When it comes to visual merchandising, most people think of mannequins, shelving, and printed signs. But using surprising materials can make a display stand out and stay in a shopper’s mind. These unexpected touches add personality, spark curiosity, and turn a regular retail space into something more memorable.
Here are some materials that can uplift your creative visual merchandising.
Wood in Its Raw Form:
While polished wood is common in retail, raw or reclaimed wood brings a more natural and earthy look. Its uneven edges, knots, and grain patterns add texture that feels warm and honest. Using raw wood for display tables, platforms, or backdrops can create a calm and inviting setting, especially for handmade, natural, or lifestyle products.
Concrete for a Modern Touch:
Concrete may seem like something you’d find on a building site, but in retail, it offers a bold and modern look. Its clean, cool feel works well with high-end or minimalistic brands. Whether it’s used for shelving bases, plinths, or table tops, concrete creates a strong visual contrast against soft fabrics or colorful products.
Metal Mesh and Grids:
Metal mesh or wire grids bring an industrial edge to a display. They’re light, easy to shape, and great for hanging products or signage. Their open design also allows light to pass through, keeping things from feeling too closed off. This material works well in stores with a streetwear or tech vibe.
Acrylic and Transparent Materials:
Clear materials like acrylic or plexiglass are great for layering and highlighting products without taking the attention away from them. Floating shelves, clear stands, or boxes can give the impression that products are almost hovering in space. This creates a modern, clean feel and works especially well for small items like cosmetics or jewelry.
Textiles in New Ways:
Using fabric isn’t new, but applying it in fresh ways can add softness and movement to a display. Draped fabric as a ceiling feature, rolled textiles stacked like logs, or stretched fabric panels as backdrops bring flow and texture to a space. It also helps guide the eye through the display.
Recycled and Everyday Items:
Sometimes, every day reused items make the biggest impact. Old crates, books, tin cans, or even paper rolls can be turned into creative stands or props. When styled thoughtfully, they tell a story and make the display feel playful and different.
Mixing in these unexpected materials brings character and surprise to your visual merchandising making your display not just seen, but remembered.