35+ trendy phone case ideas to sell online

Phone cases are extensions of our identity—a canvas for self-expression and style. For entrepreneurs eager to tap into this booming market, the opportunities are endless. 

With thousands of designs already out there, standing out from the crowd is key. That's where thinking outside the box to come up with unique ideas becomes necessary. 

In this blog post, we have compiled over 35 trendy phone case ideas that can help you start your own phone case business. From bold graphics to using eco-friendly materials, these ideas incorporate elements that will easily catch customers' attention and attract them to your store. 

We’ll also briefly discuss how you can bring these creative ideas to life without breaking a sweat using Gelato's user-friendly print on demand platform.

• 37 trendy phone case ideas range from minimalist geometric patterns to futuristic cyberpunk designs.

• The latest trends in phone case design appeal to a wide audience, either having an Android or iPhone case and can be marketed online.

• There are DIY phone case ideas that you can create at home using simple materials and techniques.

• Gelato's print on demand platform can help you design and sell the most sought-after custom phone cases effortlessly.

Discover the top 37 trending ideas for phone case designs to inspire your next product, from minimalist patterns to bold and eclectic styles.

1. Minimalist geometric patterns

These designs often incorporate neutral colors, making them versatile and elegant. Think of triangles, circles, and lines artfully arranged to create a modern vibe for this design idea. Whether monochrome or featuring subtle color contrasts, geometric patterns can be a hit in your online shop. 

2. Abstract watercolor art

The blend of vibrant colors and soft, flowing patterns creates a visual masterpiece that can appeal to a broad audience. Whether you prefer soft pastels or bold hues, watercolor designs offer a great idea for endless possibilities for personal expression. 

3. Botanical illustrations

These designs can range from minimalist line drawings to intricate watercolors, appealing to nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. With seasonal themes, such as spring blossoms or autumn foliage, botanical phone cases can be easily updated to match trends. 

4. Marble texture designs

Marble phone cases have a universal appeal. Their designs mimic the natural veining and swirls found in real marble, coming in various colors from classic white and black to soft pastels and bold hues. These phone cases will appeal to anyone who appreciates a touch of luxury. 

5. Custom name or monogram cases

Personalization and custom products always trump generic options; custom name or monogram cases are a perfect way to offer that. Whether it’s a sleek monogram or a playful nickname, these cases make the perfect personalized gift.

6. Animal print patterns

Animal prints never go out of style! From classic leopard and zebra prints to more exotic patterns featuring tigers, elephants, or endemic birds, these designs offer a striking and trendy look. Incorporate vibrant colors or keep it monochrome for a chic effect. 

7. Tropical palm leaves

Nothing says "vacation vibe" quite like tropical palm leaves. These designs are perfect for evoking a sense of relaxation and escape, making them hugely popular among travel lovers and those seeking a bit of paradise in their day-to-day lives. 

8. Vintage floral patterns

Whether delicate roses, bold peonies, or whimsical wildflowers, these cases evoke a sense of elegance and old-world charm. Vintage floral styles blend easily with both modern and traditional aesthetics, perfect for those who appreciate nature's beauty with a touch of history.

9. Inspirational quotes or affirmations

Everyone needs a little positivity; phone cases adorned with inspirational quotes or affirmations deliver just that. These designs offer stylish protection for your device and serve as daily reminders to stay motivated and optimistic.

10. Retro 90s designs

Rewind to the vibrant and colorful era of the 90s with retro designs. Think bold colors, playful patterns, and iconic elements from pop culture. Whether it's cassette tapes, old-school gaming graphics, or funky abstract shapes, these nostalgic styles are making a strong comeback.

11. Pastel gradient fades

Picture a subtle blend of soft hues that effortlessly merge into one another—pastel gradient fades are a perfect choice for those who adore a dreamy and calming aesthetic. You can play with various pastel shades like baby pink, mint green, and lavender to create soothing visual transitions. 

12. Celestial designs

Think starry night skies, constellations, and moon phases. A blend of these elements create designs that are perfect for anyone who is fascinated with astronomy. These designs will also appeal to those who simply love the ethereal beauty of the universe. You can also use shimmering elements and gradients to give the cases a magical, otherworldly vibe. 

13. Bold typography

Make a statement with bold typography! These designs leverage striking fonts and powerful words or phrases to create eye-catching phone cases. Perfect for those who want their phone to showcase their personality or beliefs, bold typography can be as simple or elaborate as you choose.

