Discover 10 creative ways to showcase your family crest at home or as thoughtful gifts. Keep your family’s heritage alive with personalized decor, jewelry, wall art, and more.
The Significance of Family Crests
In this day and age, you might wonder what the point is in having a coat of arms. No one wears plate armor or fancy shields anymore - thankfully we don't need them!
But if you’re familiar with how family crests and coats of arms came about, you’d know that they were originally used to identify knights so they've always been connected with honor and prestige.
Eventually, after they were used by royalty they gradually spread throughout society around the 13th century.
In short, a coat of arms is to the eye what a name is to the ear. It’s like a name so to speak and we can all take pride in ours. Just like how knights can tell allies and enemies apart just by taking a glance at the crest.
Why Your Family Crest Deserves a Spotlight
If you look around at many local companies and even more prestigious universities, having a coat of arms gives a sense of pride. It’s a subtle yet impactful way of showing where you come from.
People naturally appreciate feeling at home knowing they’re connected to something bigger. Much like the persisting logos of long-standing companies, family crests and coats of arms are symbols that will stand the test of time.
Besides, if your family name happens to have a connection to royalty, having a family crest on display is like subtly flaunting a crown without actually wearing one 👑.
9 Creative ways to display family crest at home
Family crests have been cherished symbols of lineage and pride for centuries, and different cultures have developed unique ways to display them.
In Scotland, a family member might wear their crest by strapping it in a buckle like a badge. Because it 's being displayed in a smaller medium, there might be some differences in detail, such as exact placement and details of symbols on the crest but it's very much a nod to the original crest design.
While a buckle is a very traditional way to display your crest outside North America. there are so many ways to show off your family crest for those closer to home —from home decor to jewelry—while keeping those traditions alive with a personal twist.
Let’s explore some creative ways to showcase your family crest and heritage in modern settings.
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Wall art and frames
This is a classic way to display your family crest. Simply pick a frame and place it in a focal point of your home.
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Engraved decorations
Engraving your coat of arms or family crest onto wood plaques, door signs, and other textiles can really personalize your home or office.
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Fabrics
Items like doormats at the entrance to your home or pillows on the couch can be used for embroidery or printing your designs.
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Functional Items
Even everyday items like coffee mugs, tote bags, and water bottles are perfect for displaying your crest, as they are always in sight.
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Jewelry
It can be so easy to make your family crest into an elegant statement piece by engraving it onto your jewelry (pendant, rings, cufflinks, etc.).
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Clothing
Embroidering or printing your family crest or coat of arms onto t-shirts, neckties, and blazer pockets can also be a cool way to add a little flair to your wardrobe.
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Stationary and Office Items
These could be customizing a regal family crest wax seal stamp, letterheads, or custom coasters.
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Personalized Items
For a more luxurious touch, consider customizing chess pieces and keepsake boxes featuring your family crest. Bronze plaques and picture frames are also perfect as wedding and anniversary gifts.
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Modern Gifts
If you prefer a practical yet cool way to showcase your heritage, consider printing your family crest on phone cases, pop sockets, or stickers.
Bringing Your Family Crest Ideas to Life
Before you decide how you’d like to display your family crest, make sure you have the right one to begin with! After all, it should reflect your actual heritage based on verified heraldic records.
Our heraldic experts can take care of everything, from researching your heraldic records to designing and printing your very own family crest.
Make your Family Crest Part of Your Story
By incorporating your family crest or coat of arms in your home and giving it as a unique feature in gifts, you’re keeping your family’s history alive for future generations.
More than that, the tradition of coats of arms dates back centuries. You’re carrying it with you today—a constant reminder that you’re part of something rich and enduring.