30+ Unique and Creative Phone Case Design Ideas For Your Store

Looking to sell phone cases online? Or perhaps you simply want to design a quirky phone case for yourself? These 30+ phone case design ideas are sure to spark your creativity.

Let’s be real—most store-bought phone cases lack personality and soul. Your everyday accessory and trusty pal deserves more than plain colors and brand logos. With print-on-demand services like Printful, you can transform a plain phone case into a unique fashion statement that reflects individuality.

30 unique and quirky phone case design ideas for POD

Let’s explore over 30 phone case design ideas for POD. We’ve also included some DIY phone case ideas if you’re feeling crafty. Keep reading to find your ideal inspo.

1. Patterns

Source: Etsy/MellowShopStudios

Patterns offer a versatile design option—you can literally take any element and multiply it to fit the entire phone case canvas. It’s a simple design concept that can incorporate elements representing your niche.

2. Gradients

Source: HK Basics

A gradient background gradually shifts from one color to another across the entire design area. This transition can be a smooth blend or a stark contrast. Experiment with different colors and variations to find your own style.

3. Watercolors

Source: Etsy

Watercolor phone cases offer endless design possibilities—from simple color combinations and abstract paintings to intricate landscapes and dreamy animals. There are even apps out there that’ll turn any photo into a watercolor painting, like Simplified AI.

4. Travel tickets

Source: Instagram

Take advantage of the phone case format and make it look like a travel ticket or boarding pass. This is a great idea for frequent travelers and those who are always on the go. Start with popular destinations like New York, Paris, and Tokyo.

5. Initials

Source: Etsy

A simple yet fancy idea is to sell customizable phone cases with people’s initials. You can get creative with the font style and placement. Make the letters fun or fancy, minimalistic or eye-catching, and add other details—the sky’s the limit.

6. Florals

Source: Etsy

Flower drawings or images can add beauty and elegance to any everyday object. Some ideas include a cute phone case with flower patterns, an intricate flower painting or illustration, or a minimalistic design.

7. Credit cards

Source: Aliexpress

Some people like to keep their credit cards in their phone case or buy a phone case with a special credit card holder. But why not make the case look like a credit card for fun? Avoid using an actual credit card—just take any credit card template and change the colors, font, and name.

8. Inspirational quotes

Source: Amazon

Print inspirational quotes on phone cases to serve as mantras for mental health awareness, success, positivity, or self-development. Make sure you check if a quote is copyrighted to avoid getting into legal trouble.

9. Funny puns and sarcastic phrases

Source: eBay

Add a touch of humor to your phone case designs with sarcastic phrases or witty puns. The best part about this idea is that puns can’t be copyrighted (unlike famous quotes or phrases)! Most jokes are up for grabs, too. Just be careful with highly original jokes—those can be copyrighted in some cases. 

10. Galaxies and space

Source: Etsy

Whether it’s constellations, planets, and stars or rocket ships and astronauts, the infinite galaxy of endless phone case design ideas. Deep thinkers and space exploration aficionados will love this concept.

11. Mandalas

Source: Etsy

Mandalas are gorgeous geometric figures with intricate details, and they look stunning on phone cases. Plus, they’re relaxing to stare at whenever you’re in need of a pause.

12. Tropical vibes

Source: Etsy

Those who adore the beach, palm trees, and sunny weather may love having a tropical phone case. You can go for cool surfer vibes, tropical fruits, sunsets, palm trees, or tropical cocktails like piña coladas.

13. Zodiac signs

Source: Etsy

Many people believe in horoscopes and identify with their particular sign. Owning a phone case with your zodiac sign on it can be a great conversation starter for astrology fans.

14. Plants

Source: Etsy

While flowers are gorgeous, there’s no need to limit yourself—any plant can make a beautiful phone case design. Leaves and flowers are typically popular choices, but you could also do a houseplant series!

15. Glow-in-the-dark

Source: Amazon

Those who thrive on attention are going to love a glow-in-the-dark phone case. This design idea is sure to catch the eye. You can make designs evergreen or seasonal, like skeletons and Jack O’Lanterns for Halloween.

16. Graffiti art

Source: Pinterest

Streetwear fashion enthusiasts will love a phone case with graffiti art to complete their look. You can go for scribbles, splatters, drawings, or letters. Play around with the font shape and style, and keep it simple—go for one statement word, people’s names, or initials.

17. City skylines

Source: Pinterest

Take a photo of a popular city skyline and edit it to fit a phone case style. Turn it into a colorful illustration, or go the minimalist route and draw the skyline in one stroke.

18. Abstract art

Source: Pinterest

Create designs that are both abstract and unique and are able to spark curiosity and conversation. Add any shape from our Design Maker and choose a cool background.

19. Polaroid photos

Source: Etsy

Polaroid photos make a cute phone case idea that emanates nostalgia. It’s like carrying a memento with you at all times—also a helpful idea for friendship and anniversary gifts!

20. Art Deco

Source: Etsy

Get inspired by the Art Deco movement’s geometric shapes and luxurious feel. Turn a classic shape into a pattern or make drawings of famous Art Deco buildings like the Chrysler Building or the Empire State Building in New York. Don’t forget to check the copyrights.

