DIY Funko Pop Display Cases Compared: Materials, Cost, and Protection Tested
DIY Funko Pop display cases protect your collection from dust and sun-fade. Collectors at Partytoyz say that one summer of direct light (June–August 2025) can cut a figure’s resale value by about 50 percent (Partytoyz, 2025). We tested three builds—open wood racks, sealed acrylic cubes, and a wood-plus-acrylic hybrid—to compare cost, difficulty, and protection. Use our findings to pick the case that matches your skills and keeps your grails safe.
What Makes a Good Display Case?
A DIY Funko Pop display case works when it fits your lineup, shields your figures, and looks right in the room.
Capacity. Count how many Pops you own and decide if they stay in-box (box height: 6.5 inches) or out-of-box. In-box displays need height; out-of-box layouts need depth and tight dust seals.
Materials.
Wood is low-cost and easy to cut but blocks zero UV.
Standard acrylic stops most UV and weighs about half as much as glass. UV-filtering acrylic (Acrylite OP3) absorbs nearly 100 percent of ultraviolet light.
Glass feels premium yet adds weight and break risk.
Protection. Collector forums note that sun-faded Pops can lose 50–55 percent of resale value. Dust lands within weeks, so open shelves require routine cleaning or hard protectors.
Skill fit. A pine shelf calls for a drill and patience. A sealed acrylic case needs solvent cement, square cuts, and good ventilation.
Style. From a clear cube that seems to float to an LED-lit walnut frame, the case should accent the room rather than fight it.
Keep those five checkpoints—capacity, material, protection, skill, and style—in view, and the right build becomes obvious.
Materials and cost
A DIY wooden shelf delivers the best capacity per dollar. In October 2025, a 1 × 4 × 8-foot (about 19 mm × 89 mm × 2.4 m) select pine board sells for $1.69 per linear foot at Home Depot. Buying seven boards (roughly 56 ft) plus a $6 box of 40 mm screws and a $10 sample pot of paint brings the total to about $60. One tester built a 96-Pop wall grid for that amount.
A $60 glass curio cabinet holds only 24 boxed Pops, so the shelf costs around 75 percent less per figure.
Even after upgrades such as poplar at $2.25 per foot or a $15 quart of satin polyurethane, the project stays below $100 for eight feet of wall storage. The real expense is time: measuring, pre-drilling, and sanding. Many collectors view that weekend of work as part of the hobby rather than a fee.
Build, mounting, and safety
Think of a DIY Funko Pop shelf as an oversized picture frame. Measure a boxed Pop (standard boxes average 6.25 in. tall × 4.5 in. wide or 15.9 cm × 11.4 cm), then add about 0.5 in. (13 mm) of clearance so even six-inch “super” figures slide in without scraping.
Cut your boards and lay them in a straightforward ladder pattern. Pre-drill every joint to prevent splitting, then drive 40 mm wood screws through each crosspiece. You will use about one-third of a 1-lb contractor box, leaving plenty for future builds. Finish by sanding the edges and brushing on a thin coat of clear polyurethane to seal the grain against humidity.
A fully loaded 96-Pop shelf weighs 30–35 lb (13.6–15.9 kg) or about 0.30 lb per boxed Pop. Anchor the frame to two wall studs, 16 in. (41 cm) apart, with 3-in. #10 screws. Add an 18-in. (46 cm) steel French cleat rated for 200 lb to spread the load. Give the shelf a firm tug; it should stay silent and steady.
Finally, level the grid. Straight rows make the Pops look like pixel art, while a crooked line feels accidental. Once set, the wood fades from view, letting your vinyl heroes form a wall-size mosaic that stands up to pets, bumps, and the occasional door slam.
Protection, upkeep, and visual impact
An open DIY Funko Pop shelf trades sealing for simplicity. Without a front panel, dust settles fast, so plan to brush box tops every 2–3 weeks with a soft makeup brush or a can of air.
Sunlight is the bigger threat. Vinyl paint and cardboard inks can start fading after one summer of direct light (about June–August), collectors warn (reddit.com). Keep the shelf on a wall that never gets rays, or close blackout curtains during peak hours. According to PopandFigures, UV-blocking hard protectors filter up to 98 percent of ultraviolet light, so add them before figures go on display.
