Plaques are more than just pieces of wood with some words on them. They are expressions of your personality, your achievements, your values, and your style. Whether you want to display a plaque in your home or office, you want to make sure it reflects who you are and what you stand for.
But how do you choose the right plaque design for your space? There are many factors to consider, such as the size, shape, color, material, font, and message of your plaque. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect plaque for your home or office.
Consider the purpose of your plaque
What do you want to communicate with your plaque? Is it a personal statement, professional recognition, a motivational quote, a family motto, or something else? Depending on the purpose of your plaque, you may want to choose a different design that suits your message. For example:
If you want to display a personal statement that reflects your values or beliefs, you may want to choose a simple and elegant design that showcases your words. You may also want to use a font that is easy to read and matches your personality. For instance, if you are a creative and artistic person, you may want to use a script or cursive font that adds some flair to your statement.
If you want to display a professional recognition that honors your achievements or contributions, you may want to choose a sophisticated and formal design that conveys respect and authority. You may also want to use a font that is bold and clear and matches your industry or field. For example, if you are an engineer or a scientist, you may want to use a serif or sans-serif font that looks professional and precise.
If you want to display a motivational quote that inspires you or others, you may want to choose an eye-catching and dynamic design that draws attention and curiosity. You may also want to use a font that is expressive and impactful and matches the tone of your quote. For instance, if you are using a humorous or witty quote, you may want to use a fun or quirky font that adds some humor or wit to your quote.
If you want to display a family motto that represents your heritage or culture, you may want to choose a traditional and meaningful design that shows pride and identity. You may also want to use a font that is classic and elegant and matches the language or origin of your motto. For example, if you are using an Irish or Gaelic motto, you may want to use a Celtic or Gaelic font that reflects the history and culture of your ancestors.
These are just some examples of how the purpose of your plaque can influence the design of your plaque. Of course, you can always mix and match different elements according to your preferences and creativity. The important thing is to choose a design that expresses what you want to say with your plaque.
Consider the location of your plaque
Where do you want to display your plaque? Is it on a wall, a desk, a shelf, or somewhere else? Depending on the location of your plaque, you may want to choose a different size and shape that fits your space. For example:
If you want to display your plaque on a wall, you may want to choose a large rectangular shape that fills up the wall space and creates a focal point. You may also want to consider the height and angle of the wall and how it affects the visibility and readability of your plaque. For instance, if you are displaying your plaque on a high or slanted wall, you may want to use larger fonts and brighter colors to make sure your plaque stands out.
If you want to display your plaque on a desk, you may want to choose a small and square shape that fits on the desk surface and does not take up too much space. You may also want to consider the distance and direction of the desk and how it affects the accessibility and attractiveness of your plaque. For example, if you are displaying your plaque on a near or front-facing desk, you may want to use smaller fonts and darker colors to make sure your plaque looks neat and professional.
If you want to display your plaque on a shelf, you may want to choose a medium and oval shape that balances on the shelf edge and does not fall off. You may also want to consider the depth and alignment of the shelf and how it affects the stability and symmetry of your plaque. For instance, if you are displaying your plaque on a deep or uneven shelf, you may want to use thicker wood or rubber pads to make sure your plaque stays in place.
These are just some examples of how the location of your plaque can influence the size and shape of your plaque. Of course, you can always adjust or modify different elements according to your needs and preferences. The important thing is to choose a size and shape that suits your space.
Consider the style of your space
What is the overall look and feel of your home or office? Is it modern and minimalist, traditional and elegant, rustic and cozy, or something else? Depending on the style of your space, you may want to choose a different color and material that matches your decor. For example:
If you want to display your plaque in a modern and minimalist space, you may want to choose a neutral and sleek color and material that blends in with your surroundings and creates a clean and simple look. You may also want to use a wood that is smooth and light, such as maple or birch, that adds some warmth and contrast to your space.
If you want to display your plaque in a traditional and elegant space, you may want to choose a rich and classic color and material that stands out from your surroundings and creates a refined and sophisticated look. You may also want to use a wood that is dark and heavy, such as walnut or mahogany, that adds some depth and character to your space.
If you want to display your plaque in a rustic and cozy space, you may want to choose a warm and natural color and material that complements your surroundings and creates a comfortable and inviting look. You may also want to use a wood that is rough and textured, such as pine or oak, that adds some charm and personality to your space.
These are just some examples of how the style of your space can influence the color and material of your plaque. Of course, you can always mix or match different elements according to your taste and creativity. The important thing is to choose a color and material that matches your decor.
Consider the quality of your plaque
You want to make sure that your plaque is made with high-quality materials that will last for years. You also want to make sure that your plaque is crafted with attention to detail and precision. That’s why we recommend Wild Woodworker’s finely crafted hardwood plaques. They are made with solid wood (from soft to exotic hardwoods) or MDF (medium-density fibreboard) that is smooth and beautiful to display. They also mount flush to any wall, so you don’t have to worry about nails or screws sticking out. For example:
If you want a plaque that will resist warping, cracking, fading, or peeling over time, you may want to choose either a hardwood or MDF that has a high durability and stability rating.
Hardwoods such as cherry or teak are strong and resilient because they have dense and tight fibers that hold their shape and color well under different environmental conditions. They can withstand changes in temperature and humidity without losing their quality or appearance.
MDF is also durable and stable because it is made of compressed wood fibers that are bonded with resin and wax. It can be coated with a protective layer of paint or laminate that prevents damage from moisture, heat, or UV rays.
If you want a plaque that will showcase your design with clarity and accuracy, you may want to choose either a hardwood or MDF that has a fine grain and texture.
Hardwoods such as maple or birch are smooth and uniform because they have small and even pores that allow for precise engraving or laser-cutting. They do not splinter or chip easily, which ensures a clean and accurate finish.
MDF is also smooth and uniform because it has no natural grain pattern or knots. It can be easily cut or shaped with a router or saw, which allows for flexible and creative designs.
If you want a plaque that will fit seamlessly on your wall without protruding or sagging, you may want to choose either a hardwood or MDF that has a low density and weight.
Hardwoods such as poplar, basswood, or Pine are light because they have low density and hardness ratings. They can be easily mounted with adhesive tape or Velcro strips, which do not require drilling holes in the wall or using heavy hardware.
MDF is also light because it has less mass than solid wood. It can be easily mounted with screws or nails, which do not stick out from the surface of the plaque or the wall.
These are just some examples of how the quality of your plaque can influence the choice of wood or MDF for your plaque. Of course, you can always consult with Wild Woodworker’s experts who can help you select the best material for your plaque based on your needs and preferences. The important thing is to choose a material that is high-quality and finely crafted.
Consider the personalization of your plaque
If you want to design your own plaque and make it unique and special, you should follow these tips:
Add a creative design that shows what your plaque is about, such as a logo, an image, or a symbol.
Select the font and style that match your personality and mood, such as a bold font for a strong statement, or a cursive font for a romantic one.
Save your design in vector format or high-resolution 300 dpi jpeg or png files.
These tips will help you create a distinctive and memorable plaque. You can submit your design to Wild Woodworker and we will make it for you. Alternatively, you can ask Wild Woodworker to design your plaque for you, but this will incur a design fee. Contact us today to order your personalized plaque.
If you follow these tips, you will be able to choose the right plaque design for your home or office. Plaques are not only decorative items, they are also meaningful expressions of yourself. So don’t settle for anything less than Wild Woodworker’s solid hardwood plaques for your display1. Order yours today at wildwoodworker.com!