How to Make a Wooden Shadow Box

Make a wooden shadow box at home.

A shadow box is a small, shallow case, usually having a glass front. Use a shadow box to show off your mementos, display uniforms and medals, or anything you want to present in a theme. Make your own shadow box with some wood and a few tools. Customize the shadow box according to what you will be displaying.

Things You'll Need

• 4 wood boards
• Miter box
• Saw
• Tape measure
• Sandpaper
• Paint or stain
• Paintbrushes
• Wood glue
• Hammer
• Nails
• Hanging hooks

Instructions

1. Decide on a size for your shadow box. Your shadow box's depth will be determined by the width of the wood you choose. A 1 foot by 1 foot frame is a good size for a smaller scale shadow box.

2. Miter the edges of all four boards at a 45 degree angle with the miter box and saw.

3. Sand the boards' edges. If you are going to stain or paint the wood, now is the time. Let paint dry before continuing.

4. Glue the mitered and sanded wooden boards together to form the shape of the shadow box. Wipe off excess glue and allow the boards to dry. Once dried, secure the boards in place with nails in all corners.

5. Cut a piece of wood for the back of the shadow box. Measure the exterior edges of the shadowbox, not the opening, to get the right measurement for the back piece. Paint or stain the back piece if you choose. Glue the back piece in place and allow the glue to dry before hammering the piece in place at its corners.

6. Install framing hooks into the interior of the back piece of the shadow box and hang the display objects.

Tips & Warnings

• Install lighting in your shadow box to highlight objects.

• Add a cut pane of glass to the front of your shadow box for a different look.

References

• Memento Designs: DIY Shadow Box Frame
• Design Aglow: Shadow Boxes for Beautiful Keepsakes
• Storm the Castle: Make a Fantasy Shadowbox Diorama

Resources

• Room To Think: DIY Butterfly Shadowbox