Appealing designs are the foundation of a profitable phone case business. With print-on-demand services, you can create and market distinctive, high-end custom phone cases from the comfort of your home.
This article explores 27 cool phone case designs that resonate with consumers and drive sales. Discover how to craft eye-catching phone cases to set your brand apart in the competitive phone accessory market.
Key takeaways
- The phone case market is growing, projected to reach $13.6 billion by 2029.
- Custom phone cases offer low initial costs, high profit margins, and easy management through print-on-demand models.
- Popular design themes include minimalist patterns, nature-inspired art, pop culture references, and personalized options.
- Factors like protection, styles, and eco-friendliness are important when choosing phone case types to offer.
- Sign up for a free account with Printify to create and sell custom phone cases without upfront investment.
Why sell custom phone cases
The global phone case market is projected to reach $13.6 billion by 2029. Beyond this market potential, custom phone cases serve multiple purposes for consumers:
| Protection | Shields devices from drops, scratches, and everyday wear |
| Self-expression | Reflects users’ personalities, interests, and aesthetic preferences |
| Community affiliation | Displays support for causes, fandoms, or social groups |
From a business standpoint, custom phone cases are compelling because of low initial costs, large profit margins, and easy management. Print-on-demand models eliminate inventory issues, and the product’s small size helps you save on shipping costs.
Smartphone users upgrade every 2.5 years, driving a constant demand for custom phone cases with amazing reviews. High-fashion labels, such as Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci, also design phone cases, making it a fashion statement.
It’s time to tap into this thriving niche with minimal risk.
27 Phone case designs – Ideas to get you Inspired
When planning your phone case designs, decide which models you’ll support. Targeting specific models (say, iPhone 15 Pro Max) or underserved smartphone niches can open unique market opportunities.
Here are 27 custom phone case ideas to get you started.
Simplify the process of designing and selling custom phone cases with Printify. Watch our tutorial to get started and explore our user-friendly interface.
Minimalistic geometric patterns
Geometric patterns feature simple lines, shapes, and muted tones, appealing to customers who prefer an understated yet stylish look. Play with repeating shapes or even use math-inspired designs like fractals. A matte finish or subtle embossing can make these cases feel nice to hold.
Botanical illustrations
Botanical illustrations bring an elegant touch of nature to phone cases. Scan real pressed flowers or draw detailed plant illustrations. Consider collaborating with a local artist for unique, area-specific plant designs.
Sublimation printing works well if you want super realistic images. Check out our guide on sublimation printing to learn where and how to use sublimation for your POD business.
Abstract art
Abstract art designs cater to art enthusiasts looking for expressive phone cases to stand out from typical patterns. Get creative with digital brushstrokes or use computer programs to generate exciting patterns.
Consider letting customers create their own abstract designs within set parameters – people love personalized stuff.
Marble effect
Marble phone cases offer a timeless look. With acrylic paints or digital tools, create the effect of swirling patterns. Try muted color palettes to make your marble designs stand out. Adding a bit of metallic foil can make them look extra natural.
Galaxy and space themes
Galaxy and space-themed cases are perfect for dreamers and stargazers. These designs often feature stunning visuals of stars, planets, and nebulae. Select astrophotography images or create digital renderings of cosmic phenomena to appeal to space enthusiasts.
Watercolor paintings
Digitizing hand-painted watercolors offers endless creativity and personalization. You can also use pressure-sensitive digital brushes to mimic the medium’s characteristic translucency and color blending.
Use digital tools to create watercolor effects or scan real paintings; this can provide a sense of connection to your audience.
Do you have paintings that could sell with a new phone case look? Open an online store for free with Printify Pop-Up Store. With our Product Creator, upload your designs to more than 900 custom products.
Animal patterns
Animal lovers are everywhere, and animal pattern cases add a bit of wildness and cute personality to phone cases. Create patterns with animal spots, stripes, or stylized animal shapes. Make slight variations using design tools, so each case is unique.
