What is a Shadow Box?

Shadow boxes are used to display two- and three-dimensional memorabilia, art, trinkets, keepsakes, awards and souvenirs. You can hang shadow boxes on a wall like you hang a picture, or place them on a shelf. Depending on what you’re displaying, you can customize the size, the type of wood, color, glass and box closure.

It’s easy to create a shadow box. You can start with an old picture frame and attach a wooden box to the back. Inside, affix photos, awards, artwork, etc. to a backboard made of corkboard, wood, fabric or foam. Installing latches, hinges, magnets and other hardware lets you add and remove items easily.

There’s no right or wrong way to DIY your shadow box. Here’s how we built ours, with easy access and quick closure: