So What Actually Is a Shadow Box Frame?
I get this question a lot. People land on my product page, see "shadow box frame" listed next to the classic frame option, and wonder what the difference actually is. Fair enough. It's not a term that gets thrown around much outside the art world.
Here's the short version: a shadow box frame holds the glass 20mm away from the print, so there's a visible gap between the two. That gap creates a subtle floating effect, like the print is hovering inside the frame rather than pressed flat against the glass. It's a small detail, but it makes a real difference to how the finished piece looks on your wall.
I offer two versions: the Standard Shadow Box and the Premium Shadow Box with Tru Vue Museum Glass. Both use the same floating shadow effect. The difference is in the materials, and for buyers who care about quality, that difference is worth knowing about.
Standard Shadow Box vs Premium Shadow Box: What's the Difference?
The standard shadow box uses 270gsm fine art paper with giclee archival inks, printed with real depth and colour. The glass sits 20mm off the print on a 2mm clear glass panel. The frame is solid sustainably sourced plantation timber (FSC certified) and comes in black, white or oak. It hangs on D rings with a braided polymer cable, and carries a 10-year warranty.
The premium shadow box takes it up a notch. The paper is museum quality 308gsm Hahnemuhle Rag Mount Smooth, printed with 11-colour giclee archival inks. And the glass is Tru Vue Museum Glass, which gives you 99% UV protection and virtually eliminates glare and reflections. If you've got a wall that catches a lot of light, this is the one. The glass is 2.5mm thick and the same floating shadow effect applies. Same timber frames, same warranty.
Both options are available across all my sizes, from XS (21x29.7cm) right up to the EPIC size at 100x150cm, which is 1.5 metres wide. They start from $89, and the premium upgrade is well worth it if you're putting the print somewhere prominent.
Why Choose a Shadow Box Frame Over a Classic Frame?
This comes down to the look you're after. The classic frame is clean and simple. Great for a straightforward, gallery-style finish. The shadow box has more visual depth. That floating effect gives the print a slightly elevated, exhibition-style feel that a lot of people love for coastal wall art.
It's especially good for prints with a lot of open sky or water in them. The depth of the frame adds something to those wide, airy compositions. A lot of my coastal prints work really well in a shadow box for exactly this reason.
If you're comparing frames more broadly, I've written a full breakdown in Shadow Box Frames vs Classic Frames: Which Is Right for Your Coastal Wall Art? which goes through the details side by side.
Which Prints Work Best in a Shadow Box?
Honestly, most of my prints look great in a shadow box. But a few that I'd particularly recommend trying it with:
- Point Addis Art Print I from $89. My top seller. Shot from above with my drone on a still morning. The aerial perspective and the sweep of the bay make it a strong candidate for the premium shadow box.
- Point Roadknight Art Print II from $89. One of my most popular framed beach prints. The composition has a lot of open water, which sits beautifully in a shadow box.
- Bells Beach Art Print I from $89. Iconic location, strong colours, the shadow box really lets it breathe.
If you're buying this as a gift for someone who loves a particular beach, the shadow box or premium shadow box makes the whole thing feel more considered. Not just a print, but a proper piece of wall art they'll keep for years.
Bring Your Favourite Beach Home
I print to order and ship free anywhere in Australia from Victoria. Every print in a shadow box frame arrives ready to hang. No faff, no extra trips to the framer.
If you're not sure which product is right for you, my product guide covers every option with specs and comparisons so you can make the call with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shadow box frame for wall art?
A shadow box frame holds the glass 20mm away from the print, creating a floating effect where the artwork appears to hover inside the frame. This adds visual depth compared to a standard frame where the glass sits flat against the print. It's a popular choice for coastal and landscape wall art.
Is a shadow box frame worth it for framed beach prints?
Yes, especially for prints with open compositions like ocean, sky or aerial coastline shots. The floating effect adds a subtle exhibition-quality finish that makes the print feel more like a piece of art and less like a standard photo. For something you're going to hang in a prominent spot, it's worth the upgrade.
What is the difference between a standard shadow box and a premium shadow box?
The standard shadow box uses 270gsm fine art paper and 2mm clear glass. The premium version uses museum quality 308gsm Hahnemuhle Rag Mount Smooth paper with 11-colour giclee archival inks, and Tru Vue Museum Glass with 99% UV protection and near-zero glare. If you have a wall that gets a lot of natural light, the premium shadow box is the better choice.
Do shadow box frames come ready to hang?
Yes. All shadow box frames from Local Breaks come with D rings and a braided polymer hanging cable, so they're ready to go straight on the wall. Shipping is free anywhere in Australia, and everything is printed and shipped from Victoria.
Got a question I haven't covered? Feel free to get in touch. I'm easy to reach and happy to help you pick the right print and frame for your space.
