Custom Box Frames - Deep, Large & Shadow Box Framing

Box frames are deeper than traditional picture frames, providing the space needed to display three-dimensional objects, textured artwork, and items with depth. The extra room between the glazing and backing allows objects to be mounted securely while giving them space to breathe — creating a clean, museum-quality presentation.

Every box frame we produce is handmade and completely unique, tailor-made to the exact dimensions of the item you wish to display. We use conservation-grade techniques to house your piece safely inside the frame, with non-destructive mounting methods that can always be reversed. No glue, no staples, no nails — just careful craftsmanship.

Whether you need a compact frame for a single keepsake or an oversized display for a large textile, we can build it. Our box frames accommodate any depth, from a shallow 30mm profile through to 150mm or more for substantial three-dimensional pieces.

The process starts with a free consultation where we discuss your item, the display environment, and your preferences for frame style and finish. We then provide a detailed quote and design recommendation. Most box framing projects are completed within 2-4 weeks, with pricing typically starting from around £450 depending on size, depth, finish, and glazing.

Box frames are a favourite among individuals displaying treasured objects and galleries creating exhibition displays.

Deep Box Frames

Deep box frames are designed for items that need significantly more space between the glass and backing than a standard frame allows. Whether you are framing a football shirt, a set of medals, dried flowers, or a sculptural artwork, a deep box frame gives your piece the room it needs while keeping it fully protected behind conservation-grade glazing.

The depth of your frame is entirely your choice. It will need to be deeper than the height of your item to accommodate the construction materials — glass, mount board, and sub-frame — but you can go deeper still if you want to enhance the visual proportions. In fact, choosing an over-deep profile can give remarkable presence to even a flat artwork, with the slight shadow cast by a raised canvas adding interest and helping the eye transition between image and frame.

Deep framing also opens up creative possibilities for display. A canvas can be raised until it appears to float above its mounting board. Multiple objects — plaques, documents, badges — can be arranged within a single deep frame for a cohesive presentation. The extra depth gives you room to tell a story with your display.

We build deep box frames in Tulipwood as standard, which offers an excellent balance of strength, workability, and ability to take a wide range of finishes. For particularly large or heavy pieces, we can also construct deep welded aluminium box frames — these allow a thin front face with substantial depth, letting the frame get out of the way while giving your artwork the space it needs.

Box Frame Glass and Glazing Options

Glazing is a critical element of any box frame. We offer both glass and acrylic options, each available in thicknesses from 2mm to 6mm. We always recommend thicker glazing for larger pieces to ensure stability.

Glass and acrylic come in three main grades: standard, anti-reflective, and museum. Anti-reflective glazing is a simple upgrade that makes a dramatic difference — it is almost magical to see artwork that appears to have no glass in front of it at all, fully protected yet completely accessible to the eye. This is especially valuable if there will be downlighting or strong opposite lighting where the piece is displayed.

UV protection ranges from around 50% up to museum-grade 99.9% protection. If the item being framed is susceptible to UV damage — paper artwork and textiles are particularly vulnerable — then investing in higher-grade UV protection is strongly recommended. We can advise on the right combination of features to match your requirements and budget.

Large Box Frames

We make large box frames to any dimensions. There is no upper limit on size — if you can get it through our door, we can frame it. Over the years we have framed everything from full-size wedding dresses to oversized canvases, collections of framed sporting memorabilia, and large-scale sculptural installations.

With very large frames, engineering matters. Large box frames need a sub-frame to ensure they remain fully rigid and protect the artwork inside. This sub-frame can double as a hanging system — using a split batten on your wall, even the heaviest frames can be mounted securely and invisibly. Just let us know if you are interested in this method and we will build it in from the start.

For the largest box frames, a welded aluminium construction is often the best choice. Aluminium allows a deep profile with a thin front face — visually the frame recedes, letting the artwork take centre stage, while the material provides the structural strength that wood alone cannot achieve at extreme sizes.

Choosing the right proportions for a large frame is an art in itself. A frame that crowds the artwork makes it feel imprisoned rather than presented. Conversely, generous spacing around a smaller piece can give it room to breathe and draw attention on an otherwise busy wall. After 50 years of framing experience, we can advise on the proportions that will do your piece justice.

For the largest projects — artwork over 2 metres — see our dedicated large picture frames page, where we cover the specialist construction, glazing, and hanging methods used at extreme sizes.

Shadow Box Frames

A shadow box frame — sometimes called a deep shadow box frame — is simply a box frame with enough depth to display three-dimensional objects with space around them. The term is more commonly used in the US, while in the UK we typically refer to the same thing as a box frame or display frame. Whatever you call it, the construction is the same: a deep, glazed frame with conservation mounting to hold your item securely in place.

