How to Create Unfinished Furniture Store Displays

Unfinished furniture could be a great small business opportunity. There is little competition, start-up costs are low and there is a great profit margin. If you have a talent for painting and finishing, it can be exciting and rewarding to create displays for your store.

Instructions

1. Place some outdoor furniture, like rocking chairs, in front of your store. Paint the pieces with a finish that protects them from the elements.

2. Set up "rooms" to display furniture. Group complementary items together.

3. Consign accessories from local providers. Use TV props, bedding, floral arrangements, wreaths, lamps, prints, pottery and other decorative items. Move the pieces around frequently to keep the displays fresh and prevent marks on the wood.

4. Use several different themes to attract a wide customer base. Show how your finished pieces can be used in country, modern, shaker, colonial and other decorating settings.

5. Make a children's play area with children's sized furniture from your stock, painted in bright colors. Supply toys and books for children to play with while their parents shop.

6. Include at least one finished piece with every type of furniture grouping. List the paint and tools used to create the finish. If possible, display mostly finished pieces.

7. Display several pieces decorated with specialty finishes. Attach a list of instructions and materials for each type of finish. If you sell instruction books, place applicable ones near the pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a window display that is colorful and simple. Don't pack too much into the space. Change the decorations in the display frequently to match the season or showcase sale items.