Are you looking for ways to display your awards at home?

Without the right approach to showcasing your achievements, those awards could end up hidden in a drawer. But don't worry, you've come to the right place.

At MedalStudio, we have years of experience designing and manufacturing high-quality medals and awards, so we truly understand the importance of making your accomplishments shine.

That's why, in this article, we'll provide the following 4 ways to display your awards at home:

  1. Floating shelves
  2. Glass cabinets
  3. Bookshelves
  4. Deep shadow boxes

Let's get started!

Creative Ideas for Showcasing Your Awards at Home

According to Medium, winning trophies, awards, and medals can enhance motivation, boost self-esteem, and encourage the pursuit of excellence. So, displaying them at home is a fantastic way to remind yourself of your hard work and dedication.

There are many ways to showcase your awards—here are some creative ideas.

#1 Floating Shelves

Whether you have trophies or customised awards, one of the best ways to display them in your home is by installing floating shelves.

Floating shelves have a minimalist style that can make your awards stand out and draw much more attention.

To make the most of your shelves, we suggest choosing the awards you like the most to showcase, especially those with striking colours or unconventional shapes. This will not only enhance your decoration but also spark interesting conversations with your guests.

floating shelves for awards
Floating shelves complement any décor style, making them very versatile.

To install your shelves, you will need:

  • Shelves made from sturdy materials capable of supporting the weight of your awards. Make sure to measure the space where you’ll place the shelves to buy them in the appropriate size.
  • A pencil
  • Mounting brackets (these are usually sold with the shelves).
  • A drill
  • A spirit level

Once you’ve gathered the materials, follow these steps:

  1. Decide where you will install the shelves. We recommend choosing a spot where you spend a lot of time, so you’re constantly reminded of your achievements.
  2. Mark the points where you will drill holes for the shelf brackets using your pencil. Use a spirit level to ensure the shelves will be straight.
  3. Drill the necessary holes. Remember, if you’re not confident doing this yourself, it’s best to seek help from a professional.
  4. Screw the shelf brackets into the wall, ensuring they are securely fixed.
  5. Place the shelf onto the brackets.

If you are a visual learner, here’s a video that can help you learn how to install floating shelves.

#2 Glass Cabinets

If you're looking for an elegant and functional option to protect your trophies from dust, glass cabinets are an excellent choice. They are ideal for displaying trophies and awards made from high-quality materials.

glass cabinets for awards
Glass cabinets are ideal for displaying trophies and awards made from high-quality materials. Image from IKEA

You can organise your trophies inside the cabinet by size, colour, or chronology. To enhance their appearance further, consider cabinets with integrated lighting or use wireless LED light strips. These lights will not only highlight your awards but also transform your cabinets into a striking decorative feature in your home.

Note: If you're already a customer of MedalStudio, we recommend placing your custom acrylic awards in glass cabinets, as they tend to reflect light and look very elegant.

If you don't have a dedicated space for your trophies, consider placing the glass cabinets in larger areas such as the living room or office. This will help avoid a cluttered feel, allowing your awards to stand out.

There are many stores where you can find these cabinets, and you can even purchase them on Amazon. However, if you're on a tight budget, we recommend looking at second-hand stores.

#3 Bookshelves

Bookshelves are also a great option if you're looking for a simple yet elegant way to display your awards.

Display awards at home
You can repurpose your bookshelves to proudly display your hard-earned awards at home.

If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry. You can find affordable options on Ikea or consider visiting local second-hand shops or thrift stores; you might stumble upon a unique vintage piece that adds character to your display. Just make sure to measure your awards before purchasing a new bookshelf to ensure they fit well.

Once you have your bookshelf, it's time to get creative with how you arrange your awards. Start by organizing them in a way that tells a story, you can arrange them by date, category, or even colour for a unique touch.

wooden award
Consider adding decorative details like plants, which pair beautifully with custom awards made from sustainable materials

Remember to strike a balance between the decorations you add and your bespoke awards to ensure the awards remain the focal point.

#4 Deep Shadow Boxes

Lastly, we suggest using deep shadow boxes to display your awards at home and celebrate your achievements every day.

When choosing your shadow box, ensure it is deep enough to comfortably accommodate your awards.

Deep shadow box for awards
Look for a design that not only matches your home decor but also makes your accomplishments stand out.

In our opinion, the best thing about shadow boxes is their versatility: they’re not just for displaying awards but also medals, badges, and other recognitions like pins. For an extra special touch, you can use fabrics such as velvet as a backdrop, making your achievements stand out even more.

You can also personalise your shadow boxes by adding images or commemorative plaques with the date of your triumph, to remember the day your hard work was rewarded.

Ideal Locations at Home to Display Your Awards

After exploring different display options such as floating shelves, glass cabinets, bookshelves, and deep shadow boxes, it’s essential to consider where in your home these displays will have the greatest impact.

Consider these three key places to display your awards:

  • Living room: This space is ideal for entertaining guests and spending much of the day. Placing your awards here can not only spark great conversations but also add a unique touch to your home decor.
  • Home office: If you work from home or have a space dedicated to your professional projects, the office is the perfect place to showcase your career achievements. Keeping your awards on display can inspire and motivate you daily as you work.
  • Hallways: If space is limited, make use of hallway walls by installing floating shelves or deep display cabinets. Turn this area into an inspiring gallery filled with cherished memories and notable awards.

Display Your Achievements

Remember that you can display your awards at home by installing floating shelves, glass cabinets, bookshelves, and even shadow boxes. Try choosing a space in your home where you spend a lot of time, such as your living room, home office, or hallway, to display your awards and celebrate your achievements every day.

If you have any questions regarding our custom awards or medals, please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected] or call us at 01377250449.

Thank you!

Updated: 16/12/2024