Modular Display Case: From Transport to Exhibition

An illustrator friend asked me to design a portable sales display for her work. The brief was challenging: she needed a sturdy transport crate that could transform into a tiered display stand for cards and stickers, while also providing support for larger posters (A3/A4 formats).

The goal: merge storage, transport, and exhibition into a single, ergonomic object.

Supplies :

1. 10mm Plywood & 2mm Melamine panels
2. 2x Lift-off hinges (for modularity) : https://www.leroymerlin.fr/produits/paumelle-de-porte-en-acier-zingue-l-80-x-l-45-mm-67722004.html
3. 1x Magnetic tape : https://www.leroymerlin.fr/produits/bande-magnetique-flexible-300-x-2-5-cm-89169823.html
4. Small magnets : https://www.leroymerlin.fr/produits/aimant-argent-ceanothe-produit-sans-nom-de-serie-diam-10-mm-68450585.html
5. 4x Toggle latches: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B072F5TV1B)
6. 2x Butterfly latches : https://www.leroymerlin.fr/produits/lot-de-2-verrous-a-levier-acier-hettich-l-20-x-l-30-mm-67551904.html
7. 1x Leather handle : https://www.leroymerlin.fr/produits/poignee-de-meuble-cuir-cuir-marron-mat-entraxe-96-mm-84884793.html
8. 8x decorative corner guards : https://www.leroymerlin.fr/produits/4-coins-arrondis-en-acier-inoxydable-raccords-de-protection-des-bords-pour-meubles-et-boites-98486428.html)
9. 2x : small hinges : https://www.leroymerlin.fr/produits/charniere-de-porte-4-pieces-charniere-en-acier-inoxydable-charniere-invisible-charniere-plate-quincaillerie-de-meuble-pour-porte-armoire-petite-96300624.html

Tools :

1. Circular saw & Jigsaw
2. Pneumatic brad nailer
3. High-strength wood glue
4. Sander (80 and 120 grit)
5. Clamps

The core concept relies on a "staircase" opening mechanism. When closed, the case is compact and fits easily into a car trunk. When opened, it unfolds into three exhibition levels.

The technical trick: To adapt to various market stall sizes (which are often very cramped), I used lift-off hinges. These allow the two halves of the case to be completely separated. They can then be aligned side-by-side, angled, or used as standalone units depending on the available space.

The hollow space beneath the "steps" is not wasted: it serves as a storage area for extra stock, a cash box, or packaging materials, all accessible from the rear.

After creating a precise cutting plan to minimize waste, I cut the 10mm plywood to size.

1. Precision: The main difficulty lies in the repetition of parts. To ensure the two halves fit together perfectly, every side panel and shelf must be strictly identical.
2. Optimization: I used a guide rail with the circular saw to guarantee perfectly straight cuts, which is essential for the final squaring of the case.

The assembly process followed several key stages:

1. The L-shaped modules: I started by forming the 6 shelves. Combining wood glue and a pneumatic nailer allowed for quick assembly and immediate structural integrity.
2. Internal Structure: The shelves were fixed between the side panels. I intentionally left a slight recess (notch) at the front of the shelves to add a finishing trim later. This trim acts as a "stop lip" to prevent cards from sliding off, while also hiding the raw edges of the wood for a cleaner look.
3. Multifunctional Panels: The rear panels (made of lightweight melamine) seal the storage compartments during transport. Thanks to a small hinge and a support leg (similar to a picture frame), they convert into freestanding easels. Small neodymium magnets are embedded in the wood to keep the legs tucked away securely during transit.

Choosing white paint allows the colorful illustrations to stand out without overwhelming the eye. It also provides an excellent backdrop to highlight the hardware:

1. Aesthetics: The decorative corner guards and gold-toned latches give the case a "vintage" feel.
2. Magnetism: The magnetic tape applied to the easels offers an invisible and elegant solution for holding posters in place with small decorative magnets, avoiding damage from clips or adhesive tape.
3. Portability: Given the final volume, the case is quite heavy. I opted for a wide, sturdy leather handle, secured with through-bolts to ensure it holds up under the load.

The result exceeds expectations: the object is essentially a "fold-out shop." Despite the weight of the 10mm plywood, the versatility of the case saves precious time during stall setup. It provides an immediate professional boost for any public exhibition!

See it in full detail in this video