Inspire – How to Perfect a Christmas Window Display

09-10-2024

With just a few weeks to Christmas windows need to dazzle and evoke the seasonal spirit to entice us as customers through the door. A Christmas window is like the beginning of the story it sets the scene for the rest of the shops layout.

Many windows go down the traditional route including what we think of: tree, lights, snow etc, some create eclectic themes but all of these windows use props to set the scene.

Using Props to Create Your Visual Story…

There is a whole industry out there that produces nothing but props, devices, and gimmicks to enhance merchandising displays. There are manufacturers who specialize in mannequins and forms, some create fixtures & fittings others collect tinsel glitter ornaments and assorted materials from all over the world. There is however another world out there – one for the display person with little or no budget, but with a bit of imagination fantastic displays can be created.

When working with a client to create a display I always talk to them about the importance of props to create the scene, and the best places for finding inexpensive props are:

Second hand shops/charity
IKEA
DIY shops
Car boot sales
Supermarkets (Matalan, Aldi, Asda)
DZD (www.dzd.co.uk)

Other types of props:

Ladders of all kinds and sizes area great way to elevate a mannequin or even an assortment of merchandise, cartons and crates can say anything from important to sale.

Other ‘sources’ for props include furniture stores which can be great source for props such as beach chairs, opera chairs, and all types of tables and lamps. Toy stores for stuffed animals, model trains, and cars ect, local garden shops for flower pots, lawn mowers, plants & bushes.

Explore local art groups to showcase their work, your window maybe the perfect opportunity. Visit new art exhibitions for ideas for Christmas or be inspired by the cinema, I recently saw a window display for Ralph Lauren on Bond St which was created to look like the Ice Palace from: ‘The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe’.

Remember the possibilities are limitless; the only real limitation is a lack of imagination & creativity. It’s never too early to plan your next window display and Christmas in particular needs to be a show stopper. Here are some windows from central London 2018 to inspire for years to come.