Display frames are ideal for presenting objects that deserve to be seen properly — not tucked in a drawer or sitting on a shelf gathering dust. A well-made display frame transforms a personal keepsake into a permanent piece of wall art, protected from dust, handling, and UV damage.

Finishes and Materials

A carefully chosen finish elevates a box frame from a functional object to something genuinely beautiful. We offer a comprehensive range of finishing techniques, each applied by hand to your frame.

Sprayed Finishes
Our framers start with an undercoat, then alternate between applying further coats and sanding to a smooth finish. The final protective sheen can be as matte or as glossy as you wish. The result is a modern, gallery-ready surface that conceals construction details while adding the final aesthetic touch.

Gilding
We can gild a profile fully or partially with gold, silver, or platinum leaf to create a rich, aged effect. Gilding is time-intensive and materials are costly — especially for large box frames — so we also offer gilding creams that achieve a similar finish at a lower price point.

Stains
Stains can be sprayed or applied by hand to a wide variety of raw woods to bring out the natural grain, or combined to create a glow-through effect that adds warmth and character.

Hand Painting
While sprayed frames look clean and modern, sometimes the rustic texture of hand painting is exactly what a piece needs. Different brush types, sizes, and stippling techniques can produce finishes with real personality.

Wax
A framing wax finish gives a professional look tinged with warmth. It enhances the natural wood while also protecting it — an understated choice that works beautifully with many items.

Gesso
Gesso is a traditional and versatile favourite. It can serve as the base for a wide range of finishes, from the classic warmth of a traditional frame to the almost ceramic look of a highly modern piece.

We regularly match frames to specific colour references — RAL, NCS, or a paint swatch — to ensure your frame works perfectly in its intended space. If you have a particular finish in mind, we can almost certainly achieve it.

Construction and Craftsmanship

Every box frame we build follows the same principles: precision engineering, conservation-grade materials, and non-destructive mounting throughout.

Spline-Joined Corners
All of our frames are joined with splines — sections of wood set into grooves at each corner to provide exceptional strength and durability. This traditional technique produces a significantly stronger joint than gluing alone, and with a choice of contrasting woods and grains, splines can also serve as a decorative feature that finishes the frame beautifully.

Bespoke Profiles
Every frame is made to your exact specifications. We do not use pre-made mouldings or select the nearest standard size — your frame is built from raw timber to precisely the dimensions your item requires. This is especially important with box frames, where even a 5mm difference can affect how the item sits within the frame.

Glass Spacers
Most clients choose a white, conservation paper-wrapped glass spacer, which gives a clean, modern look and adds visual space within the frame. Spacers can also be hand-finished in any of our profile finishes — match them to the frame for a seamless look, or create a deliberate contrast to highlight the artwork.

Mount Board
The mount board sits beneath your item and is available in a wide range of colours and thicknesses. Options include single, double, or triple mounts, and multiple apertures for displaying several items together. All mounts are precision-cut using a dedicated Swiss-made computer-aided mount cutter.

Conservation Mounting
We only use fully reversible, non-damaging methods to secure items inside the frame. Depending on the piece, this might include Japanese museum tags, conservation stitching, framing silicone, or custom-built support structures. Your item can always be safely removed in the future — nothing we do is permanent or destructive.

What Can Be Displayed in a Box Frame?

Box frames are remarkably versatile. Football shirts are one of our most popular box framing projects — we mount them using conservation stitching on acid-free backing, with space for badges, scarves, or other memorabilia alongside. Medal collections and military items are another common request, arranged for maximum visual impact within a single frame.

Wedding keepsakes — from dried bouquets to invitation suites — make wonderful box-framed displays. We have also framed items including a series of paper bags, beer pump icons, antique books, resin cast baby feet, school ties, and 1,000 spent revolver rounds. If it has physical form, we can almost certainly frame it.

Beyond memorabilia, box frames work beautifully for fine art. Oil on canvas, textiles, limited edition prints, and sculptural pieces all benefit from the depth and protection a box frame provides. The item is floated to demonstrate its full edge-to-edge glory, with the slight shadow adding visual interest.

Why Choose Harten for Box Framing?

We have been manufacturing bespoke frames since 1974. In that time we have framed tens of thousands of items — from priceless originals to irreplaceable personal keepsakes. Every box frame leaves our Bollington workshop with our 5-year craftsmanship guarantee, though our frames are built to last far longer than that.

Our deep box frames are built to museum-grade standards. Conservation-level materials, non-destructive mounting, and protective glazing ensure your item is as safe as it is beautifully presented. Your artwork is fully insured while in our care, and our site security is excellent.

We provide free, no-obligation consultations. Whether you know exactly what you want or need guidance on the best approach for your item, we are here to help. Most projects are completed within 2-4 weeks, with pricing tailored to your specific requirements.