A lightweight, portable display system that is quick and easy to assemble in minutes. Ours have a tough aluminium frame and a smart magnetic locking mechanism. Both the Budget and Premium ranges come with high-quality custom-printed graphics. It is a great display solution for exhibitions, trade shows and retail markets.
When it comes to sizing, pop up stands traditionally have a numbering system. Most people assume that the numbers are in metres, but this is not the case. When a pop up stand is referred to as a 3 x 3, it means it is three rows high and three columns wide.
The sections used by different manufacturers vary. For example, a 3x4 with 700mm sections (700mm x 700mm) would be 2100mm high x 2800mm wide.
If you are exhibiting in the USA it’s much easier as they call them "8-foot", "10-foot" or "20-foot" displays, which refer to the approximate width.
The graphics on a pop up stand are called "drops". Drops hang from the frame and are held in place by magnets which run down each edge. They come in strips that align with each column of the frame. The two end panels have drops that curve around the stand so that the edge is hidden from view. Together the drop panels form one large graphic. They can be either printed graphics or fabric graphics (Like our Max fabric stand which attaches via velcro) and are lightweight and easy to transport.
A 3x3 pop up stand would have 5 drops that fit together, forming an overall graphic area of 3375mm. The head-on visible area would be 2475mm.
This is something to take into account when you are designing your graphics. You must ensure that you don’t put any critical information on the edge of the graphic as it may not be visible head-on
Most pop up stands sold are single-sided. Normally they are used as back walls so the rear is not in view. However, you may see double-sided frames which are useful for retail marketing where all sides of the pop up stand can be seen. The same frame is used, this option will just require additional graphics to be printed.
Frames vary in quality and design. They all work in a similar way with a scissor-like frame that pops up. They have different hanging methods used to display the drops and a couple of ways to hold the frame open.
Most pop up frames we sell are curved since they are more stable and aesthetically pleasing. Straight pop ups tend to be used where space is limited. They can sit flush against a wall, freeing up stand space.
The frames allow you to make minor adjustments to the graphic panels so that they are aligned correctly. Sometimes a show floor may be slightly uneven so the ability to adjust the panels can make the difference between an average-looking display and a show stopper
The system used to hold the frame open can be either mechanical or magnetic. Magnetic is often more reliable as mechanical systems have plastic fittings that can break.
Pop up stands will often be sold with wheeled drums. These are cases that allow you to store your pop up stand all in one convenient place. The wheels allow for easy transportation. Many of these cases can be used as a small exhibition counter.
Our Premium pop up stands include this drum (with the choice to add a top and custom printed graphic wrap) as well as a pair of 10W LED lights. The lighting can be easily clipped onto the top of the pop up to illuminate the display and draw more attention.
The best frame in the world will be ruined by poor graphics. Here is a list of aspects to consider that prevent high-quality looking graphics:
Digital printers print in bands. When a machine is correctly calibrated and the right materials are used, banding should be almost invisible (In areas of large dark colours you may see a little banding). However, this should not be a problem in detailed photographic images. Banding is made worse by using cheap materials, bad equipment calibration and fast print speeds (which some printers use to increase their print throughput).
The type and quality of inks varies. You want the graphics to be bold and clear. Companies using officially branded inks should produce better colour results. Ask for a sample print if this is critical.
Pixelation can result from the use of a low resolution image. This can be solved by either using a higher quality image or getting your image vectorised. At Discount Displays we always provide a free artwork check before printing to ensure your graphics always look their best.
It can also be the case that small text can become fuzzy, this is because some printers cannot print crisp text at small font sizes. If your design incorporates small text, check with your supplier or request a sample print.
The graphics on a pop up display are made up of a series of panels (drops) which align together. Often images and text will cross over these panels so it is critical that panels are cut perfectly. The best results will come from those that use automated camera-controlled cutters which produce perfect results time after time.
See-through material will show easily when the stand is placed around a lot of lights or in front of a window. The material should be blackout in which light cannot pass through. If non-blackout material is used it can result in an un-professional looking display with washed-out or hard-to-read graphics.
You also want your panels to hang flat against the frame. On the top of the panel, you have a "hanging bar" which drops onto lugs on the frame. Each panel has positive magnetic tape down both edges. This magnetic tape clicks onto negatively charged magnetic tape on the frame. If the material is too thin it can curl so you end up with a wave effect rather than a smooth surface.
Although we offer both laminated or unlaminated graphics, we often advise that your graphics panels are over-laminated for added protection against scratches and spillages (Which are not unlikely in high-traffic areas) it also prevents glare from lighting at the venue.
It is important to choose a reputable design and print company with plenty of experience to create a pop up stand for you. Here's why Discount Displays stands out from the rest:
A lightweight, portable display system that is quick and easy to assemble in minutes. Built with a durable aluminium frame, our stands are both sturdy and reliable, ensuring they can withstand the demands of frequent use. The smart magnetic locking mechanisms make assembly a breeze.
