Hologram display technology has moved far beyond science fiction. Today, a wide range of display types bring floating imagery and depth-rich visuals into real-world spaces—from brand activations and pop-ups to exhibitions and retail windows. This guide breaks down the core categories of holographic displays, outlines key use cases, and offers practical thoughts on where each works best.
💡While the term “hologram” is often used, most current technologies don’t use true holography. Instead, they create the visual impression of images suspended in space.
Transparent Screen Holograms
What they are
Transparent display panels (LCD or OLED) show digital content while remaining partially see-through. LCD versions require strong backlighting, as their transparency is limited. OLEDs are far more effective in standard lighting conditions and offer improved clarity. To achieve a convincing floating effect, content should be filmed on a black background. This creates the illusion of transparency where the black is rendered as see-through on screen.
Where they’re used
Shopfront displays that animate products in the window while still allowing passers-by to see inside the store
Product showcases in exhibitions or showrooms, where information floats over or around a physical object
Architecture and real estate portals, such as overlays on scale models or views through glass at developments
Museum exhibits, adding dynamic interpretation over fragile artefacts without requiring screens or signage nearby
Our Opinion
This is one of the most flexible and straightforward display formats. It works best when positioned in front of something visually interesting—such as a product, exhibit or interior scene. It can be any size, from a small screen embedded in a plinth to full-height shopfront glass. However, content creation must be deliberate. Brightness and contrast should be matched carefully to the screen’s level of transparency. Integrating content with background objects or depth cues improves the effect significantly.
Transparent SPINNING Holograms
What they are
Often referred to as holographic fans, these devices use spinning LED arms to create the illusion of mid-air 3D visuals. The high-speed rotation renders the arms invisible, allowing floating images to appear with no visible display surface. Devices range from 50 cm up to 1.2 metres in diameter and can be arranged in clusters to build holographic walls. Variants also exist in spherical and cylindrical formats.
Where they’re used
In-store point-of-sale displays, especially in electronics and fashion retail, to bring logos or product animations to life
Shopping centres and airports, where hanging installations catch attention without needing floor space
Brand activations and pop-up experiences, where floating visuals create instant spectacle
Trade shows, to help products stand out in busy visual environments
Our Opinion
These deliver one of the most visually arresting effects—especially in darker environments. The lack of a visible frame and the motion shimmer make the image appear truly suspended. Because there’s no physical barrier between viewer and display, deployment must consider safety. Fans should be placed behind a barrier, in a hanging rig, or within an enclosure to prevent physical contact. Content should feature strong silhouettes, bright contrast, and motion to maximise visual interest and visibility from multiple angles.
Pepper’s Ghost Holograms
What they are
Pepper’s Ghost is a 19th-century optical illusion still used today. It uses a reflective foil or glass panel angled at 45 degrees to reflect a video source—typically a person or object shot against a black background. The result is a ghostly, semi-transparent figure that appears to float in the environment. These can range from small plinth-top displays to room-scale or life-sized installations. Some versions offer full 360-degree viewing using pyramid or wraparound structures.
Where they’re used
Concerts and live events, such as Tupac at Coachella or ABBA Voyage, where performers appear on stage via hologram
Museums, to present historical figures delivering scripted speeches or layered contextual information
High-end retail, where animated models or products appear in the window
Exhibitions and experiences, especially those focused on heritage, storytelling, or education
Our Opinion
This is still one of the most powerful and atmospheric holographic techniques. The advantage is that the projected image shares the same visual depth as the space behind it, meaning real people or objects can appear to coexist with the hologram. This illusion holds up remarkably well when content is designed with depth and lighting in mind. However, execution is critical—viewing angles must be managed so that the foil isn’t visible, and lighting should minimise reflections. It’s not suited for every venue, but when used appropriately, it delivers one of the most convincing effects available.
Volumetric Display Holograms
What they are
Volumetric displays create truly three-dimensional images that can be seen from multiple viewpoints without the need for eyewear. This is achieved using voxels—tiny points of light positioned in physical space. Methods vary: some displays use spinning or sliding 2D screens to build up a volume over time, while others use suspended LED grids to emit light from thousands of fine wires or filaments.
Where they’re used
Medical training and research, for viewing organs, surgical procedures, or molecular structures
Engineering and industrial design, allowing complex parts or machinery to be examined from all angles
Immersive art installations, where 3D visuals react to the viewer’s position
Educational settings, especially for science and history-based experiences with interactivity
Our Opinion
This is the only current method that creates a true 3D stereoscopic effect—where each eye sees a slightly different image, just like in the real world. The impact is impressive and allows for highly intuitive understanding of complex structures. However, these systems can be technically demanding and often require custom content pipelines. LED volumes are becoming more accessible, but scanning-type displays remain expensive and delicate.
Volumetric holograms work best in static or controlled viewing environments, where visitors can walk around or interact with the content from specific angles. For a practical example, check out a recent project of ours involving LED volumes that integrated real-time audio and environmental data: Siemens at COP28.
Holographic Projection
What they are
This method uses projectors to cast digital content onto semi-transparent surfaces like fabric gauze, fog curtains, water mist, or treated glass. The projected image appears to float in space, especially in dark environments where the screen surface becomes nearly invisible. Fog-based variants allow people to pass through the image, enhancing immersion.
Where they’re used
Concerts and music festivals, adding cinematic elements or creating floating figures on stage
Exhibitions or sports events, where fog curtains or glass surfaces offer high-impact visuals without needing a screen frame
Brand experiences, especially when blending digital with physical architecture or environments
Architectural visualisation, for projecting full-scale designs onto glass or temporary surfaces
Our Opinion
Holographic projection can create powerful effects using minimal hardware. The main advantages are its scalability and the flexibility of projection surfaces—it can fit into unusual venues or be deployed quickly for temporary use. However, light spill is a consideration. Since the projected image passes through the screen, anything behind it may be lit unintentionally. To maximise the effect, use a dark background and carefully manage ambient light. While not a true hologram, it remains a highly effective and theatrical way to deliver mid-air visuals.
Final Thoughts
Hologram display technology continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of how we interact with digital content. Each type of holographic display has unique capabilities and ideal operating parameters ensuring there’s one to fit every use case. From immersive entertainment to eye-catching advertising, our fascination with 3D holograms is as strong as ever.
If you’d like to incorporate a holographic display into your next project and want expert help, the team at Solarflare are ready to offer free impartial advice and if it’s a good fit, work with you on creative, content and execution.
