Short answer: A typical acrylic shadow box uses a 1/8 in. clear front for boxes up to about 16 × 20 in. and 3/16 in. for larger ones, with 1 to 3 in. of depth depending on what goes inside. Choose UV-filtering acrylic for anything that fades, like flowers, photos, or fabric.

Three ways to build an acrylic shadow box

Framed

Buy or build a deep wood frame and have us cut the acrylic front to fit the rabbet. Measure the opening at the back of the frame and subtract about 1/16 in. from each dimension so the panel drops in without forcing. This is the cheapest route if you already like a frame.

Frameless box

A five-sided clear cover bonded with solvent cement, sitting over a colored backer. It looks modern and lets light in from the sides, which is great for 3D objects. We build these through acrylic fabrication.

Stacked layers with standoffs

A clear front panel and a backer panel, held apart by standoffs at the corners. The item is mounted to the backer. It's open at the sides, so it suits flat items like medals, tickets, and patches more than loose ones.

How deep should it be?

  • 1 in.: pressed flowers, tickets, patches, flat medals.
  • 1.5 to 2 in.: medals with ribbons, baby shoes, folded fabric, dog tags.
  • 2.5 to 4 in.: small figures, shells, a folded jersey, bouquets with volume.

Measure the tallest thing you'll mount and add 1/4 in. so it doesn't press against the front.

What size and thickness to choose

For a front panel, 1/8 in. stays flat up to around 16 × 20 in. Above that, 3/16 in. avoids the slight bow you can see in reflections. For a bonded frameless box, use the same thickness for all five sides. Backers are usually 1/8 or 1/4 in. white, black, or a solid color.

Colors and finishes

  • Clear front: standard clear cast, or UV-filtering (1/8 or 1/4 in.) for anything that fades. Flowers and photos fade surprisingly fast. See how UV-filtering acrylic works.
  • Non-glare front: 1/8 in. non-glare reduces reflections. It works best when the item sits close to the front.
  • Backer: black makes metal medals pop, white suits flowers and baby items, and frosted gives a soft, lit-from-behind look if the box hangs in front of a light.

Comparing materials? Read acrylic vs glass for picture frames.

Personalizing it

A name, date, or short line engraved on the front adds a lot. Reverse engraving on the back of the front panel looks like it floats over the item and can't be scratched off. See acrylic engraving for options.

Tip: mount items to the backer with clear dots of museum putty or stitched thread rather than glue. You may want to take them out later.

Good things to put in one

Military and race medals, a christening gown, a wedding bouquet, hospital bracelets and baby shoes, concert tickets and wristbands, sports patches, and small 3D art all work well. For dried flowers and fabrics, UV filtering is worth it. For heavy items, mount them to a 1/4 in. backer rather than 1/8 in.

Questions

How do I hang a frameless shadow box?

Either with standoffs through the backer into the wall, or with a keyhole slot or French cleat on the back. We can drill the holes for you.

Can the front open so I can change what's inside?

Yes. Stacked designs with standoffs open by unscrewing the caps. Bonded boxes can have a lift-off backer held with small screws.

Know the size? Price your front panel instantly. For a full box, tell us what goes inside.