The biggest exhibit design trend our 3D Exhibits team members have spotted in 2017 is tablescaping. What's tablescaping? It's when exhibitors articulate product stories through displays of multiple small elements artistically arranged on the tops of tables, counters or pedestals,

The applications of tablescaping are unlimited, but here are some tips on integrating tablescaping into your trade show exhibit display design to help you get started:

1.Leverage tablescaping to give more visual emphasis to small products. This is a technique retailers have been using for years. A small product like a glass or a clock might not stand out on its own, but can communicate a very strong lifestyle story when integrated into a lifestyle vignette that paints an aspirational picture of what type of lifestyle that item supports.

2.Match the style of your display table or counter with the ambiance of your display. The more consistent you are in terms of look and feel, the better job you'll do in reinforcing your brand image.


3. "Frame" your product to give it more emphasis. This could be a physical frame, or a larger item that serves as a physical backdrop as the marble boards do in the photo above.


4. Use the tablescape to demonstrate attributes, features and benefits. For instance, the tablescape of a flashlight positioned amid rocks and water shown above instantly communicates both that the flashlight is waterproof while also speaking to the rugged, outdoorsy lifestyle the flashlight supports.

5. Light your tablescape. This will draw even more attention.


6. Decide hands on—or off. Tablescapes beg to be touched, so if you don't want people to touch your objects, be sure to enclose your tablescape.

7. Apply a design scheme to unify your tablescape. This can be accomplished by integrating a theme (think antique, futuristic, home office) or limiting the color palette.


8. Most of all, make it fun. We're not sure what the mannequin arm in the photo above means, but it sure got our attention.