How to Frame and Display Your Completed Puzzles

Imagine the sense of accomplishment when the last piece of a Nautilus Puzzle clicks into place—a masterpiece crafted not just by the artist but by your patience and effort. Each puzzle tells a story, reflecting both the intricate design of the puzzle and the personal journey of completing it. To frame completed puzzles is more than just a way to preserve your hard work—it’s an opportunity to transform it into a timeless décor element that enhances your living space. 

Whether you’re looking to commemorate family bonding time, celebrate a personal achievement, or simply display a favorite design, framing your puzzles is a creative and practical choice. Why let that story sit in a box when it can take a place of pride in your home as a cherished piece of art?

Why Frame Completed Puzzles?

To frame completed puzzles isn’t just about preservation; it’s about elevating the artistry and effort that went into creating them. With Nautilus Puzzles’ heirloom-quality craftsmanship and intricate designs, your finished puzzle is more than a pastime—it’s a work of art that deserves to be admired year-round.

By framing your puzzles, you protect them from damage over time, such as wear, dust, or fading, ensuring they remain as vibrant as the day you complete them. Beyond practicality, framed puzzles become a sntimental keepsake, marking a moment of mindfulness or family connection. Whether you choose a bold statement piece for your living room or a cozy accent for your home office, your framed puzzle adds warmth and personality to any space.

Essential Materials for Framing Puzzles

To achieve a professional and polished look for your framed puzzle, it’s important to use the right materials. Selecting high-quality tools preserves your completed puzzle and enhances its display, ensuring it becomes a timeless centerpiece in your home. Below, we outline the essential materials you’ll need and provide creative alternatives to gluing. 

1. Backing Boards

Backing boards, such as foam or sturdy cardboard, provide the necessary support for your puzzle. Acid-free foam boards are particularly effective for maintaining vibrant colors and preventing long-term discoloration. They’re ideal for puzzles like those in the Photography Wooden Puzzles Collection, where natural tones deserve to be preserved for display.

2. Adhesive tape

Use clear packing tape or adhesive puzzle strips to keep your wooden puzzle together. Peel-and-stick adhesive puzzle sheets are easy, quick, and mess-free, ensuring your puzzle is preserved without glue that can potentially damage the image of your puzzle.

3. Frames

Frames are not just functional but an extension of your puzzle’s artistry. Adjustable frames or shadow boxes offer flexibility, while custom frames can elevate the display to gallery-like standards. Shadow boxes also add depth to your display, making them ideal for puzzles with vibrant or intricate designs, such as those in the 21st Century Puzzles Collection.

For shadow box displays, use sticky Velcro buttons to “float” the puzzle and eliminate the need for exact sizing.

• Consider affordable options for Velcro dots.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Frame and Display Your Completed Puzzles

For puzzle enthusiasts who prefer to preserve the integrity of their puzzles for future reassembly or sharing, framing without glue is an excellent option. This method ensures your puzzle remains reusable while allowing you to display it beautifully.

1. Prepare the Puzzle for Framing

To frame completed puzzles, flip your completed puzzle over to work on the back. To do this safely, slide the puzzle onto a thick, sturdy piece of cardboard. Place another piece of cardboard on top, hold them tightly together, and carefully flip the puzzle over. Cover the back of the puzzle with clear packing tape, adhesive puzzle sheets (like those from Eurographics), or contact paper to hold the pieces together securely.

2. Select Your Frame

Choose a shadow box frame for added depth and a professional finish. Shadow boxes are ideal because they don’t require exact sizing, making them versatile for puzzles of different dimensions. Use sticky Velcro buttons or strips to attach the puzzle to the fabric backing of the shadow box. The Velcro allows you to “float” the puzzle in the frame, creating a three-dimensional effect.

3. Position the Puzzle in the Frame

Place the puzzle inside the shadow box and adjust its position until it’s centered and visually appealing. The Velcro buttons make it easy to reposition the puzzle if needed. Close the frame securely, ensuring the puzzle is protected and stable.

4. Display Your Puzzle

Hang the framed puzzle on a wall or place it on a tabletop easel for an elegant display. Avoid direct sunlight to preserve the colors and prevent fading. For a rotating display, swap out puzzles seasonally or as you complete new ones from collections like the Winter Wooden Puzzles Collection or the Travel Wooden Puzzles Collection.

Creative Display Options for Puzzles

Some creative ways to display and frame completed puzzles include shadow box displays, tabletop easels, and wall-mounted frames. 

1. Shadow Box Displays

Shadow boxes provide a sophisticated way to display puzzles, offering flexibility and a unique three-dimensional effect. They are especially well-suited for larger puzzles or designs with intricate detail.

2. Tabletop Easels

Consider displaying your framed puzzle on a tabletop easel for a portable, adjustable option. This approach works beautifully for smaller spaces or as a rotating display for different puzzles throughout the year. You can find options at Amazon: Tabletop Display Easels.

3. Wall-Mounted Frames

Transform your puzzle into a focal point by hanging it in a wall-mounted frame. Position the frame in a well-lit area to highlight the design, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Maintenance Tips for Framed Puzzles

To keep your framed puzzles looking their best, follow these simple maintenance tips:
Avoid hanging framed puzzles in direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• Dust frames regularly with a soft cloth to maintain a clean, polished look.
• Consider using UV-protective glass for an added layer of protection against light damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Frame Wooden Puzzles?

Yes, wooden puzzles, including those from Nautilus Puzzles, can be framed beautifully to highlight their intricate craftsmanship. 

Do You Recommend Gluing a Wooden Puzzle When Framing?

No. Nautilus Puzzles does not recommend gluing wooden puzzles. The seams between the pieces allow the glue to seep through, potentially ruining the puzzle’s image. Instead, consider framing without glue using adhesive sheets.

Can I Frame Completed Puzzles Without Glue?

Yes, adhesive sheets and Velcro strips are excellent alternatives. Adhesive sheets offer a smooth application, while Velcro strips provide the flexibility to remove and reposition your puzzle.

These methods are ideal for preserving the unique designs of wooden puzzles like those in the Modern Art Puzzles Collection or the Impressionist Collection. These options ensure you can display your puzzle without compromising its integrity or versatility.

Are Custom Frames Necessary?

Adjustable frames or shadow boxes often provide a more flexible and affordable alternative to custom framing. Shadow boxes, in particular, add depth and dimension, making them an excellent choice for puzzles with thicker pieces, such as those in the Easy Grip (Larger Pieces) Puzzles Collection. 

For a tailored aesthetic, explore custom framing options for puzzles that deserve a prominent place in your home, like those from the Fine Art Puzzles Collection. These choices ensure your framed puzzle complements your décor while protecting your hard work.