The Best Way to Display Enamel Pins

Still wondering how to display enamel pins? This is very important because it enables you to enjoy them on a daily basis and also ensures that they are protected from damage and potential loss.

Therefore, whether it is a collector’s item or a custom design, enthusiasts love finding unique ways to display their pins.

Thus, in this guide, we will discuss the best methods of displaying enamel pins.

How to Use Enamel Pins: Wearable vs. Display vs. Storage

Collectors use enamel pins in three main ways. They include:

• Wearable Options: You can display your pins on jackets, backpacks, hats, and even shoes.
• Display Methods: Frames, pinboards, shadow boxes, and pegboards are ways to sort and appreciate your pins at home.
• Storage Solutions: Pin books, binders, or collector cases are the go-to choice if you have limited space or need to find a way to safely carry your pins with you.

Why Display Your Enamel Pins?

Beyond just organization, there are many other reasons to display your pins. Here’s why you should display your enamel pins:

• You can use them to show your personality and style. Every pin in your collection represents a certain interest, so you show the world who you are when you display them.
• Use it to arrange and keep track of your collection. It can be quite helpful to have a well-thought-out display to be able to see all of your pins at once.
• Protection against damage and loss. Proper displays protect your pins from scratches, tarnishing, and misplacement.

Top 10 Creative Ways to Display Enamel Pins

Now, let’s look at these top 10 creative ways to display your enamel pins:

#1. Cork or Fabric Boards – Classic and Customizable

A simple corkboard or a fabric-covered foam board is easy to pin into because of its soft surface. The pins are usually secure and won’t fall out easily.

You can hang the board on the wall and then fill it with your pins. This usually makes an eye-catching collage.

Cork boards often come in different sizes and forms. So it's easy to find something suitable for your space. Many collectors sort the pins by theme or color on the board to make a pleasing display.

If you are not fond of the cork look, you can always put a cloth on it or paint it.

#2. Shadow Boxes – Protection for Special Pins

If you’re worried about dust or damage, a shadow box is an excellent display choice. A shadow box is a deep frame with a felt or foam backing that you can pin your enamel pins onto and a glass or acrylic front that latches closed.

Shadow boxes are great if you have valuable or rare pins. These could be for limited editions or pins with delicate parts. That’s because the pins are enclosed and won’t fall or get scratched.

They usually come in various sizes, and many can hold dozens of pins. You can hang a shadow box on the wall or set it on a shelf.

#3. Framed Canvas or Corkboard – Turns Your PIN Collection Into Wall Art

You can transform a simple picture frame into a stylish enamel pin display. All you need is a deep frame or a shadow box frame and a pin-friendly backing inside it.

For the backing, you could choose cork, foam, or canvas. You then pin your enamel pins onto the backing and close up the frame.

This method is great for showing off a curated set of pins—such as all pins from one artist or theme—in a visually appealing way.

With a bit of DIY, even a regular photo frame can be modified to hold pins. For instance, you can remove the glass, insert a corkboard cut to size, and then pin your collection to it.

#4. Embroidery Hoops with Fabric – Trendy and DIY-Friendly

If you haven’t seen it yet, an embroidery hoop wrapped with cloth can make a charming display for your enamel pins.

Crafters use hoops to hold the fabric taut for stitching, and that same setup works perfectly for pins.

To make one, you just need to;

• Choose a fabric you like. This can be felt, canvas, or cotton—all work well.
• Stretch it in an embroidery hoop
• Pin your enamel pins through the fabric.

The tension of the cloth will hold the pins in place. This method is DIY-friendly and very customizable.

For instance, you can use fabric that complements your pins —a galaxy print behind space-themed pins or a solid color to make colorful pins pop.

You can hang them on the wall or prop them up on a shelf.

#5. Custom Wooden or Acrylic Stands – Perfect for Themed or Minimalistic Collections

Consider using a stand designed for pins for a tabletop or shelf display. There are custom wooden stands—often with drilled holes or grooves for pin posts—and clear acrylic stands that can hold pins upright.

These pin stands are perfect for highlighting a themed set or a few favorite pins in a minimalist way.

For example, a laser-cut wooden stand in the shape of a logo or an object, like a mini easel or a character outline, can match the theme of the pins displayed.

Acrylic stands often come as transparent boards with pin-sized holes and a base to support them. They let your pins appear to “float” and are great for display cases or desktops.

