A storefront is a “face” of a store or office. It is a holistic composition that combines expressiveness and meaning. These are ads that don’t annoy customers. Storefront design is a special (particularly applied) art form. There are no "good" or "bad" ratings.
But as in any applied art, you can follow certain so-called “rules” on storefront design and achieve the goal or you can ignore them, and then the probability of hitting the target will be minimized. Here is a list of six effective tips on successful storefront design you need to know.
1. The storefront should grab attention
A well-decorated (or, on the contrary, poorly decorated) storefront can become a city landmark. In any case, whether it evokes admiration or disdain, if the storefront attracted the attention of a large number of people, the original goal is achieved. But the probability of good profit increases if your storefront evokes positive emotions.
2. The storefront style should match the design of the store space
It is not worth deceiving your clients and promising something that doesn’t exist. The impression of the buyers who liked the storefront should be reinforced (not destroyed) at the moment when they walk in. That’s why it is better to make a layout before creating a storefront that will take into account possible errors and technical difficulties with which you have to work.
When decorating storefronts, it is important to take into account the three-dimensionality of the space. The passerby can look at the shop window from any angle. A storefront that can be viewed from different points should surprise and attract more attention.
3. Consider the direction of passersby movement
In the case of an avenue or a motorway, a perfect storefront should be a large object visible from afar. The storefront should be easy to read for passing vehicles during fast travel. In the pedestrian zone, it is necessary to determine the direction of movement of the mainstream of people (from left to right or from right to left). If the storefront is located in a crowded area, attention may be focused on the design details. If there is an inscription on the display case, it should be readable from a distance of 15 feet.
It is important to strike a balance between large and small details when placing objects. When planning, determine the location of the "eye-catcher"(the focal point). There can be several focal points. When placing them, take into account the depth of the storefront space. The first focal point should be located closer to the viewer. On the second and third floor of the showcase, place other "eye-catchers". The right side is always perceived by the viewer first. That’s why the main focal point should be on the far right and the direction of sight from it to other focal points (from right to left).
Often a decorator creates a product storefront with a display of goods. This technique works best in the luxury goods segment. In this case, the quality of the product placed in the focal point attracts attention in itself.
At the same time, it is important not to clutter the shop window with goods but also not to leave it empty. The optimal time for viewing the storefront is 12 seconds. If you have a lot of goods and you want to demonstrate them to passers-by, it is better to change the assortment in the window more often than to try to display everything that you have at the same time.
4. Pay attention to the design details
The smaller the product, the more it needs to be grouped. This means that if your main product is, for example, small handmade bells, make a giant Christmas chandelier out of them. Due to the fact that the eye perceives that object which is located higher as more significant, what is located below is less significant for perception.
One more good idea of the storefront design to show how you can use the product if you purchase it. You can set a table for a crockery store, decorate a room for a furniture store, or select a look and display it on a mannequin in a clothing store.
5. Use lighting when decorating a shop window
Proper lighting is one of the most important factors in successful storefront design. It solves the problem of glare glass, grabs attention, and makes even a shallow volumetric exposure. You can use different lighting colors depending on the goal of your storefront. For example, warm white and red lightning will perfectly emphasize Christmas design.
6. Split the huge storefront into pieces
If the storefront is large and it is impossible to look at it in its entirety, the zoning technique is used. The general plot should be framed and made out of separate pictures while maintaining a single style. It is important to take into account the display of the goods in the store. The buyer, attracted by the goods located in the focal point, should not rush around the store in search of it.
The bottom line
Even though storefront decoration is an art, the aforementioned tips can help systematize and emphasize the assortment at the same time. Be sure to follow the whole store design while decorating your storefront, mention focal points, and don’t forget about proper lighting.
