In our research, we selected the Americanflat 8 x 10 Black Shadow Box Frame as our the best shadow box frame because it offered a depth of 1.5 inches and featured a shatter-resistant glass cover, making it safe for both hanging on a wall or displaying on a table or shelf. Plus the simple wood frame serves as a blank slate that blends in seamlessly with almost any decor scheme.
To create our guide for the best shadow box frame we looked at the following features: dimensions, depth, materials, and design. We know that dimensions and depth are the two biggest factors that will impact which shadow box frame you choose. But you’ll also want a frame made from sturdy materials that won’t show wear or tear too quickly. And finally, we considered that you’ll want a shadow box frame that either complements or blends in with your existing home decor. Keep reading to learn more about other high-grade shadow box frames available for purchase.
Top 6 Best Shadow Box Frames
#1 Americanflat 8 x 10 Black Shadow Box Frame
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This pick serves as a blank slate to let your imagination go wild with this custom shadow box that measures eight by 10 inches and offers shatterproof glass for improved safety.
- Low profile wood design that works with most decor
- Shatterproof glass makes this safe for standing displays
- 8” by 10” frame with depth of 1.5”
- Narrow depth not ideal for larger items
Shadow box frames are the perfect place to store memories whether they’re pictures or small items. We like this option from Amwericanflat because it’s a medium size that measures eight inches wide, 10 inches tall, and 1.5 inches deep. It also comes with a linen board that can serve as a backdrop for a wide range of items so that you can turn this into a custom shadow box.
While this is one of the best wood shadow boxes available for purchase, it doesn’t come with push pins, we do like that it comes with the installation hardware so you can hang it if you choose to. Plus, this option features shatter-resistant glass, making it a safe choice if you opt to stand it on a table or low shelf. The Americanflat shadow box frame comes in black, white, or mahogany wood frames. This frame would look perfect next to any of your best artificial plants.
#2 Love-Kankei 8 x 10 Shadow Box Frame
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A deep shadow box that’s made from distressed wood with a linen backing that also comes with push pins for a “ready to go” display option.
- 2” depth is ideal for most crafters
- Comes with push pins to make hanging items easier
- Distressed wood vintage style perfect for shabby chic decor styles
- Narrow depth may not be ideal for oversized items
If you prefer shadow boxes that come with accessories, then our Honorable Mention is going to be on your shortlist. This option from Love-Kankei features an eight by 10-inch deep shadow box display case with a magnetic door for peace of mind that once closed, it stays closed.
We like that this model comes with four push pins so that you can start building your memory box the moment it arrives. Another nice feature is the neutral brown linen backing and the distressed wood finish which gives this shadow box a more antique vibe. We think it’d be great for someone who prefers a shabby chic or vintage decor style. While the two-inch depth is ideal for smaller items like seashells or souvenirs, if you want to store truly oversized items like baseballs and plush toys or create more ornate shadow box scenes, you may want to look for a deeper shadow box. You could also decorate your yard with any of the best landscape lighting.
#3 Upstreet Shadow Box Frame
Award: BEST FOR PAPER DISPLAYS
WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple top-loading shadow box frame with a wooden backdrop is perfect for storing pictures, tickets, and postcards.
- Comes with hanging hardware
- Features multiple backdrop options, including distressed wood and charcoal
- 8” x 10” display size, 1.8” deep
- Top loading design may be unappealing for some
- Doesn’t come with mounting hardware
Some people love to save every ticket or playbill from every concert, sporting event, or play that they’ve ever attended. For those people, we recommend the Upstreet Shadow Box Frame since it’s the only one from our research that comes with a top-loading design. While this might not be ideal for some, it’s perfect if you want to create a cute display full of all those old ticket stubs that you just can’t seem to part with.
This shadow box frame measures eight inches wide, 10 inches tall, and 1.8 inches deep — which is also why we think it’s best for paper displays. We like the wooden backdrop for a rustic touch as well as. The wooden frame comes in three backdrop options: distressed natural wood, charcoal wood, or white. If you’d rather go digital, check out our guide to the best digital picture frame.
#4 Muzilife 8 x 8 Shadow Box Frame
Award: BEST FOR GALLERY WALLS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Build a wall full of memories that include this smaller eight by eight pick that can bring your shadow box ideas to life.
- Available in a range of finishes
- Comes with a linen board
- Smaller 8” x 8” size great for keepsakes
- Doesn’t come with mounting hardware
If you’re building a gallery wall, sometimes creating visual interest by playing with depth can go a long way towards making that wall stand out from every other gallery wall on a home improvement show. This pick from Muzilife is a smaller option that measures eight by eight inches and is 1.8 inches deep and is perfect for your shadow box ideas.
