Vintage matchbooks, once tossed aside, become colorful time capsules when arranged in a shadowbox.
The bold graphics and retro typography instantly catch the eye, adding character to your space.
Once framed, it’s no longer just a collection—it’s art, rich with charm and personality.
Materials Needed
- 15-20 vintage matchbooks (standard 2” × 2.5” size)
- 1 shadowbox frame (16” × 20” recommended, depth 1.5”)
- Neutral background fabric or paper (16” × 20” sheet)
- Strong double-sided craft tape or archival glue
- Ruler and pencil
- Tweezers for precise placement
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Lay out your matchbooks on a flat surface and experiment with different arrangements—grid, staggered, or even a circular pattern.
Step 2: Cut and secure your background fabric or paper inside the shadowbox frame. Choose a neutral shade so the colors of the matchbooks stand out.
Step 3: Attach each matchbook using double-sided tape or archival glue. Be sure to press gently so they stay flat without damaging the covers.
Step 4: Once all are in place, check spacing with a ruler to keep the layout even. Small tweaks can make a big difference.
Step 5: Close up the frame, hang it on the wall, and admire how these little keepsakes have transformed into a piece of art.
Notes:
If your matchbooks are fragile, consider scanning or photocopying them and framing the prints instead, this way you protect the originals while still enjoying the designs.