How to design displays that fit effortlessly into your customers’ showrooms.

Reading time: 4 minutes

Even in the world of display solutions, less is more can become a golden rule.
In fact, many consider the ideal display to be one that occupies minimal space without sacrificing the number of samples on show, fitting seamlessly into virtually any retail environment.

Why is display optimization still a top priority for so many manufacturers and distributors?

The answer lies in the changes that have reshaped the retail and distribution sectors in recent years:

• medium-sized showrooms (150–400 sqm) and small spaces (under 100 sqm) are among the most common formats, increasing the demand for displays designed to fit into any linear layout, even the most compact ones;

• more and more building materials are being showcased in architecture studios and alternative sales points—such as hardware stores and independent building material retailers—often characterized by limited retail space;

• sales agents and promoters increasingly require compact, portable and easy-to-assemble structures that can accompany them during customer visits.

Alongside logistical requirements, aesthetic expectations also play a key role. Displays are expected to optimize product presentation while maintaining an elegant design and supporting clear, effective in-store communication.

Aware of these challenges, VEP87 has developed innovative structures that respond to the evolving needs of modern retail spaces.

Our NEXT furniture systems were created to replace traditional wooden and metal displays, often limited by bulky structures and heavy weights that make handling difficult for both warehouse staff and in-store operators.

Thanks to the design freedom offered by NEXT, in recent years we have designed and produced a wide range of space-saving displays, exploring innovative solutions that allow the highest number of references to be displayed in the smallest possible footprint.

Below are some tips our designers regularly share with clients when space and cost optimization become key requirements of a project.

📌 Think in terms of single displays that can be combined

Looking to optimize space? Modularity can be your winning card.

When a display setup needs to accommodate the widest possible range of references, it can be designed as a composition of multiple matching units—coherent and easily combinable—so that overall dimensions can be reduced whenever needed.

Using modular, combinable displays makes it possible to adapt the final layout to the available showroom space, offering maximum flexibility in product placement.

One key point to keep in mind: the visual identity of the displays must remain consistent, ensuring a strong and effective visual impact at all times.

Find the right starting inspiration by exploring some of the furniture solutions we have already designed for vinyl and parquet flooring.

📌 Create multitasking structures

In-store experiences are increasingly expected to be comprehensive. Customers want to view full-size formats, color samples and—why not—browse product catalogs or promotional materials.

For this reason, it is worth designing all-in-one solutions, where a single structure integrates compartments and shelves capable of holding small samples, original formats and additional materials at the same time.
One structure, one fully integrated experience.

One structure, delivering a fully integrated experience.

📌 Make the most of every perspective

Single-sided displays are often the most requested solution: easy to place against a wall and able to provide an immediate, clear overview of the entire product range.

However, when the need arises to increase the number of references, this often leads to longer structures and greater overall bulk.

A different approach applies when a display is placed at the center of an aisle or in an open space.

In this case, all sides can be used for display, optimizing the structure and creating a 360° viewing experience.

📌 Consider the inclination of the slots

It may seem like a minor detail, but the angle of the slots plays a crucial role in determining the overall dimensions of a display.

Straight slots help reduce the length of the structure, but it is important to consider that:

• when samples are displayed upright, visibility between individual pieces is reduced;
• when samples are displayed sideways, overall readability and comparison become easier.

📌 Develop vertically rather than horizontally

When sample formats allow it, vertical development can be an effective way to reduce floor space requirements.

Totems and shelving displays make use of height—a resource that is rarely lacking in showrooms.

Just pay attention to display heights: products placed at the top and bottom must remain easily accessible, avoiding uncomfortable or impractical situations for customers.

Get inspired by some of the totems and shelving displays we have already designed and produced

For any information about our displays and the opportunities offered by our design service, please do not hesitate to contact our sales team.

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Original texts by Filippo U. – Marketing VEP87