Using Acrylics, Plastics, And Glass in Custom Retail Displays.
All retail displays are built from one of the following core materials: wood and MDF, metal and wire, solid surfaces, cardboard, and acrylics and glass.
Yet, when it comes time to design or purchase custom displays, acrylics, plastics, and glass are often overlooked as simple decorative design elements.
But step away from traditional thinking, add a pinch of imagination, and pair that creativity with in-house prototyping and fabrication experience, and you can use acrylics and glass to create striking custom displays, heighten the impact of specialty lighting, and elevate visual merchandising.
In this post, we’ll share 24 innovative design ideas across different retail categories. We’ll also break down the practical differences between acrylics and glass, provide a handy use case comparison chart, and explore implementation considerations for your next project.
24 Acrylic and Glass Retail Display Design Ideas
Fragrance
Cosmetics
Bakeries
Electronics
Cannabis
Fashion & Apparel
Eyewear
Jewellery
What’s The Difference?
Let’s examine the key differences between glass and acrylics. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have very different characteristics, use cases, durability levels, and price points.
Glass Retail Displays are often associated with elegance, high-end retail, or futuristic retail environments. They are ideal for showcasing premium items like jewellery, electronics, or collectibles.
Acrylic Retail Displays are a modern alternative to glass, offering similar clarity but with added versatility and durability.
Key Features of Glass:
- Transparency and Clarity – Glass provides crystal-clear visibility with up to 98% light transmission. While standard glass may have a slight greenish tint, premium retail-grade glass provides crystal-clear visibility.
- Durability – While heavier than acrylic, glass is scratch-resistant and maintains its polished appearance over time, so it won’t fog or yellow and will not require polishing.
- Tempered Glass – Is safer as it will not shatter into sharp shards, meeting the CGSB 12.1-2017 Canadian safety standards for glass in retail environments.
- Laminated Glass – Adds security against theft or breakage by incorporating multiple layers with a bonding interlayer. When damaged, the glass remains intact rather than falling apart.
- Timeless Aesthetic – Glass displays give a sleek, professional look to retail spaces, making them ideal for high-end stores.
- Customizable Options – Available in frameless designs or with metal/wooden frames for added style and structural support.
- Mirrored Options – Create an illusion of space and reflect products from multiple angles to enhance their visual appeal.
- Specialty Lighting – LED lighting integrates seamlessly with glass edges to create dramatic effects without visible hardware.
Key Features of Acrylics:
- Lightweight Construction – Acrylic is 50% lighter than glass, making it easier to transport, rearrange, and install. This reduced weight allows for larger display structures without requiring heavy-duty support systems.
- Impact Resistance – Unlike glass, acrylic absorbs impact without breaking into pieces, reducing safety risks in high-traffic retail areas.
- High Optical Clarity – Acrylic transmits up to 92% of light, providing a clear view of products without the greenish tint often found in glass. This clarity ensures merchandise colours remain true even in thicker applications.
- Design Flexibility – Acrylic can be easily cut, bent, coloured, frosted, or printed to create unique designs that perfectly match store aesthetics.
- Versatile Merchandising – Features like seamless risers, slanted shelves, or integrated LED lighting can enhance product visibility and reinforce branding without visible hardware or support structures.
- Cost-Effective – Acrylic is generally more affordable than glass in terms of production, shipping, and installation costs.
- Hygienic Properties – Non-porous surfaces make acrylic easy to clean and maintain, making it particularly suitable for food, cosmetic, or health-related displays where sanitation is essential.
Comparison Chart: Glass vs. Acrylics
Choosing the Right Material for Your Retail Displays
When deciding between glass and acrylic displays for your retail space, consider these guidelines:
Choose glass displays when:
- Showcasing premium products in high-end retail environments
- Scratch-resistance and optical clarity are top priorities
- Security and longevity justify the higher investment
- Your fixtures will remain in fixed positions
Choose acrylic displays when:
- You need lightweight, flexible solutions that can be easily reconfigured
- Impact resistance matters in high-traffic areas
- Custom shapes and design flexibility are important
- Budget considerations make glass cost-prohibitive
Both materials can be enhanced with LED lighting, custom branding, and modular components to create visually striking retail environments. The right choice ultimately depends on your specific goals, use cases, and budget.
The Bottom Line
At CBSF, our design, prototyping, and estimating teams bring decades of experience working with retail designers and operations teams.
We value-engineer every project to match your specific scope, budget, and timelines.
Based on factors like expected lifespan, durability needs, cost constraints, and material availability, we can suggest material substitutions that give you the look you want without compromising quality.
Ready to bring your retail strategy to life? Contact us today to get a quote on your next custom retail display.
Join 400+ retail professionals who read our 2x per month email newsletter that’s full of practical advice and design ideas. Sign up here –> https://mailchi.mp/8a889d2ab116/v