What the build lacks in sealing, it returns in style. Warm wood frames a rainbow of box art and turns the wall into pixel art. Run slim LED strips under each tier; LEDs give off almost no UV, so they will not speed fading, and the display glows at night without glass glare.
For collectors with dozens of commons and a tight budget, open shelves still cover the basics: high capacity, easy rearranging, and no concerns about scratched acrylic or broken glass.
Materials and upfront cost
A DIY acrylic Funko Pop case needs five clear panels, solvent cement, and a few soft clamps. Panel thickness controls both price and strength: desk cubes feel solid at ⅛ in. (about 3 mm), while wall cabinets benefit from ³⁄₁₆ in. (about 4.5 mm) sheets.
In October 2025, a 24 in. × 24 in. × ⅛ in. sheet (61 cm × 61 cm × 3 mm) sells for about $29 at Home Depot. Two sheets cover a mid-size cube, bringing material cost to around $60 before glue and hinges. A larger 24 in. × 48 in. sheet (61 cm × 122 cm) averages $52–$55, ideal for a tall wall cabinet.
According to PR Newswire, industry surveys show raw-material prices for plastics rising through early 2024, so check local stock before planning a large build.
Your cutting method shapes both budget and effort. Paying a supplier for laser cutting turns assembly into a puzzle. Doing it yourself with score-and-snap cuts or a table saw saves cash but adds time and acrylic dust.
Cutting, bonding, and finishing
Dry-fit first. Lay the five panels flat, remove the protective film, and confirm that every corner sits at 90 degrees. Spend ten minutes here to avoid hours of rework later.
Once the edges align, run painter’s tape along each outside seam as a hinge. Tilt one panel back, insert a needle applicator, and let the water-thin solvent cement wick into the joint by capillary action. According to TAP Plastics, the bond sets in 30–60 minutes and reaches full strength after 8 hours. Keep a steady hand and avoid puddles that could frost the acrylic.
Leave the case untouched overnight; moving it too soon may create hairline cracks that appear only after the shelves are loaded.
After curing, smooth the edges with 600-grit sandpaper and finish with plastic polish. Fingerprints disappear, seams turn crystal clear, and the cube looks like a single block without the weight or shatter risk of glass. Work in a ventilated space and wear nitrile gloves because solvent fumes are strong.
Follow this rhythm—dry-fit, tape, wick, wait, polish—and your clear case will look professional while costing far less than retail.
Protection, maintenance, and display quality
Close the lid and dust stays out. A well-sealed acrylic Funko Pop case blocks lint, pet hair, and glitter for at least three to four months, so upkeep drops to a quick exterior wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Standard acrylic filters part of the ultraviolet spectrum, but UV-filtering OP3 sheets absorb about 98 percent of UV light, helping avoid the 30–40 percent resale loss linked to sun fade. If you’d rather buy than build, premium dust-free display vaults like Vaulted keep Pops locked away from dirt in a clear hard shell that mounts right to the wall.
Because acrylic weighs about half as much as glass, wall mounting feels less risky. Drive two keyhole brackets into studs and the case sits level without bowing. Planning LEDs? Route wires along the back edge before gluing the final panel so nothing shows inside the clear box.
Scratches are the main foe. Build on a towel, add felt pads under figures that might slide, and buff light swirls with plastic polish. Keep solvent and sandpaper nearby for deeper marks.
In daylight or under LEDs, the finished case makes Pops look like they are floating; a few signed or convention exclusives move from toy shelf to mini museum with no velvet rope required.
Design concept and overall cost
Imagine a shadow box built for collectibles: a rigid ½-inch (12.7 mm) birch-plywood frame for strength, fronted by a single UV-blocking acrylic door for gallery-level clarity. The finished piece looks like furniture, not shop class, and it shields figures better than either material on its own.
Sizing stays straightforward. Draw a rectangle 36 in. tall × 24 in. wide (91 cm × 61 cm) and divide the interior into four tiers just over 7 in. high (18 cm). Wood encloses the back, top, and sides to create a dark backdrop that makes colors pop, while the front becomes one clear door on slim piano hinges.
