Information Showcases
Display and notice boards for your announcements
Showcase buying guide: How to find the perfect model for your facility
Showcases are ideal for sharing important information. Training times, match results and celebration dates can be displayed just as easily as public notices and announcements. To ensure everything is communicated quickly, safely and clearly visible, a high-quality showcase with ventilation, lighting and a secure lock is ideal. But which model is right for your needs? In this buying guide, we show you what to look out for when making your choice.- What is the difference between a showcase and a display cabinet?
- Location and mounting type
- Safety and fire protection
- Which fire protection class do showcases have?
- The right showcase in 4 steps
- How to design a showcase properly
What is the difference between a showcase and a display cabinet?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a clear difference in how they are used: A showcase has a shallow depth of approx. 3 to 10 cm. It is typically designed to present information such as documents, posters, certificates or plans flat against a back panel. A display cabinet, on the other hand, offers significantly more depth and often includes shelves. It is used to present 3D objects such as trophies, exhibits or sports equipment safely and visibly from several sides.
Location and mounting type
The biggest difference is that there are special showcases for outdoor use and showcases for indoor use. In indoor areas, a slim design is crucial so the case does not become an obstacle in busy corridors. For outdoor areas, weather resistance is the key factor. Look for models with continuous rubber seals and concealed ventilation openings. These prevent condensation from forming and ink from running on your notices. Robust, impact-resistant materials are also important to protect against vandalism. Our models are made from high-quality, silver anodised aluminium profiles.
Mounting type: Wall-mounted showcases are the classic, space-saving option for façades or corridors. Free-standing models on posts are perfect for driveways, schoolyards or club grounds.
Safety and fire protection
Safety is a top priority, especially in schools, nurseries and public authorities. All showcases in the Sport-Thieme shop are made from robust toughened safety glass (ESG). If it breaks, it shatters into blunt granules. Alternatively, impact-resistant acrylic glass is an excellent shatterproof option. To protect against tampering by unauthorised persons, our showcases are fitted with durable safety locks. This ensures that only authorised staff can change the notices.
Which fire protection class do showcases have? For use in public buildings, especially in escape routes and stairwells, strict fire protection regulations apply. Make sure that the showcase complies with at least fire protection class B1 (flame-retardant) according to DIN 4102. In highly sensitive areas, class A1 (non-combustible) may even be required.Space requirements and showcase size
First consider how many documents you usually want to display at the same time and calculate using A4 sheets. The overall space required for the showcase, including open doors, is also crucial. If you often have to change notices on your own, we recommend a hinged door with gas struts. The door opens easily upwards and is held securely in place, leaving both hands free for pinning up documents. For narrow corridors, sliding doors are the best choice. In the interest of accident prevention, they avoid protruding swing doors that stick out into the corridor. A refined sliding mechanism ensures the doors run particularly smoothly.
The right showcase in 4 steps:
Step 1: Location
- Where do we want to position the showcase?
- Indoors or outdoors?
- Should it be wall-mounted or free-standing?
- If free-standing: Do we need a post set?
Step 2: Safety and regulations
- Are there any structural requirements that must be observed?
- Are there any other regulations to follow when installing?
- Which fire protection regulations do we have to comply with?
- Do we possibly need official approval?
Step 3: Space requirements
- How much space is available?
- What depth should the showcase have?
- Should it be mounted in landscape or portrait format?
- In which direction can the door be opened? Upwards, sideways or with sliding doors?
- How many documents do we want to display in the cabinet at the same time?
Step 4: Design
- Should our notices also be visible in the evening or at night?
- Is daylight enough or do we need lighting?
- Do we need a title strip to label different sections?
- Magnetic back panel or pinboard?
How to design a showcase properly
Even the best showcase is useless if nobody reads the information. Here’s how to make it attractive and easy to read:
++ Create structure: Group content by topic, e.g. important information, permanent notices, news and dates.
++ Use eye-catchers: Use coloured magnets or a consistent coloured backing for headings to draw attention.
++ Less is more: White space between notices gives the eye a rest and looks more professional.
Discover our wide range of safe, durable showcases for indoor and outdoor use in our online shop or contact us directly for a tailored solution.