How To Design A Shop Window Display

1) Plinths, cubes and crates

For many businesses, plinths and display cubes are a key part of their window display props as they are ideal for displaying products or mannequins.

Try using these in different materials for different themes, e.g. wood for rustic decor, wire for an industrial quality, or acrylic for a modern and sleek look. Bright colours suggest a fun and modern style.

2) Digital screens

Digital screens have been proven to increase footfall and brand awareness. The bright moving images are incredibly eye-catching and can grab attention even from right across the street.

A High-Brightness Window Screen is perfect for outward-facing windows, as they have bright, sharp images, even in direct sunlight. These screens are available in a wide variety of sizes and fixing options.

3) Posters and signs

Posters and signs are important for conveying essential information such as opening hours, store rules, sale information. Using an illuminated hanging sign helps to brighten windows, especially during late hours.

Window posters are also a great chance to display attractive graphics and promotional information to draw in opportunistic bargain hunter types.

4) Cable and rod displays

These are increasingly popular in many business types due to their ability to display multiple images at once, maximising on display space. While they are traditionally popular for showcasing properties in estate agencies, they are also often used by hairdressers, beauticians and travel agents to attract customers using images of services or destinations offered.

Cable and rod window displays are often available with LED lighting to make sure the display has a really high quality attractive appearance at all hours.

LED-lit signs are great for businesses with visible window displays at night-time to ensure they get noticed no matter the hour. LED-lit window signs add a warm, inviting glow to a business which is ideal for attracting footfall during winter.

5) Mannequins

Mannequins are an important part of any window display supplies, often used in garment retail as it is important for customers to imagine how the garments might look on them. Customers can more easily picture themselves or their family wearing clothing when it is displayed on a mannequin which is depicted participating in a relevant activity.

For example, sportswear displayed on a mannequin fixed in a running position or yoga pose might appeal to the sportswear shopper more than if the mannequin were just standing stiffly upright. Or, a pyjama display may be more appealing when displayed on mannequins that are laying on a bed, with window display props such as a book or lamp. This is why mannequins are available in such a wide variety of styles.

Focal point

Firstly, all window displays should have a focal point. This is the dominant element of your display, and often the main merchandise on show, for example, a product on a plinth, or a floor to ceiling poster showing trending items.

Alternatively, a more creative, unexpected prop could be used as the main focal point in order to first grab attention, and then direct it to your products.

Optical balance

Optical balance is an important consideration when generating shop window display ideas.

Symmetrical (or formal) balance can be pleasing to the eye, creating an order that the brain can instinctively process.

Conversely, asymmetrical balance is an informal style and has the element of surprise.

Depth and layering

Experienced window dressers employ depth and layering to displays, which is visually appealing and helps to draw the eye. Varied textures and adjustable lighting is an easy way to enhance this.

The type of retail window you are displaying in must be considered first though, as an open backed window will allow customers to see right into the shop.

Pyramid grouping

Props and products are grouped into a pyramid style, with the intention of quickly drawing the eye to a main focal point, then leading onto the surrounding display items.

Repetition grouping

Multiples of the same or similar products are placed together to create a stronger impact. With this style however, focal points must be considered thoroughly.

How often should you change your window displays?

• Most sources will recommend that window dressings should be changed at least once per key season, however, changing them too often can be costly and confusing.


• There are some low or no-cost ways to refresh displays in between major dressings, such as rearranging some of the key items. This can be done as regularly as every week, or every day.


• Repositioning a single prop or adding new accessories to a mannequin is enough to freshen up the display a little so as not to bore everyday viewers.

So they're in store, now what?

It would be too easy to spend all your time, effort and budget on window advertising, and end up neglecting your in-store point of sale.

Making the in-store experience match the expectations that have been built from the external signage should be a high priority, including the shop theme and atmosphere.

If specific products or offers have been advertised outside, make sure that they're are easy to find upon entering the store.

Also, consider routing the customer pathway in-store to make them pass more enticing merchandising displays and add-on items on their way to the checkout.