Every photograph, ticket stub, or handwritten letter carries a story worth preserving. Yet too many sentimental items end up tucked away in drawers or damaged by sunlight and dust. Personalised box frames offer a solution that combines protection with display, and kachingo has become a recognised name in this space. This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, designing, and ordering a custom box frame that does justice to your memories. Whether you are framing a wedding invitation, a children’s artwork, or a military medal, you will learn how to choose the right depth, backing, and layout to create a display piece that lasts for decades.
**Table of Contents**
1. Quick Answer – What Is Kachingo and How Does It Work?
2. Practical Guide – Choosing the Right Box Frame Depth and Size
3. Comparison – Mounting Styles and Glass Options
4. Step-by-Step Checklist – Preparing Your Items for Framing
5. Expert Tips – Designing a Layout That Tells a Story
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Online
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Thoughts – Making Your Memories Last
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## Quick Answer – What Is Kachingo and How Does It Work?
Kachingo is a UK-based service that specialises in creating personalised box frames for keepsakes, memorabilia, and photographs. Unlike standard flat frames, box frames have a deeper profile that accommodates three-dimensional objects such as medals, seashells, pressed flowers, or small toys. The process typically involves selecting a frame size and colour, choosing a backing material and mount style, then sending your items to be professionally arranged and sealed behind UV-protective glass. Most orders take between one and two weeks from submission to delivery, and the result is a museum-quality display piece designed to preserve your items for years.
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## Practical Guide – Choosing the Right Box Frame Depth and Size
Selecting the correct depth is the most critical decision when ordering a box frame. Shallow frames, around 20–30 millimetres deep, work well for flat items like photographs, certificates, and pressed flowers. Medium-depth frames, between 30 and 50 millimetres, accommodate objects with moderate thickness such as medals, badges, or small shells. Deep frames exceeding 50 millimetres are reserved for bulkier items like sports memorabilia, children’s shoes, or layered collages.
### How to Measure Your Items Before Ordering
Stack everything you plan to include in the frame and measure the total height from the backing board to the tallest item. Add at least 10 millimetres of clearance to allow for the glass and a slight gap that prevents pressure on your objects. Ignoring this step is the most common reason for damaged items during assembly.
### Size Considerations for Grouped Displays
A single large frame often works better than multiple smaller ones when displaying a collection of related items. For example, a wedding set—invitation, dried bouquet, and photograph—fits naturally into a single 40 x 50 centimetre frame rather than three separate ones. This approach creates a cohesive visual story and reduces overall cost.
| **Frame Depth** | **Recommended Use** | **Example Items** | **Typical Clearance Needed** |
|—————–|———————|——————-|——————————|
| 20–30 mm | Flat items | Photographs, certificates, pressed flowers, letters | 5–10 mm |
| 30–50 mm | Thin objects | Medals, badges, small shells, jewellery | 10–15 mm |
| 50–70 mm | Bulky items | Sports balls, baby shoes, layered collages | 15–20 mm |
| 70+ mm | Large objects | Memorabilia boxes, 3D sculptures, shadow boxes | 20–30 mm |
This table serves as a starting point, but always measure your specific items. A wedding shoe may require a different depth than a christening gown, even though both are bulky.
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## Comparison – Mounting Styles and Glass Options
The way your items are mounted inside the frame and the type of glass used significantly affect both appearance and longevity. Two main mounting styles dominate the market: pin mounting and adhesive mounting. Pin mounting uses fine stainless steel pins to hold objects in place without visible glue, making it ideal for valuable items where reversibility matters. Adhesive mounting uses conservation-grade tape or gel to secure items, which works well for heavier objects or when precise positioning is required.
### Glass Types and Their Trade-offs
Standard glass is affordable and clear, but it reflects light and offers minimal UV protection. Non-reflective glass reduces glare and works well in brightly lit rooms, though it can slightly soften image sharpness. UV-protective glass blocks up to 99 percent of harmful ultraviolet rays, preventing fading and yellowing over time. For irreplaceable items, UV-protective glass is non-negotiable.
| **Glass Type** | **UV Protection** | **Glare Reduction** | **Best For** | **Price Level** |
|—————-|——————-|———————|————–|—————–|
| Standard | None | None | Budget-friendly displays, short-term use | Low |
| Non-reflective | None | High | Rooms with direct light, photographs | Medium |
| UV-protective | Up to 99% | Low | Heirlooms, certificates, valuable items | High |
| Museum-grade | Up to 99% | Very high | Archival preservation, art collections | Premium |
Choose museum-grade glass only when both UV protection and zero glare are essential, such as for gallery displays or high-value art. For most personal keepsakes, UV-protective glass strikes the best balance between cost and preservation.
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## Step-by-Step Checklist – Preparing Your Items for Framing
Before sending your items to Kachingo, run through this checklist to ensure they arrive in perfect condition and are ready for professional mounting.
– Clean your items gently with a soft, dry brush. Never use water or cleaning solutions on paper or fabric.
– Flatten curled documents under a heavy book for 48 hours. Do not iron or steam them.
– Remove any existing tape, staples, or pins that could rust or damage the item over time.
– Group related items together and decide on a layout. Take a photo of your preferred arrangement for reference.
– Measure the total depth of your stacked items as described in the practical guide above.
– Check that all items are completely dry. Dampness trapped inside a frame leads to mould and irreversible damage.
– Write a brief note about the story behind each item. This helps the framer understand the sentimental value and handle everything with appropriate care.
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## Expert Tips – Designing a Layout That Tells a Story
A well-designed box frame does more than hold objects—it communicates a narrative. Start by identifying the emotional centre of your collection. For a military service frame, the medal might sit at the centre with a folded flag behind it and a photograph of the service member in the corner. For a baby’s first year, arrange items chronologically from left to right: the hospital bracelet, a tiny sock, the first birthday candle.
### Layering Techniques for Depth and Interest
Use small risers or foam blocks to elevate certain items above others. This creates a three-dimensional effect that draws the eye across the composition. Place flat items like photographs toward the back and bulkier objects toward the front. Avoid overcrowding—negative space is not wasted space; it gives each item room to breathe.
### Colour Coordination
Choose a backing colour that complements rather than competes with your items. Neutral tones like cream, grey, or soft blue work universally. Dark backgrounds, such as deep navy or charcoal, make metallic objects like medals or jewellery pop. White backgrounds suit light, airy collections like wedding memorabilia.
> **Expert Tip:** Ask your framer to keep the original mounting pins and fittings in a sealed bag inside the back of the frame. This makes future re-mounting or restoration much easier without damaging the frame itself.
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## Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Online
Ordering a personalised box frame without seeing it in person can feel risky, but most problems are entirely avoidable.
**Mistake #1 – Ignoring the Weight of Your Items.** Heavy objects can cause the backing board to sag over time. Always confirm with Kachingo that your chosen frame size and backing material can support the total weight. Metal items require reinforced backing.
**Mistake #2 – Choosing the Wrong Glass for the Room.** Placing a standard-glass frame in a sun-drenched living room guarantees faded colours within two years. Match the glass to the light conditions of the room where the frame will hang.
**Mistake #3 – Overcrowding the Frame.** A common urge is to include every single souvenir from an event. Editing your collection down to five or six meaningful items produces a far more striking display than cramming in twenty.
**Mistake #4 – Forgetting About Hanging Hardware.** Not all frames come with wall fittings included. Check the product details and order the appropriate hooks or wires separately if needed.
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