Acrylic Box Frames - See More
Clean. Modern. Visual. From bespoke acrylic box frames to large Perspex shadow boxes. Give your art more light and wider viewing angles with a transparent box for display. Get in touch now to discover how our museum grade design and manufacturing specialists can create your perfect custom acrylic display case.
Features
1st Class Protection
The work is fully enclosed inside the box, protecting it from the environment (and curious hands!)
Standing or Wall Hanging
Acrylic boxes can be free standing, or made to hang on your wall.
“I started using Harten Frameworks six years ago. These guys are the best framers in the UK, they focus on my needs and always deliver. ”
Lincoln TownleyArtist
Description
What Are Perspex Box Frames?
An acrylic box frame (also called a Perspex box frame) is an enclosure used to display and protect a 3d object or artwork with depth, like a canvas.
They are used when:
It’s desirable to view more than one side of the artwork
A full frame would be too visually restrictive
A strong sense of light or minimalism is required
It becomes a box when there are at least 2 faces of acrylic joined together. Creating custom, highly quality acrylic boxes does not simply mean using a 6 sided plastic box. A careful process of cutting, diamond polishing and buffing is involved in the outer box, as well as flame polishing and a UV cure to provide a strong bond. This leaves a crystal clear transparent box for display which can be attached to a hand finished sub frame, customised for the artwork it is supporting.
The box can then be displayed on a table, pedestal or wall mounted.
Pricing for acrylic box frames depends on the size of your artwork, the thickness of acrylic required, and any custom finishing on the support structure. Projects typically start from around £250, with final pricing based on your specific requirements. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Acrylic box frames are widely used by galleries preserving valuable works and interior designers creating floating displays for commercial and residential projects.
Let's Get Started
Ready to Start Your Project?
Tell us about your artwork and we will provide a free, no-obligation quote. Most projects are completed within 2-4 weeks.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
Craftsmanship
We Make Bespoke Acrylic Boxes
Let our Acrylic Specialists make you an acrylic box frame with a peace of mind warranty.
Over 50 Years of Experience
Five decades of picture framing and display work, across every technique from conservation mounting to welded steel fabrication.
The framing of my piece has really made a statement in our new home, for a price that was unrivalled by any local competitors.
Finishes
Finishes & Materials
Specialist finishes and materials we use for acrylic box frames
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1st Class Protection
The work is fully enclosed inside the box, protecting it from the environment (and curious hands!)
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High Visibility
Your artwork is visible from all angles — a full 360-degree view with no visual obstruction.
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2 - 5 Sides
Your box can have anywhere from 2 up to 5 sides of acrylic, depending on your needs. The other sides of the cube will usually be made from custom finished, tulip-wood plinths.
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Optional Access Hatch
Some items you need to display in full glory, but also need to handle or rotate them. An optional hatch or removable lid gives you access at any time without disassembling the case.
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Acrylic Options
Acrylic is naturally 70% UV resistant, 50% lighter than glass and incredibly tough to break, making it an ideal replacement to glass if preferred. Higher grade acrylic options include full UV resistance, anti-static or anti-reflective coatings.
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Customisable Plinths
The wooden plinth that the box stands on is highly customisable to best match your artwork. The finishes range from from clean colours to rust effects and gold leaf.
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Standing or Wall Hanging
Acrylic boxes can be free standing, or made to hang on your wall.
Speak to a Specialist
Discuss Your Project With Our Team
Our museum grade specialists will help you choose the right materials, finishes and construction for your artwork. Over 50 years of combined experience.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
Examples
Examples Of Acrylic/Perspex Box Frames
Browse images from past projects, including many acrylic box ideas to give inspiration for your next project.
“The only museum quality framers we’ve found outside London. ”
Chris BrooksGallery Owner
Benefits
Why Work With Us For Acrylic Box Framing?
Why should you work with us for your acrylic display project?
5 Year Guarantee
Our bespoke frames and finishes are fully guaranteed for 5 years.
Any Size
We work with artwork on any scale, customising your frame to fit perfectly.
Consult With An Expert
Talk with one of our framing experts for free, to receive advice on construction, colour and various product options.
Cutting Edge Manufacturing
Your frame will be crafted using the latest machinery, such as CAD mount cutters and custom spray booths.
Framing Since 1974
Your frame will benefit from craftsmanship and research built over 50 years.
Full Insurance Coverage
Your artwork is fully insured while it's with us at the workshop.
Made In The UK
All of our frames are hand crafted by the team in our Cheshire based workshop.
Range Of Finishes
With a variety of finishes on wood and metal, you’re guaranteed to get the look you are aiming for.
Security Fixings
We can supply special fixings to stop people taking the frame off your walls
Variety Of Delivery Options
We offer delivery through artwork couriers or we can personally deliver your finished pieces.
Harten Frameworks have made beautiful frames for me for over 20 years.
Suitable For
What Types Of Artwork Can Go In An Acrylic Box Frame?
| Acrylic | Metal & Wood Frames | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artwork | Box | Panel | Box | Simple | Stretcher | Tray |
| 3D Object | ||||||
| Board | ||||||
| Canvas | ||||||
| Digital File | ||||||
| Mirror | ||||||
| Paper | ||||||
| Textile | ||||||
Questions?
Have a Question About Your Project?
We are happy to discuss your requirements with no obligation. Send us a message or give us a call.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
Construction
How Are Perspex Box Frames Created?
After discussing your project, the process for creating a display box is three fold...