Try animal phone cases featuring koalas, sloths, unicorns, axolotls, etc. Expand your creativity with adorable designs, such as baby turtles.
Tropical vibes
Tropical vibe designs feature bright, lush imagery like palm leaves, exotic flowers, and vibrant colors that evoke a beachy, relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for customers who love summer and the idea of an endless vacation, tropical phone cases are a hit year-round.
Vintage maps
Vintage maps feature old-world maps with intricate details and muted, earthy tones. They excite customers who love travel and history or simply enjoy the aesthetic of antiquated cartography.
Holographic designs
Holographic phone cases are popular with fashion enthusiasts. For depth and dimension, try multi-layer holographic films. For designs that go beyond basic rainbow effects and require greater customization, computer-generated holograms (CGHs) are a great option.
Running out of DIY phone case ideas? Check our AI Image Generator to create compelling images for your merch. It allows for 15 free image generations every 24 hours.
Quotes and typography
Customers who want to express themselves use quotes and typography on their phone cases. Play with different fonts, or try hand-lettering for unique text designs. Make sure the text is easy to read, even on a curved surface.
Art Deco patterns
Art Deco patterns bring a touch of 1920s glamor to phone cases. These designs have bold geometric shapes, rich colors, and intricate detailing. Art Deco is loved by customers who appreciate vintage styles with a modern twist.
Cute cartoons
Everyone looks for ways to keep their inner child alive, and cartoons are a great choice. Create your own cartoon characters or use popular ones that appeal to people of all ages. Vector graphics work well for this style because they can be resized without losing quality.
These designs are well-received by younger audiences and anyone who enjoys a lighthearted, cheerful aesthetic.
Retro pop art
Retro pop art designs are bold and colorful. Inspired by the 1950s and 60s art movement, these cases feature comic-style graphics, vibrant colors, and playful imagery. To make them vibrant, add Ben-Day dots using techniques like etching or embossing.
Personalized monograms
Let customers create their own designs with their initials. Provide realistic mockups to make it easy for them to preview their design before purchase. Additionally, offer extra services like engraving for those who want something unique.
Have no design experience? Check out our expert tips, tools, and resources to create your first graphic design.
Minimalistic monochrome
For those who believe less is more, minimalistic monochrome cases are the answer. These designs keep it simple with just one or two colors. Use high-contrast designs that stand out on both light and dark phones. Select textured printing for added depth in single-color designs.
Graffiti art
Graffiti adds an element of rebelliousness and street art to phone cases. Use durable, fade-resistant inks to maintain vibrant colors. Consider how the graffiti elements interact with phone features like button cutouts. Digitize hand-drawn graffiti using vector tracing in tools like Adobe Illustrator.
Easily use Adobe Illustrator with Printify. Watch this video to get started.
Photography
Photographs on phone cases let your clients carry a piece of their memory wherever they go. Optimize photo placement to work with various phone models and features. Use high-resolution printing for crisp image reproduction and a premium look.
Sports themes
Score big with sports-themed designs. We know the passionate followers of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo (well, who doesn’t?). Use team colors, logos, or equipment in your designs. For sports-themed protective cases, consider using impact-resistant materials like D3O.
Food patterns
Food is universally loved, and food-themed patterns can be both fun and quirky. Feature favorite foods like pizza, sushi, or donuts to add a playful touch. These designs are perfect for foodies or anyone who loves a touch of humor in their accessories.
Try making more creative patterns for the vegan crowd. Of course, the riches are in the niches.
Bohemian style
Bohemian designs bring a free-spirited and artistic vibe to phone cases. They feature intricate patterns, earthy tones, and natural motifs like feathers and dreamcatchers. You can also design bohemian custom-name cases for personalization.
Cultural patterns
Celebrate diversity with cultural pattern designs. These cases showcase traditional motifs worldwide, from African tribal prints to Asian florals. They’re ideal for customers who appreciate global art.
