Create A Unique Display Case With TikTok's Simple Dollar Tree DIY

If you've ever found yourself thinking that an item in your home (or one that you're attempting to sell) would look better presented in a display case, TikTok has your back. Creators like @imperfectlypatricia have posted their own versions of a hack spreading across the social media platform that shows viewers how to make a DIY display case using Dollar Tree picture frames. All you need to try the hack out for yourself are four picture frames of the same size and a hot glue gun or super glue.

Simply remove the backing from the picture frames and secure the glass inserts using the attached metal tabs and super glue for reinforcement. Then, use your hot glue gun to attach the frames to each other, forming a box that is open on the top and the bottom. If this feels appropriate for your item, place the box over the object that you wish to display and enjoy your new $5 display case. If the item you wish to display is particularly valuable or delicate, however, you may wish to consider the pros and cons of this hack before proceeding. 

While spending only $5 on a display case might sound tempting, it's important to consider the ramifications of cutting corners when displaying certain items. If you wish to put family heirlooms on display or items that are very old, delicate, or highly valuable, storing it in an open container may not be ideal. Priceless items would be better protected and preserved by a proper, fully closed, commercially available display case, such as A+ Design's clear acrylic display case, available on Amazon for $10.99. While you could add a removable top and a bottom picture frame to the Dollar Store DIY design, this would bring your total to $7.50 plus the value of your time and glue. At that point, it may make more sense to purchase a case for just a few dollars more.

For items that are merely meant for decor or objects to be temporarily placed in a case for photographing or a one-time event, however, a DIY display case may be perfect. Furthermore, if you genuinely enjoy crafting projects or are in search of a case that offers more of a customizable decorative flair, crafting your own display case from Dollar Tree items may be exactly the DIY you're looking for. 

If simple decor is your goal, the only limit to the statements you can make with your Dollar Tree DIY display case is your own creativity. You can utilize spray paint in various colors or metallic finishes on your frames to create a customized style that matches your space. Adding legs to your case is possible using brackets or actual furniture legs. Four of these plant brackets from Dollar Tree make excellent legs for your case. Use a small picture frame case to display jewelry, crystals, or miniature decor. Or, purchase larger frames to create a bigger display case for arrangements, LED candles, a thriving succulent planter, or even a DIY zen garden.

If caring for real plants isn't for you, you can purchase a variety of faux plants at Dollar Tree or on Amazon. Consider placing artificial vines, string lights, or decorative pebbles inside your DIY display case to further accentuate whichever items you've chosen to put on display within it. Swap out your displayed decor seasonally or enjoy it as a permanent feature, as long as you're staying true to your personal style.