If you’re looking to create a jaw-dropping (pun intended!) display for your living room, bedroom, study or games room, you can’t go wrong with Jaws. After all, few films are as instantly recognisable, visually captivating and nostalgic, with fans spanning generations. Whether you’re creating a man cave that speaks to you or you want to add a playful vibe to a living space, a Jaws display is sure to make an impact.
But, throwing a few shark figures onto a shelf and hanging a poster won’t cut it. This won’t grab attention, get people talking and showcase your passion for the film. If you want to make an impact, you need to build a Jaws display that feels immersive, organised and unforgettable.
Why Jaws Merchandise Works Well for Displays
There are several reasons why Jaws merchandise works well for displays, which is why it’s a fan favourite among collectors and movie fans.
Iconic Imagery - The film features numerous iconic imagery elements, including the shark and the swimmer, as well as the distinctive red font. It’s all instantly recognisable, even to people who haven’t actually seen the film. You don’t have to be a Jaws fan to spot merchandise a mile off.
Striking Visuals - The high contrast between deep ocean blues, bright whites and deep reds grabs attention, standing out amongst other home decor items. Regardless of where you build a Jaws display, it’s always going to stand out.
Cultural Significance - Jaws is more than a film; it’s a cinematic masterpiece with a lot of legend behind it. Owning a piece of it, even a small one, connects people to that legacy.
Versatility - There’s no shortage of Jaws merchandise out there, so you won’t find yourself struggling to add new pieces. Regardless of the vibe you’re going for, Jaws merchandise is versatile enough to match that.
Our Guide to Building a Killer Jaws Display
Building a killer Jaws display doesn’t happen automatically; you need to think carefully about what goes where and how everything is showcased.
Build Your Display Around a Strong Visual Centrepiece - If there’s one thing a display can’t be without, it’s a strong visual centrepiece. Your central piece should be large, bold and unmistakably Jaws, something that’s going to grab attention straight away. Your centrepiece sets the tone, and you can build the rest of your Jaws display outward from there.
Have a Diverse Collection of Merch - Part of what makes a display feel impressive is variety, not just in type, but in size, colour and tone. Instead of focusing specifically on one type of merchandise or one aspect of the film, try to maintain a diverse approach. Mixing small and large items across categories keeps the display visually engaging and tells a more detailed story.
Create Depth with a Unique Layout and Fixtures - The way you display items is just as important as what you display, so use a combination of different layouts and fixtures. You could use floating shelves at staggered heights to layer the visual experience, or shadow boxes for smaller items. By mixing and matching desks, shelves and units, you can create depth and intrigue, drawing eyes around the room.
Use Lighting to Add Drama and Focus - Lighting is everything when it comes to making your display stand out, and very few displays can do without it. LED strip lights under shelves, spotlights on focal pieces, and coloured bulbs - for Jaws displays, blue and red work well - all add drama and focus to a display, ensuring even the smallest, subtle items stand out. Of course, make sure you don’t overdo it - you don’t want to startle anyone!
Tell a Story With Your Display - Instead of just organising by item type, think thematically. You might decide to create a corner dedicated to both related merchandise, featuring rugged items and tools, or you might put all novelty merchandise together in a fun, playful section. Create little moments within your display. It makes the experience more interactive and grabs attention for longer.
FAQs: Building a Jaws Display
Can I build a Jaws display if I don’t have much space? - Yes, definitely, especially if you make use of vertical space. Wall-mounted pieces, hanging nets, and tiered shelves allow you to display more merchandise in a smaller footprint.
Can I blend Jaws merchandise with other franchises? - Yes, of course, but do so mindfully. Jaws often works best when it dominates the theme, but nothing is stopping you from pairing it with other ocean-themed or ‘70s cinema classics, which can work together as part of bigger, broader displays.
How big should my Jaws display be? - There are no rules about how big a Jaws display should be. It depends on the space you have and how much you have to display. When it comes to building a killer Jaws display, there are very few limitations.