The Acrylic Frame Sections
The sections of acrylic are cut from larger panels and the edges diamond polished to ensure a clean join. A shadow gap can be created in the space between the artwork and the acrylic sections.
Special acrylic glue is used to adhere the sections together. The edges are usually butt-joined which gives a sharp, clean 90 degree angle for the edges. These edges are softened slightly for safety after the glue has dried.
Another method of joining the panels is to use one piece of acrylic to form 2 or 3 faces. This is done by bending the acrylic with heat to create a curved edge. The other sides of the box are then either specially cut section of more acrylic to fit the gaps, or become part of the support structure (more below).
If any full sides of the acrylic will be exposed for any reason they will sometimes be gently flamed to soften then further. This might be done if the acrylic section is specifically designed to be removable to examine or change the object being displayed.
Artwork Treatment
It’s of great importance to ensure any method of fixing the artwork into place is non damaging and fully reversible. It would of course be easy to simply glue artwork into place but this is treason in the conservation framing world.
As not every object is the same we’re required to come up with safe and unique ways of fixing items into place quite often. However for more common types of objects like stretched canvas art, books, and small metal items we have developed special techniques for creating pleasing aesthetics.
The Support Structure
This is usually constructed from Tulip wood as a frame to house the artwork and acrylic enclosure. It can simply be a base, or can encompass several sides of the cube.
In the case of display boxes for canvas frames, the support structure will be very similar to a canvas tray frame but without the sides. This allows the acrylic box to wrap around the canvas for a very interesting display option. It allows you to view the sides of the canvas work which has been required before.
The approach to take will depend on a discussion with you about your art and goals for the work. Custom fabrics or finishes are sometimes required when building the structure. Other times complex, bespoke shapes are required that both hold the artwork in position and create the backing structure.
When attaching the acrylic enclosure to the support backing, it’s important to be as invisible as possible. To maintain safety we usually go with a number of small screws to hold the acrylic face into position. To create a more seamless visual we will paint out these screws the same colours as the support backing, or sometimes use special screw caps to hide them. Depending on the type of object you are framing it may be possible to create an interesting feature out of this fixing area, much like splines can do with normal frames.
Difference Between Plastic, Acrylic & Perspex
Perspex is a brand name for acrylic.
An acrylic is a type of plastic, usually polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
A plastic is any (usually synthetic) material that can be moulded into shape without breaking. I.e. it has plasticity.
There are other types of acrylic brands such as Plexiglas (Often misspelled as PlexiGlass). They’ve all got slightly different properties but for display boxes – Perspex is the most commonly used.
Glass can’t realistically be used to create display boxes. The main reason being that it’s particularly difficult to work into a clean looking, safe shape. Transparent boxes for display are shatter resistant, lighter weight and actually enhance the colours in the artwork.
The thickness of acrylic used for display boxes varies depending on the size of the item being displayed. 5mm is usually what is required for a pleasing, sturdy box.
Very large Perspex boxes can be created to display artwork several meters in length. We’re comfortable framing work this size so please contact us to discuss the options.
“Thank you so much - they look great and I am sure my client will be thrilled. The quality is superb too - I am very pleased with them, so thank you and your team for their hard work on them. ”
Sarah GlennAtelier Nine
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about acrylic box frames
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Pricing depends on the size of your artwork, the thickness of acrylic required, and any custom finishing on the support structure. Projects typically start from around £250. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific piece.
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We can create acrylic boxes from small display cases for jewellery or collectibles right up to very large Perspex boxes several metres in length. Every box is made to your exact measurements — there are no standard sizes.
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Yes, acrylic box frames are one of the most popular ways to display canvas artwork. The transparent box wraps around the canvas, allowing you to view the sides of the work while protecting it from dust and damage. We build a custom support tray similar to a canvas tray frame.
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Acrylic (Perspex) is lighter, shatter-resistant, and can be formed into clean box shapes with polished joins. Glass is too heavy and difficult to work into safe, clean-looking display boxes. Acrylic also enhances colour visibility and offers excellent UV protection options.
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Most acrylic box frame projects are completed within 2-4 weeks from approval of the design. Larger or more complex pieces may take a little longer. We will give you an estimated timeline when we quote your project.
See What We Can Create
Your Vision, Our Craftsmanship
From initial consultation to final delivery, we work with you at every step. 5 year guarantee on all work.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
Related Pages
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Surface Finishes
Surface finishes are the final piece for making your ideal frame
Canvas
Custom canvas framing — floating frames, tray frames, box frames & stretcher frames handmade from Tulipwood. Free quotes, 5 year guarantee.
Mirrors
Handmade custom mirror frames in any size, finish or mirror glass type. Bespoke framed mirrors from around £400 with a 5 year guarantee. Free consultation.
Box Frames
Handmade box frames for any item, any size, any depth. Deep box frames, large display frames & shadow boxes crafted in the UK. 5 year guarantee. Free quote.
Acrylic Panels
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Acrylic Boxes
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Oversized
Large picture frames custom built up to 4.5 metres. Reinforced construction, acrylic glazing, and subframe support. Museum grade quality with a 5 year guarantee.
Objects
Custom framing for 3D objects — football shirts, medals, wedding dresses and collectibles. Deep box frames with conservation-grade materials, handmade in Cheshire.
Welded
Custom metal picture frames in welded aluminium, brass & stainless steel. Thin, elegant profiles with exceptional strength. Handmade in the UK. Free quote.