 What It Is:

• Transparent cabinet or box made of glass or acrylic

• Can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or countertop

• Often includes shelves, locks, and lighting for presentation and protection

🔸 Typical Uses:

• Retail merchandising

• Action figures, model kits, or collectibles

• LEGO builds and memorabilia displays

💡 Why It’s Popular:

It’s the most widely used and versatile option—found everywhere from office setups to private collections and beyond. With so many settings making use of it, if you’re ever unsure what to call it, “display case” is always the safest and most appropriate choice.

2. Acrylic Display Box / Case

🔹 What It Is:

• Made of clear acrylic (also known as plexiglass or lucite)

• Lightweight, durable, and shatter-resistant

• Typically five-sided (open bottom) or fully enclosed with a lid

🔸 Best For:

• LEGO sets, especially large or custom builds

• Collectibles, figurines, or display models

• Dust-sensitive or fragile items at home

💡 Why It’s Popular:

Perfect for home collectors who want sleek, stackable protection for valuable items without the weight (or breakability) of traditional glass.

3. Vitrine

🔹 What It Is:

• A more formal glass-fronted display cabinet

• Commonly found in museums, galleries, and luxury interiors

• Designed to protect and showcase fragile or rare items with elegance

🔸 Where You’ll See It:

• Museum exhibitions showcasing artifacts or historical items

• Antique shops or curated art spaces

• Private collections featuring luxury or heirloom pieces

💡 Why It’s Unique:

The “glass showcase” effect brings a refined elegance to LEGO displays — it’s not just about storage, but about professional-grade preservation and presentation.

4. Shadow Box

🔹 What It Is:

• A shallow, framed display box with a glass front

• Typically mounted on walls

• Designed for flat or semi-dimensional keepsakes and small scenes

🔸 Best For:

• Decorative storytelling through layered visual elements

• Memorabilia such as medals, jerseys, ticket stubs, or wedding mementos

• LEGO minifigure displays or themed dioramas

💡 Why It’s Stylish:

This is where art and memory are elevated — the shadow box transforms cherished items into narrative-driven, beautifully personalised decorative pieces.

5. Play & Display Case (LEGO-specific)

🔹 What It Is:

• A LEGO-branded display box with a baseplate inside and a clear cover on top

• Created for both play and protection

• Often stackable, modular, and easy to access

🔸 Best For:

• Kids and teen LEGO fans who want to build and display

• Compact scenes, minifigure collections, or micro builds

• Keeping favorite models dust-free and intact between playtimes

💡 Why It’s Special:

It strikes the perfect balance between function and fun—allowing for interaction while still protecting your builds like a pro.

6. Key Features & Uses Across All Display Boxes

• ✅ Dust and Damage Protection – Keeps your models and collectibles clean and safe from wear, especially for delicate builds or long-term display.

• 💡 Enhanced Visual Presentation – Many cases include LED lighting, mirrored backs, or tiered risers to showcase items from every angle.

• 📏 Custom Sizing – Especially helpful for oversized or irregular builds like the LEGO Titanic, modular buildings, or UCS Star Wars sets.

• 🎯 For Everyone – From casual hobbyists and serious collectors to store displays, there's a display solution for every purpose.

7. Summary Table of Display Box Types