6 Craft Show Display Tips for Small Spaces

6 Craft Show Display Tips for Small Spaces

Craft show displays can be challenging especially if your vendor space is small.

I was recently a vendor at a fundraiser craft show. I had no idea what the space was going to be like, just that I would be provided with an 8 foot table. I took my shelving unit, crates and everything I normally take just in case. When I got there, it literally was just tables lined up next to each other!

So I thought OK I’m just going to have to make the best of it, all the other vendors are in the same boat as I am. That meant no space for the shelving unit. I thought I would share with you how I made due with this small space.

(The reason I have two pictures showing my table display is because there wasn’t space for me to stand back far enough for it to fit in one picture.)

For more craft show booth ideas and tips, check out our post Craft Show Booth Display Tips.

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Add some height

You’ll want to add some height to your display. When a craft show takes place in one big room (in this case a basketball gym), people tend to look around the room first before they start shopping individual booths. If you have items displayed that they can see from across the room, they will most likely want to stop at your booth and see what else you have. I use wood crates to add height. You can place items on top of the crates as well an inside the crates.

Use a dress form

Another item I take to all my craft shows is my dress form. It can be a pain to transport, but I think it really makes a difference. It shows people what the item actually will look like if you wear them. I use it for my aprons, scarves, and sling / hipster bags.

Why not a coat rack?

I always use a coat rack to display my handbags with the longer straps and my aprons. It provides height as well. A coat rack can also be a pain to transport, but if you can find one that comes apart, it’s definitely easier!

Necklace display bar

A necklace display bar is a creative way to display items other than necklaces! I use one to hang display my wristlets. The display bar is a good way to break up the display on the table too.

Break up the table display

Try to avoid just laying your items all over the table. For one thing, it’s boring and for another, you need to break the items up. Try grouping them by category – I use an wrought iron basket to group all of my small zipper pouches together and another one for my checkbook covers. Get creative!

Display your business name

Be sure to display your business name so everyone can read it and know who you are. When I first started doing craft shows, I didn’t have my business name displayed. People always asked if I was “Thirty-One” or who I was. Now I have my business name and logo displayed in a frame on top of one of my crates and it adds some height and color!

I hope these tips have been helpful. It’s a work in progress. Believe me, my displays are far from perfect and I am always looking for ways to improve. Please feel free to share with me your craft show display ideas and successes.

6 Craft Show Display Tips for Small Spaces