Fantasy themes
Let imaginations run wild with fantasy-themed phone cases. These designs can feature fairies, dragons, werewolves, vampires, or other mythical elements in rich, detailed artwork. They’re perfect for customers who love fantasy fiction and want their phones to be part of their favorite stories.
Comic book style
This is a treat for comic enthusiasts – outlines and action words. You could even create simple animations using lenticular printing, where the image changes as you move the case. Implement onomatopoeias and speech bubbles for added visual interest.
Tech and sci-fi
Tech and sci-fi designs cater to the tech-savvy and futuristic-minded. These cases feature sleek, metallic elements, circuit board patterns, or imagery inspired by science fiction movies and shows. Select and incorporate circuit board patterns or futuristic UI elements.
Mandala designs
Mandala designs are intricate, symmetrical patterns often associated with meditation and spirituality. These cases feature detailed, circular designs that are both visually striking and calming.
Create mandalas centered on key phone features, such as the Apple logo or iPhone camera array.
Seasonal themes
Seasonal cases appeal to customers who enjoy updating their phone’s look throughout the year and reflecting the current season’s mood and colors. Whether it’s cozy winter scenes, vibrant autumn leaves, or blooming spring flowers, these cases let your customers celebrate the time of year in style.
Design custom phone cases with Printify
Launch your custom phone case business with Printify effortlessly, thanks to these benefits.
✔ User-friendly platform: Printify’s intuitive interface guides you through each step of the design process – accessible even for beginners. Our design tools allow you to easily add, layer, and adjust artwork, photos, and text.
✔ Zero upfront investment: Printify’s print-on-demand model eliminates the need for initial inventory costs. The approach is low-risk – so, no financial strain.
✔ Extensive product range: With over 900 products available, Printify offers one of the most diverse catalogs in the industry. It caters to multiple niches and allows for creative freedom in your designs.
✔ Competitive pricing: Printify’s low pricing structure offers higher profit margins with zero compromise on order quality. Beginners can benefit greatly from this competitive edge.
✔ Beginner-friendly custom designs: New to designing? Explore millions of winning designs with our Shutterstock integrations. Our Product Creator also lets you create text-based designs.
✔ High-quality production: Printify partners with top-tier printing facilities to make sure your custom phone cases meet rigorous quality standards.
Printify offers a range of phone case styles to suit various preferences:
Tough Cases: Dual-layer polycarbonate construction with glossy or matte finish options.
Biodegradable Cases: PLA-based cases with a crisp matte finish and eco-friendly appeal.
Slim Cases: Impact-resistant polycarbonate with a sleek design and glossy finish.
Soft Cases: Clear TPU cases offering durability and flexibility.
Impact-Resistant Cases: Dual-layer design with removable inner TPU layer.
Cases With Card Holders: Slim polycarbonate cases featuring a convenient card slot.
FAQ
To create a DIY phone case, choose a clear case as your base. Then, personalize it with materials like paint, decoupage glue, fabric, or stickers. For best results, clean the case thoroughly before decorating and allow ample drying time between layers. There are plenty of clear phone case ideas online to draw inspiration. Consider using ideas with good user reviews to align with market trends.
Creating a custom phone case costs between $1 and $5. Print-on-demand services like Printify allow you to design and sell phone cases without upfront inventory costs. Customers can order products featuring your designs, and tracking information as well as customer reviews will be synchronized with your sales channel.
The best custom phone cases depend on individual needs. For maximum protection, consider dual-layer or impact-resistant ones. If you prioritize style, slim or clear cases offer a sleek look. Biodegradable options are available for eco-conscious users. Choose based on your target audience’s lifestyle, reviews, and preferences.
Conclusion
With these 27 phone case design ideas at your fingertips, you’re set to capture customer attention and increase sales. Over 1.5 billion smartphones are sold annually, and the demand for their protection is constant.
Printify’s print-on-demand service helps you sell your custom phone cases today at no inventory and no risk.
Partner with Printify – we print and fulfill orders so you can focus on promoting and building your phone case business.
