How to Design a Shop Window Poster That Gets Noticed

Design for someone walking past, not standing still

A shop window poster is read in a few seconds by someone walking past outside, often at a distance and often only glancing sideways, which is a very different reading condition to a printed page held close. Design that works on screen or on paper close up does not always work at window distance, so it's worth stepping outside and viewing a draft from across the street before committing to a final print.

Keep text large and minimal

One clear headline, readable from several metres away, does more work than several lines of smaller text that only someone standing still would read. If you have more detail to share, put it in a smaller size aimed at people who do stop, but do not let it compete with the main message.

Contrast matters more than colour choice

High contrast between text and background is what makes a poster readable at a distance and through glass, which often has some glare or reflection. A bold dark text on a light background, or the reverse, generally reads better through a window than a busy multi-colour design that looks fine printed but muddy from outside. It's worth checking your design from outside the actual window, not just on screen, since glass, angle and daylight all change how contrast reads in practice.

Consider the glass itself

Glare and reflections from a shop window can make a poster harder to read at certain times of day. A matt finish reduces glare compared with a glossy one, and positioning the poster to avoid direct reflection of overhead lights or the sun makes a real difference to how well it reads from the pavement.

Rotating and seasonal displays

A window poster that stays up for months starts to blend into the background for regular passers-by, even if it was eye-catching when first put up. Rotating displays on a regular schedule, tied to seasons, offers or events, keeps the window feeling current and gives repeat passers-by a reason to actually look again rather than glance past a familiar sight.

Getting your window poster printed

Tell Star Printers your window size and what you want to promote, and we will advise on a size and layout that works at a distance. See our poster printing page, or use our free design service if you need help with layout. Contact us to get started.