Best Picture Frames for Medal Display Frames: How to Choose the Right Frame
Best Picture Frames for Medal Display Frames: How to Choose the Right Frame
Choosing the best frame for medals
Medals are often some of the most meaningful items people own. They may represent military service, sporting achievement, charity events, long service, school awards, family history or personal milestones.
Because medals are usually sentimental, valuable or difficult to replace, choosing the right frame matters. The best medal display frame should protect the medal, support the ribbon, keep everything secure and present the item in a way that feels respectful and attractive.
A good medal frame should:
- Hold the medal securely
- Protect the ribbon from damage
- Give the display enough depth
- Suit the style and importance of the medal
- Look good on the wall or shelf
- Preserve the medal as a keepsake
Why medal framing is different from standard picture framing
Framing medals is different from framing a flat photograph or print. Medals have weight, depth and often delicate ribbons. This means they usually need a deeper frame, careful positioning and secure mounting.
A standard photo frame may not be suitable because the medal can press against the glazing, slip out of place or put strain on the ribbon. A proper medal display frame gives the medal space to sit correctly and helps keep the finished display looking neat.
Medal framing is often used for:
- Military medals
- Service medals
- Police, fire and emergency service medals
- Running medals
- Marathon medals
- Sports medals
- School medals
- Charity event medals
- Dance, boxing, football or rugby medals
- Family keepsakes
Best frame type for medal display frames
The best frame for medals is usually a deep box frame or a purpose-made medal display frame. These frames have extra depth, giving the medal room to sit inside without being squashed.
Deep box frames for medals
Deep box frames are ideal because they create enough space between the medal and the front of the frame. This is especially important for thicker medals, multiple medals or medals with ribbons.
A deep frame can also allow room for extra items, such as:
- Photographs
- Name plaques
- Certificates
- Race numbers
- Badges
- Patches
- Event tickets
- Service details
- Printed captions
This makes deep box frames a good choice for creating a full keepsake display rather than simply framing one item.
Made-to-measure medal display frames
If the medal is an unusual size, part of a set, or needs to be displayed with other items, a made-to-measure frame is usually the best option.
A custom medal frame can be made to suit the number of medals, the ribbon length, the display layout and the space where the frame will hang.
Made-to-measure medal frames are especially useful for:
- Multiple medals
- Military medal groups
- Signed memorabilia
- Large sports medals
- Medals with certificates
- Medals with photos
- Bespoke family displays
- Retirement or service gifts
Military medal display frames
Military medals often carry strong family and historical significance, so they should be framed with care. A good military medal frame should present the medals clearly while protecting both the medals and ribbons.
Military medal display frames can include:
- Individual medals
- Medal groups
- Ribbons
- Regimental badges
- Service photographs
- Name labels
- Rank and service information
- Commemorative text
- Certificates or documents
For military medals, a clean and respectful layout usually works best. Black, dark wood or classic frame finishes are popular because they give the display a formal appearance.
A mount or backing board can also help the medals stand out and keep the overall display looking balanced.
Sports medal display frames
Sports medals are a great reminder of hard work, commitment and achievement. Whether it is a football medal, boxing medal, dance medal, running medal or school sports medal, framing it turns the achievement into something you can enjoy every day.
Sports medal frames are popular for:
- Children’s sports awards
- Football tournaments
- Boxing achievements
- Dance competitions
- Gymnastics medals
- Rugby medals
- Swimming medals
- Athletics medals
- Cycling events
For sports medals, you may want to include a team photo, shirt, badge, certificate or event details. This creates a more personal display and helps tell the story behind the medal.
Running and marathon medal display frames
Running medals are often collected over time, especially by people who complete 5K races, 10K races, half marathons, marathons, charity runs or triathlons.
A running medal frame can be used to display one special medal or a group of medals from several events.
Popular items to include with running medals are:
- Race number
- Finish time
- Event photograph
- Route map
- Charity logo
- Event ticket
- Personal message
- Date and location
If you have several medals, a larger deep box frame or custom display can help keep everything organised and easy to view.
Choosing the right frame colour for medals
The frame colour can change the overall feel of the medal display. The best choice depends on the type of medal, the ribbon colours and the room where it will hang.
Black medal frames
Black frames are one of the most popular choices for medal displays. They create strong contrast and give the finished frame a smart, formal look.
Black medal frames work well for:
- Military medals
- Service medals
- Sports medals
- Modern displays
- Medal groups
- Frames with photographs or plaques
A black frame with a dark or neutral backing can make metallic medals stand out clearly.
Wood medal frames
Wood frames create a warmer, more traditional look. They are a good choice for family keepsakes, military displays, retirement gifts and traditional interiors.
Wood-effect medal frames work well when you want the display to feel classic rather than modern.
White medal frames
White frames can work well for children’s medals, dance medals, school awards or colourful sports medals. They create a lighter, softer appearance and can suit bedrooms, nurseries and family spaces.
