When most people think of medals, they picture a simple round shape. But medal shapes can be so much more than that. From stars to animals, shields to hearts, the shape of a medal can help tell a story and make the award feel extra special.
Choosing the right shape can make your medal stand out and feel more meaningful. Whether it’s for a sports event, school competition, or charity race, the shape of your medal can match your theme and wow the people who receive it.
Round, Oval, Square: The Classic Medal Shapes
Some medal shapes are timeless. They’ve been used for years because they’re simple, clear, and easy to wear or display. Let’s look at the most common classic shapes and when they work best.
- Round medals are the most popular. They’re a symbol of tradition, balance, and unity. You’ll often see round medals at sports events, school awards, or anything with a classic feel.
- Oval medals offer a small twist on the round shape. They look a bit more elegant and can give your medal a unique feel without going too far outside the box.
- Square or rectangular medals feel bold and modern. They give you more room for logos, messages, or creative designs. This shape is great when you want your medal to look a little different but still clean and easy to read.
These classic medal shapes are great choices if you want something that’s tried and true. They’re also faster to produce and cost-effective, especially if you’re ordering a large number. At MedalStudio, we can customise any of these shapes with your colours, text, and artwork to make them feel truly personal.
Stars, Shields, Animals & More: What Unique Medal Shapes Mean
Not all medals need to be round. Choosing a creative shape can make your medal stand out and feel more connected to your event. Special medal shapes can show off your theme, tell a story, or even make someone smile.
Here are some fun and meaningful shapes to think about:
- Stars: A star-shaped medal is perfect for showing excellence, leadership, or top performance. It’s great for talent shows, school achievements, or anything where someone shines
- Shields: Shield-shaped medals often stand for strength, courage, and honour. They’re a popular choice for military events, heritage celebrations, or team-based competitions.
- Animals: Whether it’s a paw print for a dog walk or a lion for a school mascot, animal shapes are a hit, especially for kids’ events, wildlife fundraisers, or nature-themed races.
- Hearts: Heart-shaped medals are full of meaning. They work well for charity runs, healthcare awards, or any event focused on kindness and care.
- Custom icons: The sky’s the limit. We’ve created all kinds of medal shapes like tree shapes for 8K runs, dinosaur shapes for a half marathon at dinosaur world, and aeroplane shapes for the Royal Air Force Museum.
How to Match Your Medal Shape to Its Purpose
With so many medal shapes to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your event? It helps to think about who the medal is for, what message you want it to send, and how it will be used or displayed.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
- Who is the medal for?
- Kids might love fun shapes like animals or stars.
- Adults may prefer bold or elegant shapes like shields or ovals.
- What’s the event like?
- Formal events (like academic or business awards) often go with round or square shapes.
- Fun runs, school fairs, or charity events are a great chance to use playful or themed designs.
- Does it need space for a logo or message?
- Square and rectangular medals give you lots of room for custom artwork or text.
- Unique shapes can still fit your message, with creative planning.
- Will it be displayed or worn?
- Lightweight shapes with smooth edges are great for wearing around the neck.
- Larger or more detailed shapes make great display pieces or keepsakes.
- What’s your budget and timeline?
- Standard shapes are usually quicker and more cost-effective.
- Custom medal shapes take a bit longer but can leave a lasting impression.
Off-the-Shelf Convenience or One-of-a-Kind Design?
When it comes to medal shapes, you’ve got two great options: stick with a standard shape or go for fully custom shapes. Both choices have their pros and cons, which is right for you will depend on what matters most for your event.
Standard Shapes: Fast, Easy, and Budget-Friendly
Standard medal shapes like circles, ovals, and squares are perfect when you need something quick and affordable. They’re great for large events, school competitions, or sports days. At MedalStudio, we can personalise these shapes with custom artwork, colours, ribbons, and engraving to make them feel special, without the custom shape price tag.
Bespoke Shapes: Made Just for You
If you want something truly unique, a custom-shaped medal is the way to go. Bespoke medal shapes let you tell a story, match your event’s theme, or celebrate something one-of-a-kind. Think lightning bolts for a track event, music notes for a concert, or a castle for a medieval fair. With custom shapes, the only limit is your imagination.
Make Your Medal One to Remember
The shape of a medal does more than just look nice; it adds meaning, tells a story, and makes the award feel truly special. Whether you choose a classic round shape or something bold and creative, the right design helps your medal stand out and be remembered.
From stars and shields to custom icons and unique outlines, there’s a whole world of medal shapes to explore. At MedalStudio, we’re here to help you find the perfect one. With fast service, in-house design, and a passion for craftsmanship, we’ll bring your vision to life.
Ready to design a medal that’s as unique as your event?
Get in touch with the MedalStudio team today and let’s shape something amazing together.
Updated: 02/06/2025