October 2025 prices:
Birch plywood, ½ in., 4 ft × 2 ft – about $38 at Home Depot
UV-filtering acrylic, 24 in. × 36 in. × ³⁄₁₆ in. (≈4.5 mm) – about $52
Pocket-hole screws, hinges, magnetic latch, satin stain – around $40 combined
Total material cost lands near $130, well below most ready-made curio cabinets of similar size.
The spend buys more than appearance. The plywood frame resists sagging, the acrylic door blocks dust and about 98 percent of UV, and the latch lets you swap grails in seconds. Set aside a weekend for precise cuts and careful sanding, and you will own a hybrid wood-and-acrylic Funko Pop cabinet with gallery polish on a DIY budget.
Building, sealing, and mounting
Start with the frame. Rip the ½ in. (12.7 mm) plywood into four sides and pocket-screw them into a rigid rectangle. Cut ¾ in. (19 mm) deep dado grooves, slide each shelf in place, and the weight rests on wood rather than fasteners, so sagging never begins.
Seal pieces before assembly. Two coats of satin polyurethane darken the grain and create a moisture barrier; sanding dust becomes permanent confetti once the acrylic door is installed.
For the door, drill four pilot holes through the acrylic edge and attach a slim piano hinge with nylon lock nuts; metal threads hold without cracking plastic. Add a magnetic catch opposite the hinge and press a thin adhesive foam gasket around the opening. The gasket blocks dust while allowing the door to glide silently.
Mount the cabinet like a flat-panel TV. An 18 in. (46 cm) steel French cleat rated for 200 lb (91 kg) spreads the load across two studs. A hidden wood strip at the bottom prevents tipping. Loaded with 25 lb (11 kg) of boxed Pops (96 figures at 0.26 lb each), the cabinet shows zero flex.
Wear eye protection and a respirator when drilling acrylic; solvent fumes and plastic chips are hazardous. Once the case is level, swing the clear door and watch rows of vinyl heroes float in perfect order, safe from dust, paws, and UV.
Protection, aesthetics, and long-term value
Close the magnetic latch and the hybrid wood-and-acrylic Funko Pop cabinet becomes a mini vault. The foam gasket locks out dust, and the UV-filtering OP3 acrylic door absorbs about 98 percent of ultraviolet light, according to Acrylite, keeping grails safe from the slow fade that ruins box art.
Wood adds another layer. A solid plywood back blocks rear light and provides a raceway for LED strips along the top. Aim warm-white LEDs downward; acrylic avoids the harsh reflections common with glass.
Upkeep stays simple. Wipe the door with a microfiber cloth every 4–6 weeks, and the sealed interior remains spotless for months.
Finish ties everything together. Match the cabinet’s stain to nearby furniture and the display blends into the room, elevating the collection from wall storage to centerpiece. When it is time to move, unlatch the French cleat, lift the box, and the whole lineup travels safely in one piece.
Creative Hacks When You Need a Display Today
Not every collection needs power tools. Sometimes you just need Pops off the floor before friends arrive.
Repurpose store-bought cases. A wall-mount baseball bat display with an acrylic front costs about $35 on Amazon as of October 2025. Add a thin acrylic shelf and it holds 12 boxed Pops. Shot-glass cabinets work the same way on a smaller scale, with the door already installed and no cuts required.
IKEA shortcut. The classic DETOLF glass tower ($79.99 in most U.S. stores) doubles in capacity when you slide in two extra acrylic shelves. The 20-minute mod turns the unit into a four-level Pop tower.
Dollar-store budget. 20 in. × 30 in. (51 cm × 76 cm) foam boards run about $1.25 each. Score, hot-glue into a grid, and mount with removable strips. The display will not survive a move, but it showcases six out-of-box Pops for pocket change.
These quick Funko Pop display ideas will not match a custom case for longevity, yet they prove a simple point: smart staging often costs less than you think. Start small, see what feels right, and upgrade when your collection or your skills need more room.