#6. Pegboards & Wire Grids – A Modern and Flexible Display Choice

Pegboards and wire grid panels make trendy displays for enamel pins. You can mount a metal grid or a wooden pegboard on the wall and arrange your pins across it.

The metal grid style, which looks like a mesh or grid of squares, often requires using magnetic backs or hanging clips for pins since the pin posts may not fit through the metal mesh without a backing. With magnetic pin backs, you can stick your pins on a metal grid or even directly on a refrigerator or metal surface.

Pegboards have pre-drilled holes that, in many cases, can fit pin posts—you secure the pin with its cap behind the board.

#7. DIY Magnetic Boards – For Making Repositioning Easy

The idea behind magnetic boards is to use magnets instead of pin clutches. So, you just need to simply replace the back of each pin with a small strong magnet, then stick the pins onto any magnetic surface. This could be a metal board, fridge, or magnetic sheet.

The setup holds the pins securely and makes it extremely easy to move them around, take them off to wear, and then put them back.

You can buy magnetic backing replacements for enamel pins attached to the pin post.

Once you have those, get a magnetic memo board or paint a section of a wall with magnetic paint to create your display.

This method avoids any wear on the pins from repeated pinning and unpinning. That’s because nothing penetrates the pins or board.

#8. Glass Cases or Cabinets – Museum-Style Protection for Serious Collectors

If you are a serious collector or you just have lots of valuable pins, you can invest in a glass-front case or cabinet. These are like larger versions of shadow boxes or small curio cabinets, typically wall-mountable or standing. Many usually have multiple rows or shelves inside and a transparent door that can lock.

A pin display case cabinet lets you organize a large number of pins securely under one roof. For example, a wooden display cabinet with a felt backing might hold 50–100 pins.

This keeps your pins safe from dust and curious hands and is perfect for showcasing prized collections like vintage or Disney pin sets.

You can arrange pins by category on different shelves or sections. Some cabinets come with built-in LED lights to illuminate the pins inside.

#9. Pin Books & Collector Albums – Great for Safe Storage While Keeping Pins Accessible

Not all displays have to be on the wall or shelf. Pin books and albums let you organize and flip through your collection like a photo album. These are typically binders or books with special pages—often felt, foam, or plastic—where you can pin your enamel pins.

Each page holds a batch of pins, and you can turn the pages to view different parts of your collection. Pin books are fantastic for keeping pins safe (the soft pages prevent scratching) while still allowing you to enjoy them.

Pin books and albums are also portable. This means that you can easily bring your pin collection to trade events or meetups.

#10. On Everyday Items (Hats, Bags, Shoes) – A Fun and Practical Way to Wear Your Collection

One of the most enjoyable ways to display pins is to wear them daily. By pinning them to everyday items like your hats, bags, or even sneakers, you become a walking pin display.

For instance, you can decorate a canvas tote or a denim backpack with a selection of your favorite pins.

Many people adorn baseball caps or beanies with a couple of enamel pins for a personal touch. Even shoes can be jazzed up. You could attach a pin to the laces or the side of a canvas shoe (just be careful it won’t poke your foot).

Brands have caught on to this trend, too. You’ll see jackets or jeans covered in pins used as store displays or worn at conventions.  

Choose the Best Way to Display and Protect Your Enamel Pins

Here are some tips to choose what’s best for you and to keep your pins in great shape:

Consider Your Lifestyle and Collection Size

If you like to wear pins when you are active outside, then focus on small and wearable displays like jackets, bags, or hats, and maybe use a pinboard at home for the ones that are not used.

But if you like your pins as decorations, go for wall displays like boards or frames that suit your space.

Mix and Match Methods:

There is no general approach. Thus, you should try different ways of displaying and storing your pins to see what works best for you.

You can also change the pins you display depending on the season or event. This helps to keep your collection always up to date.

Final Thoughts

Displaying your enamel pins is all about celebrating what you love creatively. And as we’ve demonstrated, you have plenty of options to try out, whether that’s the classic corkboard or some DIY solutions.

Just remember to keep your pins protected so they’ll last for years. You can go for simple precautions like using better backs, avoiding constant re-pinning, and keeping them clean.

For more enamel pin ideas, designs, and display inspiration, check out VIVIPINS. We offer custom enamel pin services and provide a wide range of resources to help you enjoy your collection.