14. Mandala art

Mandalas are intricate, symmetrical designs that draw inspiration from spiritual traditions. These designs come in various styles, from monochrome to vibrant, colorful versions, allowing for endless customization.

15. Neon signs or typography

Design luminous quotes or playful symbols reminiscent of neon lights to capture nostalgia and modernity simultaneously. Use hot pinks, electric blues, and glowing greens against dark backgrounds to make your designs pop. 

16. Astrological signs or zodiac symbols

Offering cases featuring astrological designs can attract buyers looking for a personalized and meaningful accessory. From minimalist star sign symbols to elaborate celestial artwork, these designs add a touch of mysticism and individuality to any phone.

17. Modern abstract art

Tap into the avant-garde with modern abstract art phone cases. These designs often feature bold brushstrokes, vibrant color splashes, and asymmetrical shapes that grab attention. Perfect for those who appreciate contemporary aesthetics, abstract art brings a unique flair to everyday items. 

18. Cute kawaii characters or icons

With their adorable and charming designs, kawaii characters or icons are perfect for capturing the hearts of younger customers and anime fans alike. Think along the lines of cute animals, bubbly fruits, or even popular kawaii characters like Hello Kitty. 

19. Hand-drawn doodles or sketches

For a personalized and artistic touch, hand-drawn doodles or sketches make fantastic phone cases. These designs can range from playful and whimsical to intricate and detailed, offering something for every style. If you have good drawing skills, consider showcasing your own art.

20. Comic book-style art

Characterized by bold lines, vibrant colors, and dynamic scenes, these designs captivate fans of superheroes and classic comics alike and make for a mini poster on a phone cover. Comic book-inspired cases will grab attention, whether featuring iconic character poses or action-packed sequences. 

21. Plaid or tartan patterns

Classic yet constantly in vogue, plaid or tartan patterns add a touch of sophistication to any phone case collection. These designs can be customized in various color schemes, allowing you to cater to both traditional and modern tastes. 

22. Street art or graffiti-inspired designs

These designs often feature vibrant colors, bold lines, and eclectic imagery that make a strong visual statement. Incorporating elements like tags, murals, or iconic street scenes, this style is perfect for those looking to add an edgy, artistic touch to their everyday accessories.

23. Galaxy or space-themed cases

Blast off into stellar style with galaxy or space-themed phone cases. These out-of-this-world designs captivate stargazers and sci-fi fans alike with mesmerizing nebulae, constellations, and planetary motifs. 

24. Pop art designs

Inspired by the bold, vibrant works of artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, these cases often feature comic book-style graphics, halftone patterns, and striking visual effects. Pop art phone cases will grab attention, perfect for anyone looking to add a playful, artistic touch to their phone.

25. Boho chic patterns

Perfect for the free-spirited and artistic souls, boho chic patterns mix earthy tones with intricate, eclectic designs. Think feathers, arrows, dreamcatchers, and tribal motifs combined in a harmonious, folksy style.

26. Faux wood or natural textures

Nothing says classic like the look of faux wood or natural textures. These designs bring an earthy, organic feel to any phone, appealing to those who love a rustic or nature-inspired aesthetic. Perfect for conveying a sense of warmth and simplicity, faux wood patterns can simulate various grains and colors.

27. Ocean or beach scenes

Bring the soothing vibes of the coast directly to the palm of your hand with ocean or beach scenes on your phone cases. Whether it's a serene sunset, playful waves, or tropical shorelines with palm trees swaying in the breeze, these designs evoke a sense of relaxation and adventure. 

28. Glitch art or digital distortion effects

Channel the edgy, contemporary vibe with glitch art or digital distortion effects. These designs capture the allure of modern technology by showcasing visually mesmerizing, distorted imagery with a chaotic yet captivating aesthetic. 

29. Camo print in modern color palettes

Transform the classic camo print into a stylish statement with modern color palettes. Think beyond the traditional army greens and explore vibrant hues like pink, purple, and electric blue. This twist on a familiar pattern adds a fresh and fashionable edge, making it perfect for trendy phone cases. 

30. Pet portraits or custom animal illustrations

Turn beloved pets into trendy accessories with custom phone cases featuring pet portraits or whimsical animal illustrations. You can opt for cute, cartoon-style drawings or go with minimalist, finely detailed sketches. Offer customizations such as backgrounds, colors, and additional elements to make each one unique.

