Certificates are a representation of your hard work and accomplishments. They're often a depiction of a bigger milestone or something you've always wanted to achieve. No matter where your certificate comes from, it deserves to have a wonderful display. Celebrate your achievements and frame your certificate. This will be a constant reminder about your success and hard work.
How to Choose a Certificate Frame
Protection
When choosing a frame for your precious certificates, it’s very important that they’re sturdy and offer a lot of protection. Even though it’s just hanging on the wall, a certificate can get damaged or fade over time if not protected. There's a wide range of certificate frames that will do a great job.
They'll prevent the certificate from getting in touch with moisture, dust, sunlight or other elements that might cause damage. If you add a mat board border around it will provide some extra protection and prevent it from coming in contact with the frame’s glass. Choose acid-free materials because they can hurt the paper as well.
Style
When choosing a frame, some things to take into account are the frame's style, size, colour, and structure. The frame's design should go well with the overall look of the award or certificate. For example, a traditional wood frame would be a great choice if you have a conventional certificate or award.
However, if your certificate features contemporary features like vivid colours and distinctive shapes or lines, a current metal finish like silver or gold will look better. Colour is another important thing to consider. If the certificate is colourful, choosing a white or off-white mat board will accentuate its beauty. If the certificate is mainly white, a darker-toned board will be perfect.
It's smart to go with a simpler design. This way you won’t distract people from seeing the true beauty of the document you’ve framed and its significance. Also, the frame should match the rest of the interior of the room. But, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference.
Size & Fit
The size and fit of the frame are very important. They can make or break the whole look. It has to fit perfectly. If the frame is too big it can make the certificate look insignificant. If it’s too small it can damage the edges and it won’t stand out. The width of the frame can make a difference as well. Wider frames have a bolder look. They're dramatic and leave a good first impression. Thinner ones are more subtle.
Mount
Mounts can give your display some elegance and put focus on it. To reduce the possibility of chemical reactions that could eventually harm the paper, try to pick a material that's acid-free. The mount’s colour should match the document and the frame. The best choices are always neutrals like white, black, beige and even grey.
How to Display it On the Wall
You should be very careful when displaying your certificate frames. They aren’t just pieces of paper but a testament and reminder of your success and hard work. To display them properly, you should make some preparations in advance. The first thing to do is to wipe down the certificate from any dust and dirt because no one wants to frame a smudged and dirty piece.
A few good protective measures would be to choose a UV-resistant glass and acid-free mat. Don't just hang the certificate randomly on the wall. If you have several of them plan their layout. Measure the space you have available and create the layout. You don’t want the wall to look cramped or empty.
You can do some visualisation by drawing a plan on a piece of paper. This will give you a good idea on what the wall will look like. If you have more than one you can arrange them according to size from smallest to biggest or vice versa. Depending on the wall you can go horizontally or vertically.
Another way to visualise is to use paper templates with the exact size of your frames and tape them on the wall. This way you can switch and change them until you get the one you like the most. A grid arrangement is clean and symmetrical and a staggered one has more visual interest.
Keep the Frame Clean
Once you find the right layout and display your certificate frames you should keep them neat and clean. Don't forget they’re on the wall. Regular dusting and cleaning will go a long way. Use a soft dry cloth to wipe the frame and glass. Don't use wet cloths or cleaning solutions because they can damage the frame and even get to the certificate inside.
Every once in a while, check for potential damage on the certificate. If you notice some yellowing, fading or warping try to fix it as soon as possible. You may have to replace the frame or the glass to avoid further damage. These are the most basic things you can do to keep your display in pristine condition and looking good.
Why Display Your Certificates
Motivation & Inspiration
Putting your certificate on display can serve as a powerful motivational tool and as a reminder of your journey so far. It can become an inspiration to work even harder towards your future goals. They can even become a motivation for your family members or young colleagues to pursue their dreams and achieve more.
Validation & Perception
When you show off your degree at work or at home people will think of you as more knowledgeable and committed to your profession. In industries that value these credentials, showcasing your academic background can be essential when building your reputation. You'll also project an image of a very capable and trustworthy individual they can rely on.
Sense of Accomplishment
Your certificates and diplomas serve as a constant reminder of your diligence and tenacity. Even though it’s considered a simple visual, a nice layout of your achievements can give your self-esteem a boost even when you’re feeling down.
