You open a drawer full of tangled ribbons and shiny medals, wistfully remembering the morning races and tournaments, and wonder: how can I turn these proud memories into a beautiful home feature? Whether you’re redoing a hallway, sprucing up a kid’s room, or carving out a gallery wall in your home office, creative medal displays can transform clutter into a personalized design statement.
In this post you’ll find practical, DIY-friendly ideas, several step-by-step projects, and real-world design tips to help you build a medal display that looks intentional and fits your home. Read on for inspiration that ranges from rustic reclaimed wood racks to clean acrylic hangers and shadow boxes.
Why display your medals? More than storage
Medals tell a story—of training, teamwork, milestones, and family moments. A purposeful medal display does three things: preserves the medals, celebrates achievements, and contributes to your home décor. Instead of hidden clutter, a well-designed medal rack or wall can become a focal point that sparks conversations and motivates future goals.
12 Creative ideas medal display to showcase your achievements
Below are easy-to-follow design concepts and long-tail variations like “DIY medal hanger ideas” and “medal display wall for runners” to suit different styles and budgets.
- Reclaimed wood medal rack: Rustic, durable, and customizable with hooks or brass pegs.
- Acrylic ribbon hanger: Clear front lets the colors pop—great for modern rooms.
- Shadow box gallery: Combine medals with photos, bibs, or small trophies for a museum-style display.
- Pegboard wall system: Flexible—rearrange hooks, shelves, and picture frames as your collection grows.
- Floating shelf with hooks: Add a slim shelf above for trophies and photos, hooks below for medals.
- Upcycled coat rack: Repurpose an old rack or stair spindle for a vintage vibe.
- Magnetic strip for metal medals: Quick, simple, and perfect for frequently used pieces.
- DIY ladder or peg rail: Install a short wooden ladder horizontally and hang ribbons over the rungs.
- Shadow pockets: Small clear pockets on a framed board to keep medals tangle-free.
- Gallery wall mix: Mix framed certificates, medal hangers, and motivational prints.
- Kids’ themed display: Paint a wooden board in bright colors or team motifs to make medal displays playful.
- Minimal brass hooks: For a simple, elegant row of medals in a hallway or entryway.
DIY project: Build a reclaimed wood medal rack (step-by-step)
This is a favorite because it’s inexpensive, stylish, and quick to personalize.
- Materials: 1×6 reclaimed wood board (24–36″), 6–8 brass S-hooks or cup hooks, sandpaper, wood stain or paint, mounting brackets, screws.
- Tools: Drill, screwdriver, measuring tape, level, pencil, rag for stain.
- Step 1 — Prep the board: Sand any rough spots and decide whether to stain or paint. A light stain keeps a natural look; paint can match room decor.
- Step 2 — Layout hooks: Measure equal spacing along the board and mark the hook locations. For crowded collections allow about 2–3″ between hooks.
- Step 3 — Install hooks: Predrill pilot holes and screw in the hooks. Use cup hooks for a tidy profile or braided S-hooks for easy removal.
- Step 4 — Mount the board: Attach heavy-duty brackets or French cleats to the wall and hang the board level. Ensure it’s anchored into studs if you expect heavy weight.
- Step 5 — Style: Add a small nameplate, photos, or a slim shelf above for race bibs or trophies.
DIY tip
If you don’t have wall studs where you want the rack, use toggle bolts rated for the expected load. For a sleeker look, drill hidden keyhole slots on the back of the board for flush mounting.
Design placement ideas and inspiration
Where you hang a medal display affects both aesthetics and function. Consider these ideas:
- Entryway: A rapid pick-me-up that greets you daily—great for motivational displays.
- Home office: Showcase medals near your desk for a professional gallery vibe.
- Kids’ rooms: Lower hooks and playful designs encourage pride and care for awards.
- Hallway gallery wall: Mix medals with framed photos and quotes to create a storytelling corridor.
- Gym or workout room: Focused displays keep achievements visible and inspire training sessions.
Practical considerations: materials, maintenance, and safety
Choose materials that match your home’s style and how often medals will be handled. Wood and brass are durable; acrylic is modern but can scratch. Keep medals out of direct sunlight to avoid ribbon fading. For valuable pieces, consider shadow boxes with UV-safe glass. If you have young kids, mount displays securely and keep small parts out of reach.
Simple upgrades to make your medal display stand out
- Add LED strip lighting under a floating shelf to spotlight your collection.
- Engrave nameplates or use vinyl lettering for dates and race names.
- Coordinate colors—paint the board in a team color or neutral to let ribbons pop.
- Create thematic clusters (by sport, year, or family member) to tell a visual story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep medals from tangling?
Use individual hooks spaced comfortably apart or shadow pockets to hold each medal separately. Cup hooks and S-hooks reduce tangling, and acrylic hangers with slots for ribbons eliminate overlap.
What is the best wall for a medal display?
Choose a wall that gets little direct sunlight to prevent fading—hallways, entryways, home offices, and gyms are ideal. Also consider eye-level placement for primary displays and lower hooks for kid collections.
Can I make a medal display without drilling into walls?
Yes—lean a ladder shelf against a wall, use a freestanding peg rack, or display medals on an easel or shelf. Command hooks and picture-hanging strips work for lighter collections, but check weight limits first.
Conclusion: Start your own ideas medal display today
From simple DIY medal racks to framed shadow boxes, there are many creative ways to transform medals into meaningful home décor. Try a reclaimed wood rack for rustic charm, an acrylic hanger for modern minimalism, or build a gallery wall to tell your story. Pick a project that fits your style and skill level, then make it personal with photos, nameplates, or LED accents.
Ready to get started? Grab a few tools, pick a spot, and turn that drawer of memories into a display you’ll be proud to show off. For more hands-on inspiration, check out our DIY projects and browse home design ideas to match your new medal display to the rest of your home. If you’d like, share a photo of your finished project for feedback or more styling tips!
