Display Your Favorite Collectibles With An IKEA Shadow Box Picture Frame Hack

Whether you love collecting kitschy items like vintage PEZ dispensers or fancy yourself more of a sophisticated collector of antique coins, it all tends to look like clutter unless you put it on display. While display cases are great for displaying knick-knacks around the house, many of these cost upwards of $40. If you'd prefer to save your precious cash to put towards growing your collection of treasured trinkets, then you may want to check out this easy-peasy IKEA hack. All it takes is a SANNAHED shadow box frame, which only costs $9.99. With a simple rearranging of the frame's components, you can easily transform it into a stunning display shelf. What's more, absolutely no power tools are required!

The great thing about the SANNAHED frame is that it offers a dust-free way to put your collectibles on display since they're housed behind a clear acrylic sheet. This also keeps your items secure, so they can't fall off the shelf. Not to mention that the frame itself is super cute and stylish. It comes in four different colors, including white, black, birch wood, or walnut. However, you could certainly paint it or add other custom details to fit your personal style. And if you have a larger collection to display, the SANNAHED frame also comes in a larger size for $19.99. If you're ready to show off your curated collectibles in style, check out how to hack this affordable IKEA frame into a case to display your favorite accessories with style. 

Begin by removing the backing board, clear acrylic, and mat board from the frame. Then remove the inner box, which creates the "ledge" between the front and the back of the frame. Carefully snap the four sides of the inner box apart so that you're left with four individual pieces. You could also score it with a utility knife first. Place the clear acrylic back into the frame, and slide one of the inner box pieces vertically along one side of the frame — this will create enough tension to hold your shelves in place. Next, decide how many shelves you want inside your case, and slide the inner box pieces horizontally into the frame, spacing them accordingly so that your collectibles will fit. If you're worried about the shelves not being secure, you can glue them in place with a construction adhesive like Liquid Nails and/or secure them to the frame with a staple gun. Add your trinkets, and replace the backing board. 

Now, decorate your display case! Paint it with your favorite hue or use washi tape to add a decor element like stripes. Use a stencil to create patterns around the frame. Or paint a design that aligns with the theme of your collection, like stars for superhero figurines. You could also wrap the backing board or shelves with contact paper or wallpaper in a pretty pattern. For some finishing touches, add something like GreenFix Sticky Dots to prevent your items from moving and HitLights' LED Strip Lights to light up your collection in style.