Whether you choose our Budget or Premium range, both come with high-quality custom-printed graphics that deliver a polished, professional look. Pop up stands are compact, easy to transport, and designed to showcase your brand.
Pop-up stands use a unique numbering system to indicate their size. While many assume the numbers refer to metres, they actually represent the number of rows and columns. For example, a 3x3 pop-up stand means it has three rows and three columns of panels.
Sizes can vary between manufacturers due to differences in panel dimensions. For example, a 3x4 with 700mm sections (700mm x 700mm) would measure 2100mm in height and 2800mm in width.
If you’re exhibiting in the USA, sizing is simpler. Displays are typically referred to by their approximate width, such as "8-foot," "10-foot," or "20-foot."
The graphics on a pop up stand are known as "drops". These drops hang from the frame and are secured by magnets running along each edge. They come in strips that align with the frame’s columns, with the two end panels curving around to hide the edges. Together, the drops create one seamless, large graphic.
Drops can be made from printed or fabric materials like our Max fabric stand, which uses Velcro for attachment. They’re lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for events.
A 3x3 pop-up stand typically includes five drops, creating a total graphic area of 3375mm. However, the head-on visible area is 2475mm, so it’s important to avoid placing critical information near the edges, as it may not be fully visible from the front.
Most pop-up stands are single-sided, designed to be used as back walls where the rear isn’t visible. However, double-sided frames are available for retail environments or spaces where the stand can be viewed from all angles. These use the same frame but require additional graphics.
Frames vary in quality and design. They all operate similarly, using a scissor-like mechanism to "pop" into place. They have different hanging methods used to display the drops and a couple of ways to hold the frame open.
Curved frames are the most popular due to their stability and aesthetic appeal. Straight frames are better suited for tight spaces as they can sit flush against a wall, freeing up floor space.
Frames also allow for minor adjustments to ensure the graphic panels align perfectly. This is particularly useful on uneven floors, where small tweaks can transform an average display into a show-stopping one.
The mechanism holding the frame open can be either mechanical or magnetic. Magnetic systems are often more reliable, as mechanical fittings can include plastic parts that may break over time.
Pop-up stands are often sold with wheeled storage drums, which keep everything neatly organised and make transportation a breeze. Many of these drums can double as small exhibition counters.
Our Premium pop-up stands come with a drum (with the choice to add a top and custom printed graphic wrap) as well as a pair of 10W LED lights. These lights easily clip onto the top of the stand, illuminating your display and drawing more attention.
Even the best frame can be let down by poor-quality graphics. Here are key factors to consider for a professional finish:
Digital printers produce graphics in bands. When calibrated correctly and paired with high-quality materials, banding should be minimal (though slight banding may appear in large dark areas). Cheap materials, poor calibration, and fast print speeds can worsen banding. Ensure your supplier uses high-quality inks for bold, vibrant colours. Request a sample print if colour accuracy is critical.
Pixelation occurs when low-resolution images are used. This can be avoided by using high-resolution images or vectorising the design. At Discount Displays, we offer a free artwork check to ensure your graphics look their best.
Small text can also appear fuzzy if the printer isn’t capable of producing crisp details at smaller font sizes. If your design includes small text, consult your supplier or request a sample print.
Graphics are made up of multiple panels (drops) that must align perfectly. Images and text will cross over these panels so it’s critical that panels are cut perfectly. Automated camera-controlled cutters deliver the best results, ensuring precise cuts every time.
Non-blackout materials can appear see-through under bright lights or in front of windows, resulting in a washed-out, unprofessional look. Always opt for blackout materials to ensure your graphics remain vibrant and easy to read.
Panels should hang flat against the frame. On the top of the panel, you have a "hanging bar" which drops onto lugs on the frame. Each panel has positive magnetic tape down both edges. This magnetic tape clicks onto the negatively charged magnetic tape on the frame. Thin materials can curl, creating a wavy effect instead of a smooth surface.
Although we offer both laminated or unlaminated graphics, we recommend over-laminating your graphics for added protection against scratches, spills, and glare from venue lighting.
With over 35 years of experience in the industry, we’ve sold thousands of pop-up stands and helped countless businesses across the UK find the perfect pop up stand solutions. Our decades of expertise have enabled us to partner with the best manufacturers and curate a selection of top-quality products you can trust.
Every detail matters, which is why we print in-house using state-of-the-art Swiss cutting machines for 100% precision. Our pop-up stands are crafted from durable 500gsm material that resists curling, while our blackout material ensures no show-through. To guarantee vibrant, consistent prints, our printers are meticulously calibrated and run at optimal speeds to minimise banding.
We’re proud to offer personalised guidance to help you find the perfect poop up stand. Our team of expert advisors are just a phone call away. Contact us on 020 8664 5660 to speak with a specialist who can provide tailored recommendations.
We stand behind the quality of our products with frames backed by a 5-year or lifetime guarantee. By selling directly to you, we cut out the middleman and pass the savings on, ensuring the best possible prices. Plus, with our price match promise, we’ll beat any competitor’s price on our range of lecterns.