31. Holographic or iridescent patterns

If you want to bring a futuristic, eye-catching element to your phone case collection, holographic or iridescent patterns are a must-have. These designs create a mesmerizing effect that shifts colors and lights depending on the angle, captivating anyone who catches a glimpse. 

32. 3D illusion designs

Unleash a world of mind-bending visuals with 3D illusion designs. These cases offer an eye-catching appeal, creating the impression of depth and movement on a flat surface. From geometric shapes that seem to pop out to abstract art that tricks the eye, these designs captivate onlookers.

33. Cartoon-style food illustrations

Imagine combining your love for food with adorable cartoons! These quirky and cute food illustrations—ranging from smiling sushi rolls to cheerful cupcakes—can add a dash of whimsy to your phone cases. These designs are particularly appealing to younger audiences and food enthusiasts. 

34. Urban skyline silhouettes

These designs capture the iconic shapes of famous buildings against a contrasting background, offering a sleek and modern look. Consider using different city skylines to appeal to a broader audience. Add a splash of color or keep it monochromatic for a timeless, elegant design.

35. Retro gaming icons or pixel art

For fans of old-school video games, retro gaming icons or pixel art phone cases are a blast from the past. Think Mario, Tetris, or Pac-Man-inspired designs that bring a nostalgic charm. With its blocky style, Pixel art adds a quirky and distinct look that stands out.

36. Minimalist line art faces

Celebrate simplicity with minimalist line art faces. This simple design concept uses clean, straightforward lines that create an artistic and elegant look. Whether it’s a single continuous line drawing or a series of simple, expressive strokes, minimalist line art can make a bold statement. 

37. Futuristic cyberpunk designs

Think bold, vibrant colors, glitch art, and sleek digital patterns. These designs feature dystopian cityscapes, holographic elements, and techno-circuitry textures, appealing to sci-fi fans. Combine futuristic imagery with dark, moody tones to create a fusion of past, present, and future.

Let's now explore seven fun and creative DIY phone case ideas that you can try at home to make your phone stand out.

1. Pressed flowers and clear resin

With just a clear case, some pressed flowers, and clear resin, you can create a beautiful nature-inspired phone case. Arrange the flowers however you like, pour a coat of resin, let it dry, and voilà! You have a unique, handmade phone case that stands out and sparks joy.

2. Hand-painted abstract designs

These one-of-a-kind cases can be made using various paints and brushes. Blend vibrant colors, experiment with brush strokes, and create unique patterns that stand out. Each design captures a personal touch that mass-produced cases can't replicate. 

3. Washi tape patterns

Simply cut the tape into your desired shapes and layer them onto a plain phone case. The best part is that washi tape can be easily repositioned, so you can change your design as often as possible without damaging your case.

4. Decoupage with magazine cutouts

Cut out your favorite images, patterns, or quotes and arrange them on the back of a clear phone case. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to adhere to the cutouts, then brush another layer on top to seal them in place. Let it dry completely for a one-of-a-kind, personalized phone case that reflects your unique style.

5. Glitter and epoxy resin coating

Start by mixing Mod Podge with your choice of glitter and apply it to the inside of a clear phone case. Make sure to spread it evenly for a smooth finish. Let it dry for 24 hours. For extra durability and an eye-catching gloss, add a layer of epoxy resin on top. 

6. Personalized photo collage

Whether it's a collection of Polaroid photos, beloved pet pictures, or favorite quotes, a personalized photo collage phone case becomes a meaningful piece of art. Use online tools to arrange your photos in a pleasing layout, or create your design by hand for a truly one-of-a-kind case. 

7. Fabric-wrapped cases

Wrap a simple case in materials like denim for a rugged, casual look or lace for an elegant, vintage feel. Use adhesive or a hot glue gun to secure the fabric snugly around the case, trimming away any excess for a clean edge. This technique adds texture and opens up endless design possibilities.

From minimalist geometric patterns to futuristic cyberpunk designs, there's a phone case to suit every taste and style.

Gelato’s print on demand platform eliminates the logistical hassles of inventory management and shipping, helping you bring these case designs to life and into your online store. 

Offering smooth ecommerce integration and easy-to-use design tools, our platform allows you to focus on what matters most: creating and selling unique phone cases. Our extensive features, including a global network of printers, ensure high-quality production and fast shipping for your beloved customers. 

Ready to start your online phone case business? 

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