Collecting enamel pins is easy. Displaying them? That’s where the fun begins! Whether you’ve got Disney park memories, indie artist pins, or con exclusives, your collection deserves a display that’s as awesome as the pins themselves. In this guide, we’ll walk through enamel pin display ideas that look great in your home, protect your collection, and can grow with you. Every idea includes storage picks you can grab on Amazon or eBay now — and room to swap in craft‑store options (like Michaels) once we’re approved.
✨ Why Display Matters
Cork is a pin collector’s best friend: easy to push, easy to rearrange, and endlessly customizable. Slip a cork board into a decorative frame, or wrap it in fabric that matches your room. With varying options in size, shape, and display style, cork boards are a fantastic idea for kids’ rooms, craft rooms, or hallway gallery walls.
• Multiple options available on Amazon
• Many styles are also available on eBay.
Tip: Use painter’s tape to block off “sections” for characters, parks, or events.
🖼️ 2. Shadow Box Displays (Gallery‑Style)
When you want a more polished look, shadow boxes turn pins into art. Add felt, cork sheet, or foam inside the box so pins stay upright. These look great in living rooms, offices, and collector corners — especially for limited editions or completed sets.
Try: Deep shadow box frame (various sizes) with removable back.
• We suggest something similar to this one on Amazon.
• eBay has tons of Shadowboxes for sale
Style Move: Group 3 boxes in a vertical row — one per theme.
🎒 3. Display Backpacks You Can Hang
Display backpacks (aka ita bags) let you wear your collection at events and then hang the bag at home like décor. Look for bags with a clear front panel and removable pin insert so you can change themes fast.
Search: Pin Collector Display Backpack.
• Keep it cute like this Cherry Sauce Ita Bag
• Find themed ita bags, like this Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars) backpack, no longer in stores on eBay.
Bonus: Hang it on a decorative wall hook by your door — instant conversation piece.
🏷️ 4. Themed Lanyards as Wall Strips
Got extra lanyards from parks or events? Turn them into vertical mini displays. Mount 2–3 decorative hooks in a row and hang lanyards with your favorite traders or seasonal pins. Great for narrow wall space, dorm rooms, or office corners.
Try: Wonderland‑style Retractable Lanyard (fun pattern + breakaway clasp).
• Available here on Amazon.
• Or on eBay
Pro Move: Color‑code lanyards by collection — heroes, villains, holiday pins, etc.
📖 5. Pin Storage Books (Portable + Organized)
If you trade regularly (parks, meets, mail swaps), a pin storage book or folio keeps traders safe and sorted. Foam or felt pages protect enamel surfaces and help prevent posts from bending. Store by theme, duplicate traders, or “keepers vs. traders.”
Try: Soft‑page pin trading book / folio case.
• This book on Amazon opens up and can be hung on your wall for display!
• We did the searching for you on eBay
On the Go: Slip a small pin book into your park backpack for quick swaps.
🧵 6. DIY Fabric Frames (Low‑Cost + Custom Colors)
Stretch fabric over foam board or cork and pop it into a thrifted or painted frame. Use linen for a clean look, themed fabric for character displays, or seasonal prints for rotating holiday pins. The possibilities go only as far as your imagination. This is also one of the cheapest ways to create custom pin boards in any size.
Supplies to Grab: Foam sheet, cotton fabric, staple gun, frame.
• Crafting Fabric can be found in abundance on Amazon
• Don’t for get a good foam base!
DIY Tip: Pre‑poke holes with a large needle if the fabric weave is tight.
🧠 Quick Comparison: Which Display Fits You?
| Display Type | Best For | Skill Level | Portability | Looks Like Décor? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cork Board | Big collections | Easy | Low | ✅ With frame |
| Shadow Box | LE / showcase pins | Easy-Med | Low | ✅✅ Elegant |
| Display Backpack | Wear + hang | Easy | High | ✅ Fun/accent |
| Lanyards | Traders / seasonal | Easy | Med | ✅ Casual |
| Pin Book | Active traders | Easy | High | ❌ (storage) |
| DIY Fabric Frame | Theme styling | Medium | Low | ✅✅ Custom |
🎯 Final Thoughts
You don’t have to choose just one display style. Many collectors mix a wall board for keepers, a lanyard or pouch for traders, and a display backpack for park days. Start small, experiment, and let your collection guide the look.