How the Three DIY Funko Pop Display Builds Stack Up
Build style
Estimated materials cost*
DIY skill level
Dust and UV protection
Pop capacity†
Best for
Open wooden shelves
$60–$90
Beginner
Low
80–120 Pops per 6-ft wall
Large collections on a budget
Clear acrylic case
$60–$120
Intermediate
High (up to 98 percent UV block with OP3 acrylic)
6–24 Pops, size-dependent
Signed grails or exclusives
Wood + acrylic cabinet
$120–$150
Advanced
Very high (dust-sealed plus 98 percent UV)
30–50 Pops
Display-quality furniture fans
October 2025 prices for panels, fasteners, and finish; tools and LEDs not included
† Capacity assumes boxed 4-inch Pops on shelves about 7 in. (18 cm) high
Why the Funko Pop Display Market Is Booming
Collecting Pops is no longer a niche hobby. Accio Research values the global market for Funko Pop display cases at about USD 220 million in 2025, with annual growth near eight percent.
Growth changes expectations. Five years ago dust covers were optional; today about 65 percent of premium cases ship with UV-blocking acrylic, mirroring the shift that sent high-end trading-card holders toward full acrylic.
Materials follow the money. Accio Research also notes that acrylic sheet prices climbed roughly 22 percent during the 2023 plastics shortage, yet demand kept rising because collectors saw the upgrade as insurance on grails that can gain as much as 500 percent in resale value after a popular release. Wood remains affordable and easy to source, which explains why DIY shelving still dominates high-capacity builds even in an inflationary market.
Best Companies for Funko Pop Display Cases
Here are four leading companies offering high-quality Funko Pop display cases, ranging from premium showcases to budget-friendly protectors. Each caters to different collector needs — protection, design, size, and price.
1. Vaulted®
Why it stands out:
Premium build and design-focused; Vaulted describes its mission as “redefining collectible protection and display.”
UV-resistant, dust- and scratch-resistant protectors and hard display cases.
Ideal for high-value Pops, exclusives, or signed grails needing museum-level presentation and protection.
Best for: Collectors seeking maximum protection and sleek, modern aesthetics.
Considerations: Higher cost compared to basic or DIY options.
2. Display Geek
Why it’s a strong contender:
Long-time player in the Funko case market; known as “the most trusted company in the Funko community.”
Offers UV-resistant acrylic shelves, protectors, and wall-mount cases.
Best for: Mid-range collectors who want excellent protection and display value.
Considerations: Simpler designs than premium furniture-grade brands, but very functional.
3. Wicked Brick
Why include them:
Specializes in bespoke display cases, stands, and podiums for Funko Pops using clear acrylic or Perspex.
Custom sizing available for themed, wall-mount, or desktop displays.
Best for: Collectors wanting customized, stylish setups for smaller collections.
Considerations: Custom orders can be more expensive per unit and have longer lead times.
Conclusion
Every collector eventually realizes that a display case is more than decoration — it’s preservation. Funko Pops, especially rare exclusives and signed editions, are vulnerable to the same enemies as fine art: sunlight, dust, and time. A few summers of direct light can quietly drain a figure’s value by half, while a well-sealed or UV-filtered case keeps it pristine for decades.
The good news is that display protection now scales to every skill and budget. DIY builders can turn a weekend and $60 of pine into a gallery wall that holds a hundred Pops. Intermediate hobbyists can craft acrylic cubes with museum clarity, and serious collectors can invest in hybrid wood-and-acrylic cabinets that rival professional showcases. For those who prefer ready-made solutions, brands like Vaulted and Display Geek bridge the gap between craftsmanship and convenience — offering the same level of UV defense and display polish without lifting a drill.
Ultimately, building or buying a display case is a way of saying your collection matters. Each figure represents a moment — a movie, a memory, a convention find — and the right case turns those memories into a statement piece. Protecting your Pops isn’t just about resale; it’s about pride, storytelling, and longevity. So whether you choose a DIY frame or a Vaulted Display Vault, you’re not just storing vinyl — you’re curating art.
Tommy Hardy, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been a go-to figure in residential upkeep and innovation for over 18 years. His career commenced in a leading home appliance manufacturing company, where he mastered the intricacies of household systems. Joining our platform in 2020, Tommy quickly became a reader favorite for his practical and easy-to-follow guides. He took the helm of our DIY section in 2019, consistently delivering content that empowers homeowners. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tommy is a passionate gardener and enjoys woodworking, skills enhancing his hands-on approach to home care.
