Custom Awards & Corporate Plaques – Sustainable Wooden Recognition, Made in Ireland

Custom Wood Designs creates bespoke awards, plaques and medals that feel as meaningful as the achievement. Hand-finished in Dublin using FSC-certified timbers (oak, birch ply, beech) with precision laser engraving From one-off centrepieces to 500+ unit rollouts, we blend craft, brand consistency, and sustainability.

Bespoke wooden awards and plaques, made in Ireland. FSC timber, laser engraving, Pantone/RAL matching. One-off to 500+ units. Fast 3–4 week lead times.


Custom Awards & Plaques

Custom Awards & Plaques

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The Art of Designing Wooden Permanent Display Units: Tips and Tricks - Custom Wood Designs

The Art of Designing Wooden Permanent Display Units: Tips and Tricks

Designing a wooden permanent display unit can be a challenging and rewarding experience for any designer. While wooden display units offer a natural and timeless appeal, they also require careful attention to detail to ensure that they are both functional and visually appealing. Here are some tips and tricks for designing wooden permanent display units that will make an impact in any space.

  1. Research Your Space: Before designing a wooden permanent display unit, it's important to research the space in which it will be located. Take note of the dimensions, lighting, and existing decor to ensure that your design complements the space and stands out.

  2. Know Your Audience: Understanding your target audience is crucial in designing a display unit that resonates with them. Consider the age, gender, and interests of your audience when designing your display unit.

  3. Functionality Comes First: While the visual appeal of your display unit is important, it's crucial to prioritize functionality. Consider the size and weight of your products, as well as any accessibility or safety concerns, when designing your display unit.

  4. Think Outside the Box: Wooden permanent display units offer a variety of design possibilities. Consider unique shapes, angles, or textures to create a display unit that stands out and adds visual interest to your space.

  5. Add Lighting: Lighting can play a key role in drawing attention to your display unit. Consider incorporating lighting into your design to highlight certain areas or products, or to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

  6. Consider Sustainable Materials: Sustainable and eco-friendly materials are becoming increasingly popular in the design world. Consider using reclaimed or recycled wood to create a display unit that is both visually appealing and environmentally responsible.

  7. Use Color Strategically: Color can impact the mood and feel of your space. Consider using color strategically to create a cohesive and impactful display unit that complements your brand and products.

  8. Keep It Simple: While it may be tempting to add too many details to your display unit, keeping it simple can often be more effective. A simple, minimalist design can draw attention to your products and create a clean and organized appearance.

Designing a wooden permanent display unit requires careful attention to detail and a balance of form and function. By researching your space, knowing your audience, prioritizing functionality, thinking outside the box, adding lighting, considering sustainable materials, using color strategically, and keeping it simple, you can create a display unit that stands out and makes an impact in any space.

Bespoke wooden awards and plaques, made in Ireland.

Premium, sustainable recognition pieces for corporate, hospitality & events

Custom Wood Designs creates bespoke awards, plaques and medals that feel as meaningful as the achievement. Hand-finished in Dublin using FSC-certified timbers (oak, birch ply, beech) with precision laser engraving and UV colour printing. From one-off centrepieces to 500+ unit rollouts, we blend craft, brand consistency, and sustainability.

Why choose our awards


  • Sustainable materials: FSC wood, water-based lacquers, low-waste production

  • Brand-perfect finishes: laser engraving, UV print, paint-fill, RAL/Pantone colour matching

  • Any format: desk awards, wall plaques, wall medals, trophy blocks, certificate frames

  • Fully custom: sizes, shapes, stains, inserts, mixed materials (wood + glass/acrylic accents)

  • Personalisation at scale: names, categories & numbering via CSV/Excel import

  • Made in Ireland: fast, reliable lead times and worldwide shipping

Popular styles


  • Solid Oak Block Awards — timeless, weighty, engraved or printed front face

  • Wall Plaques — oak/birch with hidden fixings; ideal for reception or back-bar walls

  • Tiered/Layered Awards — laser-cut face plates for depth, colour and contrast

  • Medals & Wall Medals — wooden medallions with ribbons or wall-mount sets

  • Eco Recognition Sets — plaque + certificate frame + gift box for premium presentation

Finishes & options


  • Natural, smoked, walnut, black or white stains; clear matte/satin lacquer

  • Laser engraving, spot-colour paint-fill, UV full-colour print, metal/acrylic badges

  • Edge profiles (bevel/chamfer/radius), hidden keyhole hangers for plaques


Gift packaging: branded boxes, kraft sleeves, foam fitments

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