Merchandising products and creating inviting displays is a true art form. Think of it as a 3D collage—your chance to draw customers into your brand story. From crafting tiny display corners 10 years ago to helping manage hundreds of vendor setups in recent years, I’ve learned a thing or two (or a hundred).
Here are my favorite tips for styling your merchandise in ways that are not only sustainable—but also easy on your wallet.
Start with What You Have
Before you hit the store for risers, tablecloths, or signage, shop your stash first. You likely have more display magic tucked away than you realize.
Look for items like:
- Crates, boxes, or bins, and small shelves – perfect for creating height and organizing your display.
- Broken frames, old windows, clipboards, and even cabinet doors – these make unique and charming sign boards.
- Vintage bedsheets, old curtains, or even that kimono in the back of your closet – layer them for texture and color in your table display.
- Ladders – they’re display gold. Use them for shelving, textiles, or hang them overhead to suspend lighting or art.
Wrapping Matters
When it comes to packaging, sustainability can shine in two big ways:
1. Recycle What Comes to You
- Tissue and wrapping paper – reuse as filler for baskets, totes, or handbags.
- Cardboard boxes – cut into price tags or use as a backing board for lightweight items.
- Sturdy shipping boxes – paint them in your brand colors and use as risers. Fill them with hard-to-recycle items (like scratched CDs or old remotes) to keep them stable and out of the landfill.
2. Multi-Purpose Product Packaging
If your packaging is beautiful, why not put it on display?
- Style different-sized bags with tissue paper and layer them throughout your booth.
- Stack branded boxes between risers for texture and function.
- Store smaller packaging inside larger ones to save space—this trick works great at vendor markets or booths with limited storage.
Go Green—Literally
Plants breathe life into a display. Whether they’re real or faux, greenery adds warmth, texture, and a welcoming vibe.
Tips:
- Snag greenery for free (just be mindful of where you forage).
- Use potted vines to create visual flow.
- Succulents and pothos are low-maintenance MVPs.
Sustainable Doesn’t Mean Boring
Eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean brown, green, and blah. It’s all about creativity and using what you already have.
- Painters: Use cardboard as your palette, then cut it up for tags.
- Fiber artists: Save scraps to tie onto tags or embellish bags.
- Metalworkers: Weld unusable scraps into bold risers or quirky display accents.
It’s these small, thoughtful touches that make your space unforgettable—and keep materials out of the landfill.
Ready to Take Your Booth to the Next Level?
If you’re nodding along with these display ideas and want even more, Booth Camp: Basic Training might be your next step. It’s a 10-day digital course (but self-paced, of course) filled with videos, handouts, and actionable tips to help you improve your booth layout, merchandising, signage, and more. Whether you’re brand new or just looking to refresh your setup, this training is designed to help you increase sales and visibility—without the overwhelm.
Learn more about Booth Camp HERE.
Let’s Get Inspired Together
We’d love to see what genius display ideas this sparks for you. Tag us on Facebook or Instagram at @theturquoiseirisjournal and show off your sustainable style. Let’s keep the creativity and the planet thriving.