While the shorter depth limits what can be put inside of it, we like that you can choose from four different finishes that include black, textured gray, walnut, and white. As is fairly common, this option comes with a white linen board as a backdrop. Also, note that this option does not come with mounting hardware. If you want another way to add visual interest to your home, take a look at the best photo box.
#5 MCS 12.75 x 12.75 Inch Shadow Box Frame
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: A budget-friendly large shadow box frame that is perfect for showcasing pictures, invitations, and paper awards, with included hanging hardware for easy installation.
- Extremely large dimensions
- Hanging hardware is included for easy installation
- Available in black or white wooden frame
- Narrow 0.75” depth not ideal for larger items
Our Best on a Budget selection is one of the best cheap shadow boxes we tried and is ideal for hobbyists who want to showcase select pages from their scrapbooks. This large shadow box from MCS measures 12.75 inches tall and wide and is only 0.75 inches deep. The narrow depth means this isn’t suited for larger items. But it’s perfect for scrapbook pages, artwork, and other paper-based displays.
More importantly, you’ll appreciate that this pick comes with the mounting hardware so that you can quickly create your display and then hang it. This large shadow box frame is also made from wood and comes in two finishes, white or black. It also features a sturdy glass cover. If you want to display pictures in your shadow box, take a look at our guide to the best photo printer too.
#6 Golden State Art Shadow Box Frame
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: A 2-inch deep shadow box with an oversized glass picture door that has a magnetic closure gives you peace of mind that it’s securely closed.
- Glass cover with oversized magnetic door
- 2” depth and measures 8” x 8”
- Front opening design
- Doesn’t come with hanging hardware
Our final recommendation is our the best quality selection from Golden State Art. This 2-inch deep shadow box measures eight by eight inches with a depth of two inches. But what’s most striking about this option is the oversized door frame with a glass insert which creates a picture effect.
More importantly, the door is held securely in place thanks to the magnetic closure. The frame can also be positioned to lean on a shelf or you can hang it up on the wall. However, keep in mind that the hanging hardware isn’t included. This shadow box picture frame is available in either a black or white finish.
How We Decided
Shadowbox frames are a great way to create displays or collages in your home. To create our guide, we focused on the following core features — dimensions, depth, materials, and design. In our guide, all of our recommendations featured wooden shadow boxes. However, some options came with glass — usually shatter-resistant — while others had plexiglass or acrylic covers.
While shadow box frames can come in a range of sizes, you’ll note that for the most part we only focused on some of the more popular sizes. For the external dimensions, this included 8 x 8, 8 x 10, and slightly larger options in the 12 x 12 range. But for depth, the measurements can vary. In our research, we focused on options that ranged from as shallow as 0.75 inches to as deep as two inches. But keep in mind that you can find larger shadow boxes if you need additional space.
And finally, we did highlight design. Although we focused primarily on more neutral options that could work for a wide range of decor schemes, it’s possible to find more stylized choices. Still, we did include a few styles that offered a distressed wood finish.
Best Shadow Box Frame Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
- Dimensions
Just like a regular picture frame, shadow boxes can come in a range of sizes. While the sizes usually follow similarly to traditional picture frames (i.e. 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, and so forth), you can also find larger options as big as poster size. - Depth
If you’re creating a memory box, you might want a deeper shadow box to accommodate larger items. Shadow box frames can range in depth from narrow like a standard picture frame to very deep. Always consider what you plan on displaying in the box as you shop for a frame. - Materials
Shadow box frames come in a range of materials for the frame and cover. The most popular options for the frame are wood, plastic, or metal. Likewise for the cover, the choice is going to be between glass or plastic. While glass covers are fine if you’re hanging your frame, you might want to consider plastic if you’re going to store it on a shelf or table where it’s likely to be handled frequently. - Design
Just like standard picture frames, shadow box frames can vary from very ornate to simple. Additionally, some frames feature cork or push boards and come with push pins to help you easily hang items inside them.
Shadow Box Frame FAQs
What do you put in a shadow box frame?
Shadow boxes can store a wide range of items from a collage of mementos to ornate displays and decor themes. But you’ll need to consider how much weight the shadow box can support — especially if you’re planning on hanging it. Likewise, remember that the box should be deeper if you’re going to place larger items in it.
What is a shadow box frame?
A shadow box frame is deeper than a traditional frame that can only accommodate a single sheet of paper. Unlike a standard frame, it’s designed with walls to cast shadows on the objects inside of it.
How do you arrange a shadow box on the wall?
The easiest option is to hang it. Depending on the material of your wall, you can opt for nails or use velcro adhesive strips. You can make it the centerpiece of a gallery wall or arrange it by itself.
How deep should a shadow box be?
This is going to depend on how wide the items are that you plan on storing in it. Always consider their size as you shop for a shadow box frame. Your items should be able to sit comfortably in the box without pressing against the cover.
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