First Impressions of Displays Cedar Display Case
The Displays Cedar Display Case promises a blend of functionality and aesthetics, a showcase for treasured items crafted from aromatic cedar and featuring a clear glass top. Offered by Displays, it aims to provide a secure and visually appealing way to present collections, awards, or keepsakes. I was drawn to this display case seeking a better way to safeguard and exhibit my grandfather’s military medals.
The allure of cedar, with its natural insect-repelling properties and pleasant aroma, combined with the secure locking mechanism, made it an attractive option. My initial unboxing experience was quite positive. The case felt solid, and the aroma of cedar was immediately apparent, suggesting genuine wood construction. The brass hardware provided a touch of classic elegance, and the green felt lining offered a soft backdrop for potential displays.
I considered a generic shadow box and a plastic display case before settling on the Displays Cedar Display Case. The shadow box lacked the locking feature I desired, and the plastic option felt cheap and uninspired. This case offered a more refined and secure solution. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; it seemed like a well-made product with the potential to meet my needs, provided the build quality and locking mechanism proved reliable in the long run.
Real-World Testing: Putting Displays Cedar Display Case to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use was setting up the Displays Cedar Display Case to showcase my grandfather’s military medals and a few commemorative coins. I placed the display case on a bookshelf in my study, an area with moderate, indirect sunlight. The felt lining was perfect for arranging the medals, preventing them from sliding around.
The Displays Cedar Display Case performed admirably. The glass top provided a clear view of the contents, and the cedar aroma added a touch of warmth to the room. I appreciated the locking mechanism, providing peace of mind against accidental opening or tampering. There were no issues during the initial setup, and the case felt stable and secure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Displays Cedar Display Case has held up remarkably well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear beyond a few minor surface scratches from dusting. The cedar scent has mellowed slightly, but it is still present, indicating the quality of the wood used.
Cleaning is simple: a gentle wipe with a soft cloth keeps the glass top clear and the cedar exterior dust-free. The locking mechanism continues to function smoothly. Compared to my previous makeshift display solutions (a cardboard box!), this case is a monumental improvement, offering superior protection, presentation, and peace of mind.
Breaking Down the Features of Displays Cedar Display Case
Specifications
The Displays Cedar Display Case has the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 2″. These dimensions offer a reasonably sized display area without being overly bulky, suitable for a variety of collections.
- Construction: Cedar. The cedar construction provides a natural, aesthetically pleasing look and helps to protect delicate items from insects.
- Top: Glass. The glass top provides a clear view of the displayed items while protecting them from dust and damage.
- Hardware: Brass. Brass hardware adds a touch of elegance and durability to the overall design.
- Lining: Green felt. The green felt lining provides a soft, non-abrasive surface for displaying items and prevents them from sliding around.
- Locking Mechanism: Includes two keys. The locking mechanism adds an extra layer of security, protecting valuable items from unauthorized access.
- Weight: 5.86 lb. The case’s weight contributes to its stability without being excessively heavy for moving or repositioning.
These specifications matter because they determine the case’s overall quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. The cedar wood ensures both a pleasing aroma and natural pest protection, the glass top provides optimal visibility, and the locking mechanism provides security for valuable contents.
Performance & Functionality
The Displays Cedar Display Case performs its primary function of displaying and protecting items extremely well. The locking mechanism works smoothly, providing added security, and the cedar construction provides a natural deterrent against insects. The overall design is aesthetically pleasing and complements a variety of décor styles.
The case’s strengths lie in its elegant design, secure locking mechanism, and natural cedar construction. A potential weakness might be the relatively shallow depth of 2 inches, which may limit the size of items that can be displayed comfortably. It meets expectations for a display case in this price range, offering a good balance of aesthetics, security, and functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The Displays Cedar Display Case is well-designed, with a classic and elegant aesthetic. The combination of cedar wood, brass hardware, and green felt lining creates a visually appealing display. The 5.86-pound weight gives it a solid and substantial feel without being too heavy to move.
The case is very user-friendly; simply unlock it, arrange the items on the felt lining, and lock it again. There is virtually no learning curve. The overall design is intuitive and easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The cedar construction suggests good durability, and after several months of use, there are no signs of structural weakness. The glass top is reasonably scratch-resistant, and the brass hardware appears to be of good quality. The Displays Cedar Display Case is expected to last for many years with proper care.
Maintenance is minimal. A gentle wipe with a soft cloth is sufficient to keep the case clean and dust-free. The locking mechanism may require occasional lubrication to ensure smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Displays Cedar Display Case comes with two keys for the locking mechanism. No additional accessories are included. Customization options are limited, although the felt lining could be replaced with a different color or material to suit personal preferences.
The case’s design is relatively standard, and it is not specifically designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. However, generic display risers or small spotlights could be added to enhance the presentation of the displayed items.
Pros and Cons of Displays Cedar Display Case
Pros
- Classic and Elegant Design: The cedar wood, brass hardware, and green felt lining create a visually appealing display that complements a variety of décor styles.
- Secure Locking Mechanism: The locking mechanism with two keys provides added security, protecting valuable items from unauthorized access.
- Aromatic Cedar Construction: The cedar wood not only provides a natural, aesthetically pleasing look, but also helps to protect delicate items from insects.
- Ready to Use: Comes fully assembled. All you need to do is place your items inside, lock the case, and set it on a shelf or table.
- Good Value for Price: For the quality of materials and construction, the Displays Cedar Display Case offers a compelling value proposition.
Cons
- Shallow Depth: The 2-inch depth may limit the size of items that can be displayed comfortably.
- Limited Customization Options: Beyond changing the felt lining, there are few options for customizing the appearance or functionality of the case.
Who Should Buy Displays Cedar Display Case?
The Displays Cedar Display Case is perfect for collectors of coins, medals, small artifacts, or other keepsakes who want a secure and aesthetically pleasing way to display their items. It is also well-suited for military personnel or veterans who want to showcase their awards and decorations. Anyone who wants a simple, elegant way to protect and display treasured items will find this display case to be a good option.
Individuals who need a display case for larger or bulkier items should skip this product due to its limited depth. Those seeking extensive customization options or a more modern design might also want to consider alternative display solutions.
A must-have accessory would be a small, battery-powered LED spotlight to highlight specific items within the display case. A small desiccant pack could also be added to further protect delicate items from humidity.
Conclusion on Displays Cedar Display Case
The Displays Cedar Display Case is a well-made, aesthetically pleasing display solution that offers a good balance of security and functionality. Its classic design, secure locking mechanism, and aromatic cedar construction make it an excellent choice for displaying and protecting treasured items. While its shallow depth and limited customization options may not suit every need, it provides a compelling value proposition for those seeking a simple, elegant, and secure display case.
The price of $65.99 is justified by the quality of materials and construction, making it a worthwhile investment for collectors and anyone who wants to protect and showcase their valuables. I would personally recommend the Displays Cedar Display Case to anyone looking for an attractive and secure way to display their smaller collections. Consider purchasing this case to safeguard and display your prized possessions with style and peace of mind.