Gold or silver medal frames
Gold and silver frames can complement the colour of the medal itself, but they should be used carefully. If the frame is too decorative, it may compete with the medal.
These finishes can work well for presentation pieces, awards and formal displays.
Choosing the backing and mount colour
The backing board is important because it sits behind the medal and affects how clearly the medal stands out.
Popular backing colours include:
- Black for strong contrast and a formal look
- Navy for military or service medals
- White or off-white for a clean, simple finish
- Grey for a neutral modern display
- Team colours for sports medals
- Red, green or blue for themed displays
The backing should support the medal visually without overpowering it. If the ribbon is colourful, a simple backing often works best.
A mount can also be used to separate medals from photos, certificates or text panels, giving the display a more professional layout.
Single medal vs multiple medal display frames
The number of medals you want to display will affect the frame size and layout.
Single medal display frames
A single medal frame is ideal for one important medal, such as a military medal, marathon medal, tournament medal or personal achievement award.
A single medal can be displayed with:
- A photograph
- A name plaque
- A certificate
- A date and event title
- A short message
- A race number
- A badge or patch
Multiple medal frames
Multiple medal frames are ideal for medal groups, race collections, service awards or children’s sports achievements.
When framing several medals, spacing is important. Each medal needs enough room so the display does not look crowded. The ribbons should also be arranged neatly so the medals hang evenly.
A made-to-measure frame is often the best choice for multiple medals because it allows the layout to be planned properly.
Should medals be framed with photographs?
Adding a photograph can make a medal frame feel more personal. It helps show the person, event or memory connected to the achievement.
Photographs work especially well with:
- Military service medals
- Running medals
- Sports medals
- School awards
- Charity event medals
- Retirement presentations
- Family history displays
For example, a marathon medal could be framed with a finish-line photo and race number. A military medal could be displayed with a service photograph and name details. A football medal could be framed with a team photo or shirt badge.
Medal display frames as gifts
Medal display frames make thoughtful gifts because they turn an achievement into something lasting.
They are popular for:
- Father’s Day
- Mother’s Day
- Birthdays
- Christmas
- Retirement gifts
- Military remembrance gifts
- Graduation gifts
- Sports presentation gifts
- Marathon completion gifts
- Children’s achievement gifts
A framed medal feels more personal than a standard gift because it is based on something the recipient has achieved or a memory that matters to them.
How to protect medals and ribbons
Medals and ribbons can be damaged if they are handled too much, pressed tightly against glass or fixed using unsuitable materials.
To help protect medals:
- Avoid taping ribbons directly
- Avoid gluing medals into place
- Do not squash medals into shallow frames
- Keep medals away from damp areas
- Avoid direct sunlight where possible
- Use a frame with enough depth
- Ask for advice before framing older or valuable medals
If a medal has historic, military or family value, it is best to avoid DIY methods that could permanently damage the medal or ribbon.
Where to display framed medals
Framed medals can be displayed in many places around the home or workplace.
Popular locations include:
- Living rooms
- Hallways
- Home offices
- Bedrooms
- Games rooms
- Sports rooms
- Studies
- Clubhouses
- Reception areas
- Memorial walls
For military and service medals, many people choose a hallway, study or living room. For sports medals, bedrooms, home gyms and games rooms are popular choices.
Make sure the frame is hung securely, especially if it contains several medals or heavier items.
Common mistakes when choosing medal display frames
One common mistake is using a frame that is too shallow. Medals need space, and a standard frame may press the medal against the glazing.
Another mistake is choosing a frame that is too small. Medal ribbons need room to sit neatly, and multiple medals need enough spacing to avoid looking cluttered.
Other mistakes include:
- Folding ribbons awkwardly
- Using tape or glue on ribbons
- Choosing a backing colour that clashes
- Not leaving space for photos or text
- Forgetting about the weight of the frame
- Trying to fit too many items into one frame
- Choosing a frame without enough depth
A medal display should feel balanced, secure and easy to view.
Best picture frames for medal display frames: final advice
The best picture frame for medals is usually a deep box frame or made-to-measure medal display frame. This gives the medals enough space, protects the ribbons and allows the display to be arranged properly.
As a simple guide:
- Choose a deep box frame for medals with depth
- Choose a made-to-measure frame for multiple medals or unusual layouts
- Choose a black frame for a smart, formal finish
- Choose a wood frame for a warmer, traditional look
- Add a photo or plaque to make the display more personal
- Use a neutral backing if the medal or ribbon is colourful
- Avoid shallow frames, tape and glue where possible
A well-made medal display frame should protect the medal, show the achievement clearly and create a keepsake that can be enjoyed for years.
Need help choosing a medal display frame?
If you are looking for the best picture frame for medals, Boldon Framing can help you choose the right size, depth, backing colour and layout.
Whether you need a frame for military medals, sports medals, running medals, service medals or a personal keepsake, we can help you create a medal display frame that is secure, respectful and ready to hang.
Learn how to Frame your medals using our ready made medal display frames
