Small-Format Shadow Boxes
Mini Shadow Box Frames & Small Shadow Box Displays
Mini shadow box frames are small-format shadow boxes built to your exact size for medals, pins, small figurines, shells, fishing flies, baby keepsakes, and other small dimensional items. We cut these to interior openings as small as 2 by 2 inches, with depth options for objects that project up off the backing. Default size loads at 4 by 4 inches in the designer. Standard orders ship in 3-5 business days.
Design Your Mini Shadow Box
Design Your Mini Shadow Box
Default loads at 4 by 4 inches with 2 inches of depth. Change the size and depth to fit your object. Add a backing color or fabric finish.
Built to your size
Interior openings from 2x2 up, default 4x4
Depth options
3/4 inch to 2 inches or more
Fabric or color backing
Linen, velvet, or color-matched
Engraved nameplate
Brass plate add-on for any size
What Fits in a Mini Shadow Box
Mini shadow boxes hold a wide range of small dimensional items. Common uses:
- Medals, pins, and lapel pins
- Small figurines, collectible figures, and detailed builds
- Shells from a specific beach or trip
- Fishing flies, fly-tying samples
- Baby's first tooth, hospital bracelet, or first lock of hair
- Small coins, challenge coins, and tokens
- Folded ticket stubs and fortune cookie messages
- Dried flowers and small botanical specimens
- Awards, badges, and small ceremonial items
How Deep Does a Mini Shadow Box Need to Be?
Depth is the most important sizing decision. Measure the tallest point of your object and add about 1/4 inch of clearance. Most mini shadow boxes work in 3/4 to 2 inches of depth. Pins and flat medals sit comfortably in 3/4 inch. Small figurines and built models usually need 1.5 to 2 inches. Anything thicker than 2 inches is still possible; set the depth in the designer to match your object.
Display Small Figurines and Builds
Small built models, collectible figures, and detailed builds display well in a mini shadow box. A single 4 by 4 box suits one figure. A 6 by 6 or 8 by 8 case fits a small group, a scene, or a build plus a nameplate. Use a fabric-wrapped backing for figures pinned in place, or a flat color backing for figures that stand on their own.
Backing Options
Three backing styles cover most mini shadow boxes:
- Fabric-wrapped foam core (linen, velvet, cotton) for pinned items like medals and pins
- Standard mat board for flat-mounted items like shells, coins, or folded paper
- Color-matched backing for thematic displays where the backing reinforces the subject
Add an Engraved Nameplate
A brushed brass nameplate mounts inside the shadow box with up to three lines of engraved text. Use it for the name of the person the piece is dedicated to, the date or occasion, or the name of the item itself (the regiment, the unit, the team, the beach).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smallest mini shadow box you make?
Interior openings start at 2 by 2 inches. The designer lets you go smaller in custom dimensions, but 2 by 2 is the smallest size we recommend for a usable display.
How do I know how deep my shadow box needs to be?
Measure the tallest point of your object and add about 1/4 inch of clearance. Most small items sit in 3/4 to 2 inches of interior depth. The designer lets you set depth independently of width and height.
Can I display small figurines or collectible figures?
Yes. Small figurines, collectible figures, and detailed builds work well in mini shadow boxes. A single 4 by 4 case fits one figure with depth options for builds that project off the backing.
What backing materials are available?
Fabric-wrapped foam core (linen, velvet, cotton) is the standard for pinned items like medals and pins. Mat board in your color is available for flat-mounted items. Color-matched backings are an option for thematic displays.
Can I add a nameplate to a mini shadow box?
Yes. The brass nameplate add-on engraves up to three lines of text and mounts inside the case below the object. The plate is sized down for mini shadow boxes so it stays proportional.
How long does a mini shadow box take?
Standard orders ship in 3-5 business days.
Open the shadow box designer to enter your dimensions and set up your mini shadow box.
Design Your Mini Shadow Box