How to Decorate Store-Front Windows

Decorating a store-front window is an art form --- one that entices shoppers to enter your doors. A well-designed window accomplishes two things: It attracts the attention of passersby and lets them know what you have for sale inside. Therefore you want the window to feature several items at various price points, and you want to surround those items with creative, eye-catching colors and designs.

Things You'll Need

• Shelves
• Ceiling hooks
• Branches or horizontal poles
• Ornaments, plants and other decorations

Instructions

How to Decorate Store-Front Windows

1. Use shelves in the window to make the most of your space. If the shelves are wide enough, you can place some merchandise looking out on the street and other things facing toward shoppers inside.

2. Use the top and bottom of your window to full effect. Hang items from ceiling hooks, branches or horizontal poles --- sweaters look great displayed on poles, for example. Also, have things growing from the ground up --- place potted plants on the floor and decorate them with items such as ornaments or earrings.

3. Make a strong statement with your color palette, whether it involves bright summery tones, soft pastels or contrasting black and white. If your colors are fun and prominent, people will come in to see what else catches their eye.

4. Develop a theme, but be careful not to overdo it. For instance, if you're trying to get across a nautical message, use an anchor and some stunning shells. You don't have to hit people over the head by adding rope netting, pieces of coral and sprinklings of beach sand.

5. Emphasize contrast and similarities among your display items. Put out a row of beautiful, bright bowls of the same brand but in different colors and sizes. Hang a child's star-spangled shirt next to a man's extra-large one, or place a pair of baby shoes alongside some high heels.

Tips & Warnings

• Change the contents of your window often so people will keep stopping to look. Include seasonal themes whenever possible. They'll remind onlookers that it's time to get shopping for the upcoming holiday or event.