Displays for Small Tables

Frequently small or busy craft fairs provide a relatively a small space or table to display your glass.  This means you need to make an impact with little area in which to do it.

There is also guidance elsewhere, but these are some basic ideas to get you started thinking about how to use the space you have and make your presentation stand out.

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Make your display like a shop window display

Think about how a shop with small windows works to display things to attract your attention.  Use your stand to display a single theme or style (sometimes called a brand).  Present your key pieces in a complementary but muted background.  Co-ordinate colour, or shape, or function.  Do not put everything out at once.  Give each of your glass pieces space.  Keep extra stock behind or under the table to meet the need for different colours, sizes or shapes.  Give your pieces space to be appreciated individually. The more unity you can give to your display, the more chance you will get the attention your glass deserves.

Be imaginative in your use of display materials

Think about props you have around the studio or in your home that can complement your glass.  Look for things that fit your style of work, or the theme you are presenting.  It is the unusual, but complementary coverings and props that can help you stand out from the other displays.

Height provides interest and space

You might consider a self-supporting stand that can be placed on the table and provide shelves for your glass – as long as they are stable.  You can drape appropriately sized boxes that you brought the stock in to give height to the display.  If the boxes are appropriate, you can use them bare as platforms or shelves, depending on the arrangement.  Always think about ways to build higher, but secure, displays for your glass.  After all glass looks best with light coming through rather than flat on a table.

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Make your display fit the glass you make

Think about what is needed to show your glass off to its best.  Mostly this will be vertical with light filtering through.  Vertical light behind or in front of the glass is good.  This is to avoid dazzling the visitor rather than displaying the glass.  It may be that jewellery is best flat, although earrings can be stunning with light behind.  You can consider constructing something that does not need a table.  Look for inspiration at the kinds of displays used by retailers to save space.

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Create the illusion of space

Use light colours for table coverings and display materials.  It gives a sense of space, that black does not. Using the same colour throughout gives a sense of unity in the display.

Tablecloths are most often used because they are easy to transport, but they are not the only portable material to use.  You could consider rolls of paper, foam board, and other materials to give a clean minimalist base for the display.

What more could be done with that space behind?
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Space behind your stall

Often there is a backing to the stall.  Make use of it if it is there.  You need to determine in advance from the organisers what backing there is to the stall you will be allocated.  If there is a wall or other partition, make sure you leave it as you found it.  You can also think about providing your own stall backing with the organiser’s permission.   Using the back of the stall increases the space you have to display your glass.

There are many ways to utilise small spaces at craft fairs. Your imagination will be the only limit.  Think of shop displays, build up, give your glass space, ensure good lighting, use the back of your space.