What a custom box frame does for dimensional pieces
A box frame is a deeper frame built to hold items that stand off the backing board instead of lying flat. That extra depth lets us frame souvenirs, sculptural pieces, baby keepsakes, medals, dried flowers, small objects and layered mixed media without crushing or bending them. It also creates a cleaner shadow line around the contents, which helps the piece read properly from across a room.
For galleries and serious collectors, box framing is often the best choice when the work needs both protection and breathing space. It keeps the item away from the glass, which helps with delicate surfaces and raised materials. It is also a practical choice for homes where you want one framed piece to carry a memory, a story or a small collection rather than a single flat print.
- Suitable for one item or grouped displays
- Can be used with open backs, mounted backs or glazed fronts
- Works well with shadow depth from about 20 mm to 80 mm and more on request
- Can be finished in wood, painted, stained or neutral profiles
Sizes, depth options and finish choices
Every box frame is made to the actual item size, so there is no need to force a keepsake into a standard opening. We measure the object, the mount space and the required depth before recommending the frame build. A slim certificate or photo display may only need a modest box, while a jersey, sculpture or layered collage can need a deeper inner chamber and a stronger backing board.
Common options include square, rectangle, long portrait and landscape formats. We also make odd sizes for shaped pieces and sets. If your item has corners, wires, pins or fragile edges, the internal build can be adjusted so the contents sit safely and square. For humid coastal areas such as Durban, we can suggest materials that cope better with moisture, while in Johannesburg and Pretoria we often focus on dust control and stable hanging weight.
- Small keepsake boxes for medals, watches, badges and mini objects
- Medium displays for shoes, baby items, jerseys and craft work
- Large gallery boxes for sculpture, fabric art and mixed media
- Glazing choices: clear glass, UV-filtering glass or acrylic where weight matters
Where box frames suit best in homes and galleries
Box frames are a strong fit for entrance halls, studies, living rooms and passage walls where a framed piece needs to start a conversation. In galleries, they are often used for exhibition pieces that combine drawing, photography, fabric, found objects or signage. They also suit memorabilia walls in offices, restaurants, schools and clubs where the display must stay tidy and easy to maintain.
They are especially useful for sentimental items that should not be tucked away in a drawer. A child’s first shoes, a signed shirt, a race medal or a small art object can become part of the room without looking cluttered. If the room gets strong sun, it is worth asking about UV protection and the best wall position. South African light can be harsh and over time it will fade many materials, even behind glass.
- Homes: family keepsakes, framed objects, decorative wall displays
- Galleries: mixed media, dimensional artwork, curated collections
- Commercial spaces: awards, memorabilia, branded objects and samples
Installation, hanging and practical requirements
Most box frames do not need power or gas, and there is no special site service needed before installation. What matters is wall strength, hanging method and the weight of the finished piece. Larger box frames can become heavy, especially with hardwood, glass and solid mounting boards, so the fixing points need to suit the wall type. On plastered brick walls common in Johannesburg and Pretoria, we can advise on secure wall fixings. For dry wall interiors, a proper load check matters even more.
If the frame is going into a gallery or commercial wall system, tell us the hanging method before production starts. That way we can build the backboard, wire or cleat arrangement to suit the site. For apartment living or rented spaces, we can also suggest lighter builds where possible. It is better to get that detail right at ordering stage than to rework the piece later, which can cost extra and delay the install.
- Tell us the wall type: brick, plaster, dry wall or partition
- Confirm if the piece will be wall hung or freestanding
- Say whether it needs to open from the back for future access
- For very heavy pieces, ask for installation advice before collection
Care, cleaning and long-term servicing
Custom box frames are low maintenance if they are made properly and hung in a suitable place. Dust the frame edge with a soft dry cloth and avoid spraying cleaners directly onto the glass or finish. For acrylic glazing, use only the correct cleaner and a soft cloth, because the wrong product can scratch it very quickly. If the piece contains fabric, paper, natural materials or photographs, keep it out of direct sun and away from kitchens or damp walls where moisture can creep in.
Over time, some displays may need opening for repair, replacement glass or a fresh mount. We can help with reframing, glass replacement and repairs if a corner gets damaged or the contents shift. In a coastal area like Durban, it is worth checking the back for any signs of damp now and then. In Gauteng, the main issues are usually dust and accidental knocks during moving or cleaning.
- Keep out of direct sun where possible
- Do not hang above heat sources or steaming areas
- Check the wall fixing after moving furniture
- Ask about servicing if the contents need to be changed later
What to check before you order a box frame
Bring the item, or clear photos and measurements if you are ordering from another city, and we can talk through the best build. The main things to check are size, depth, material sensitivity and how the piece should be presented. If it is a jersey, make sure the sleeves and folds have room. If it is a badge set or medal display, decide whether the layout should be formal or more relaxed. If it is artwork with layers, we need to know which elements must sit forward and which must stay flat.
It also helps to think about colour, border width and background tone. A white mount can make a small object stand out, while a dark backing can suit metallic items or pale objects. If the frame is going into a gallery wall, ask for consistency with other pieces so the series feels intentional. Our Parkhurst studio team will guide the choices so you do not end up with a frame that looks right on paper but wrong on the wall.
- Item size, depth and any fragile protruding parts
- Desired finish: natural timber, painted, stained or neutral
- Glazing choice and whether UV protection is needed
- Hanging position, wall type and weight limit
Key facts
| Frame type | Custom box frame made to size |
|---|---|
| Depth range | From approx. 20 mm to deeper display builds on request |
| Glazing options | Clear glass, UV-filtering glass or acrylic |
| Backing options | Mount board, foam board or archival backing |
| Common uses | Keepsakes, jerseys, medals, fabric art, objects, mixed media |
| Service area | Parkhurst, Johannesburg plus Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town and Durban |