21. Whimsical illustrations

Source: Etsy

Create whimsical and playful illustrations that add a sense of humor or a touch of fantasy. If you don’t have any drawing skills, no worries. Check out this list of free image resources you can use for your phone case ideas.

22. Food

Source: Instagram

Food-inspired phone case designs offer infinite possibilities. From cute fruits and veggies to illustrations of people’s favorite comfort foods—let your imagination run wild.

23. Vintage maps

Source: Etsy

Explore the idea of designing phone cases with vintage maps of various cities, countries, or even entire continents. These maps could be printed in exquisite detail, highlighting the distinctive features and landmarks of each location. Perfect for those with the travel bug!

24. Nautical motifs

Source: Etsy

Consider exploring maritime-themed designs like anchors, compasses, or sailor motifs. Or dive into the world of aquatic life and add cute fish or intriguing sea animals and plants to your designs.

25. Tech circuitry

Source: Amazon

Want to make phone cases with a cool futuristic look? Tech circuitry designs add a touch of sci-fi that any technophile will love. It’s a playful way to protect your phone while giving it a vulnerable appearance.

26. Pets

Source: Etsy

When designing phone cases, don’t forget about pet owners. Many people like having a photo of their pet as a screensaver, but carrying them on your phone case is next-level love!

27. Other animals

Source: Etsy

Expand your phone case designs beyond pets and go for less conventional animals. There are so many fun animals on our planet. Experiment with more widely known specimens like tigers, elephants, and zebras, or narrow down your niche to endemic birds for the bird lovers out there.

28. Portraits

Source: Pinterest

Portraits make wonderful gifts as canvas prints, but you can also place them on phone cases. Look how cute this couple’s portrait looks on this clear phone case. Go for minimalistic drawings or find your own style like lo-fi, cartoon, semi-realistic, or sketch.

29. Landscapes

Source: Pinterest

Landscapes use the complete design space, turning your phone into a mini poster or painting. Who doesn’t love staring at nature? Anytime your eyes are in need of a serene nature scene, just flip your phone.

30. Stickers

Source: Pinterest

While stickers don’t work that well on custom t-shirts, they’re ideal for creative phone case ideas. Plus, it’s better than putting actual stickers on phones because you’ll protect the surface from glue and residue.

Read also: How to Design a Custom Phone Case

DIY phone case ideas

This list wouldn’t be complete without DIY phone case ideas. So, how can you decorate your phone case with everyday items? There are many ways you can turn a solid color or clear phone case into a work of art. Here are a few DIY phone case ideas for inspiration.

1. Printable phone case with vinyl

Source: Jennifer Maker

To make your own personalized phone case, you’ll need a clear phone case, printable vinyl sheets, and a compatible printer. Simply print your desired design on a vinyl sheet, cut it to fit your phone case, and stick it on. Enjoy your unique phone case!

2. DIY glitter for your clear phone case

Source: Amazon

For this DIY glitter look, you’ll need a clear phone case, Mod Podge, and your glitter of choice. Mix some Mod Podge with glitter and apply it inside the clear phone case. Leave it to dry for 24 hours and enjoy your new glitter phone case.

3. Pressed flower or leaf phone case

Source: Etsy

Looking for another way to make a clear phone case interesting? Arrange pressed flowers or leaves on the back of a clear case and coat them with epoxy resin to create a beautiful botanical phone case.

4. Hot glue phone case

Source: Etsy

For this DIY phone case idea, you’ll need a solid-colored phone case, a hot glue gun, and colored glue sticks. Use hot glue to create patterns on the phone case and let it cool for a textured look.

5. Easy jeweled cell phone case

Source: Diys

Want to create a glamorous DIY phone case? All you need is a solid color phone case and some self-adhesive jewels or rhinestones. Stick them onto your case to create patterns, initials, or a completely bedazzled look.

I hope these DIY phone case ideas ignite your creativity!

Want to launch an online store?

If you’re thinking of selling phone cases online, why stop there? The main benefit of the print-on-demand business model is that you can offer a wide range of customized products in your store without any upfront costs.

Ready to launch your online business and start making money today? Check out these trending products to sell online in 2024, or browse our list of best-selling print-on-demand products.

What is print-on-demand dropshipping?

Print-on-demand (POD) is an order fulfillment method where items are printed as soon as an order is made, often, and in Printful’s case—without order minimums. You can access endless customization options for your phone case ideas and print them for personal use or to sell online. Choose from various custom phone cases for the most popular iPhone and Samsung models.

What sets POD apart from standard dropshipping is that you can create your own designs instead of relying on the manufacturer’s. Learn more about how print-on-demand dropshipping works.

To ensure you make bank, choose dropshipping products with a high profit margin. Coincidently, phone cases fall into this category! People are willing to pay more money for unique designs. And you’re likely to have repeat purchases when customers upgrade their devices. Plus, phone cases are easy to produce, ship, and store as they’re small, lightweight, and cheap to manufacture.

Have fun in the design process!

With the help of customization, phone cases can do more than just protect your phone—they can be key fashion statements that shape and represent your identity.

No matter which idea you choose to run with, remember to enjoy the creative process. Experiment with different styles, themes, and niches until you find your groove. If you plan on selling your designs, remember to order samples to ensure you’re happy with the final look and feel.

Reach out if you have any questions about printing methods or shipping. Happy designing!

Read next: How to Start a Phone Case Business: From Idea to Profit