Stand design

5 types of stands: discover which one you need

04-05-2026
5 types of stands: discover which one you need

One of the best-known and most effective types of retail design for promoting your brand is stands. They are usually used at exhibitions and/or events, where the goal is to capture the attention of people walking through the space in order to introduce ourselves, launch new products, and also build direct relationships with potential customers and generate sales and/or business partnerships.

There can be many reasons for setting up a stand, which is why there are also many types of stands. Depending on what you are looking for, one type of retail design will suit you better than another. In this article, we will tell you everything about the 5 types of stands and their uses, the best options for your business, and what to prioritize when designing them. 

5 types of stands: what they are and what purpose they serve

1. Modular stands 

First of all, modular stands are those whose design is made with plastic-coated panels or aluminum structures. The assembly is done through pressure, although be careful not to apply too much force because the system can be damaged. This category is characterized by a simple design and easy assembly. 

Their simplicity of construction allows us to focus on their design at a creative level. The focus should be on what types of materials, textures, lighting, etc. can surprise visitors. Here are some ideas to stand out: use vinyls, inlays, and solid colors. The following materials are often used in modular stands: thin melamine boards, Corplast, Tovicel, and polypropylene. When is it convenient to choose this type of retail furniture? In cases where we have limited space. Mainly because, among the different types of stands, these are usually the smallest. 

Modular stands have the great advantage that they are very practical to transport, saving us logistical inconveniences. In this sense, they also reduce costs and execution time.  Keep in mind that this stand can be taken from one place to another very easily; you can go from one trade fair to another without needing to redesign and assemble a completely different stand.

So, if you have a tight budget and not much time to devote to the execution of the stand, this will be your ally! It is simple, practical, and fast. However, do not forget to focus on the use of materials and decoration, always seeking to stand out from the competition.

2. Custom or free-design stands 

Among the different types of stands, the custom or free-design stand is the one that will allow you to personalize your space the most. You will be able to fully convey your brand image and create a retail design that adapts to your needs and exceeds expectations. Among the different types of stands, it is usually used mainly by brands with strong national and/or international recognition, such as Coca-Cola.

But this does not mean that you cannot also choose this type of stand depending on the stage your business is in. The key will be to find the perfect balance between the budget you have and the added value you can provide to stand out in an ingenious way.

At RC Projects, we always promote creative designs combined with the intelligent use of materials and budget, with the ultimate goal of helping you stand out in your sector and capture the attention of potential customers.

If you are looking for a 100% customized design, then we recommend choosing this type of custom stand. This way, you can create different environments in the same place, generating a unique space as a whole. Unlike the modular stand, this one will require specialized labor because the materials and tools used are more specific. The professional team in charge of the project must have a very high level of skill for the design and assembly of this stand to be successful.

 

3. Creative or themed stands

Do you want to unleash your creativity to the fullest? Then this is the right stand for you.  Creative or themed stands allow those attending the event to enter a completely new world. For example, if your company is a publishing house, you can design a stand where the person entering feels as though they are inside a library, surrounded by books.  As with custom or free-design stands, the personalization of the space takes center stage so you can give free rein to your imagination. It is also ideal for standing out and attracting attention. 

In what sense? As soon as potential customers come across your stand, they will be immersed in a 360-degree experience that you have designed to convey much more than your products or services. It will be a space that reflects personality, generates emotions, and allows visitors to immerse themselves in your brand ecosystem. 

If your stand design simulates a winery, for example, there will be no doubt that the company sells wine. And that is just the beginning; you can innovate in many other ways too!

Use the theme to your advantage to work on your brand positioning and create a world based on the visitor experience. Focus on ensuring that your brand image and values are reflected in your design. Regarding assembly, it is also important to choose experienced and precise professionals in the sector, because the process of assembling the stand will be more complex than that of a modular stand, for example. 

A tip: keep in mind that, in addition to ensuring your retail design expresses your brand to the fullest, it should be reusable for future occasions, with small modifications if you wish. This way, it will be more profitable in the long term. 

4. Portable stands

The design of portable stands is the simplest. Why? Because it is the same stand that you can take to different places, already designed and assembled. Therefore, it does not require a high budget or much time to install.

For example, if you have many events to attend on your trade fair calendar, then choose a portable stand. Why? Because you will be able to go from one event to another without needing to create a completely new design or invest a lot of time and money in its assembly or installation.

In this case, make sure to design a stand that not only provides information about your company, but can also adapt to different trade fairs. This way, you can attend many events and reduce costs and effort. The process will be simpler and faster. 

The only limitation is that creativity may be partially affected.  That is why you can prioritize functionality and make sure that those attending the event can identify your brand image.  Make sure the logo is visible, the brand colors are present, and visitors can move comfortably around the stand. 

 5. Technological stands

The previous stands are the most classic ones in the retail sector. But over time, other types have been added, and we do not want you to overlook them. That is why we are telling you everything about technological stands. 

Recently, technology has completely changed the way we relate to the world and, therefore, to brands. The retail sector always adapts to trends, and this is no exception.  These stands are usually very interactive, another characteristic that is interesting to take into account in all stand designs. 

For example, in a stand for a brand that sells mobile phones, it is important to have them connected and active so users can interact with them.  In this sense, having Wi-Fi at the stand is essential so they can interact with the device in real time and see whether it works for them or whether they prefer another model. For this, it is essential to have specialized staff ready to answer questions.

Also, adding videos and photographs helps increase visual stimulation. In the case of selling televisions, a high-definition video that accompanies the experience will undoubtedly be a distinctive and attractive feature. 

Conclusions and tips about the types of stands

There are several types of stands, so when choosing yours, consider all the options and choose the design that best suits your brand, budget, and possibilities. You do not have to stick to just one; you can always experiment and find the one that works best for you. Also, keep in mind that personalized service is increasingly important.

Therefore, make sure you have staff who know your product and can address the needs and concerns of those visiting the stand. Keep social media in mind, as it is now a key sales tool. If you think it is appropriate, share the process of your stand design, its assembly, the backstage, and which trade fair you will be attending.

Also, create experiences where you can connect the virtual world with your stand by involving users. An interactive stand through social media can be a great opportunity to go further and stand out.

Finally, every opportunity to communicate your brand image is important. Make sure that, in any type of stand, your logo and brand colors are present. 

If you want to design any of these types of stands, you can contact our team. We have extensive experience in the sector and can assure you that, by working as a team, we will create a retail design stand that attracts attention and makes your brand stand out. We will also be present during its assembly.