Display Cases

A Guide to Lighting Glass Display Cases: Types, Pros, and Cons

4 min read 28 January 2026 By Access Displays

Lighting is a powerful tool in exhibition design, helping to highlight objects, guide visitor attention, and create atmosphere. However, light also generates heat and UV radiation, both of which can damage sensitive materials over time. Museums must therefore balance visual impact with conservation needs. 

The Arts Council advises that lighting should enhance presentation without compromising conservation and that maintenance should be possible without opening the display volume. With this in mind, the sections below outline common lighting types used in glass display cases and their best applications. 

Lighting Type Explorer
Select a lighting type to compare specs, pros, cons and conservation ratings.
Fibre Optic
Uses a remote light source placed outside the display case. Light is carried through fibre optic cables to small, discreet endpoints within the case.
Heat Output
None
UV Emission
None
Conservation
★★★★★
Running Cost
Low
Upfront Cost
High
Pros
  • Excellent conservation performance as heat is kept outside the case
  • No UV or infrared emission at endpoints
  • Highly discreet and flexible placement
  • Adjustments can be made without disturbing the display
Cons
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires specialist installation
  • Remote illuminator needs periodic maintenance
Best used forConservation-critical displays and sensitive objects.
LED Lighting
Bright, efficient illumination widely used in modern display cases as strips, spots, or track fixtures.
Heat Output
Low
UV Emission
Low
Conservation
★★★★
Running Cost
V. Low
Upfront Cost
Med
Pros
  • Energy efficient with long lifespan
  • Lower heat and UV output than older lamp types
  • Available in varied formats and colour temperatures
  • Strong balance of cost and performance
Cons
  • Heat still requires management
  • Colour rendering varies by quality
  • Poor placement can cause glare or reflections
Best used forEveryday museum displays, retail cases, and temporary exhibitions.
Fluorescent Lighting
Provides broad, diffused illumination but is declining in use due to environmental regulations and conservation concerns.
Heat Output
Med
UV Emission
Med–High
Conservation
★★
Running Cost
Med
Upfront Cost
Low
Pros
  • Even, soft lighting suitable for large displays
  • Historically inexpensive
Cons
  • Emits UV radiation and needs filtering
  • Produces noticeable heat
  • Bulky fittings reduce design flexibility
  • Being phased out in many settings
Best used forExisting cases approaching replacement.
Halogen Lighting
Rarely recommended due to its high heat output and ultraviolet radiation. Being superseded by LED across most display applications.
Heat Output
Very High
UV Emission
High
Conservation
★
Running Cost
High
Upfront Cost
Low
Pros
  • Excellent colour rendering
  • Strong directional control
Cons
  • Very high operating temperature
  • Shorter lifespan than LEDs
  • UV output requiring filtering
  • High energy consumption
  • Not suitable for conservation-sensitive objects
Best used forNot recommended for most display case applications. LED is a superior alternative in virtually every scenario.
Natural Light
Daylight provides the most accurate colour rendering but is unpredictable and among the most damaging light sources for collections if unmanaged.
Heat Output
Variable
UV Emission
Very High
Conservation
Poor
Running Cost
None
Upfront Cost
None
Pros
  • Highest colour rendering accuracy
  • No running cost
  • Creates natural atmosphere
Cons
  • Extremely high UV levels without filtering
  • Unpredictable and uncontrollable intensity
  • Significant fading and degradation risk
  • Requires UV-filtering glass or glazing to be safe
Best used forOnly safe when combined with UV-filtering glazing. Not suitable as a primary light source for sensitive collections.

The choice of lighting directly affects both visitor experience and long-term preservation. Fibre optic systems offer the highest conservation performance, LEDs provide versatility and efficiency, and traditional lighting options are increasingly limited by heat, UV output, and environmental concerns. Thoughtful planning helps ensure that lighting enhances displays without putting collections at risk. 

About Access Displays

Founded in 1990, Access Displays is an award-winning exhibition and display specialist based in Swindon, UK. The company provides modular and bespoke exhibition stands, portable displays, museum showcases, graphics, and project management services for clients across the UK and worldwide. Known for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service, Access Displays has delivered projects for four Olympic Games and supported hundreds of national and regional museums.

For more information, visit www.accessdisplays.co.uk.