Print sizes for a shop window
Shop windows are read at two distances: from the pavement outside and from across the street. The size that works depends on which of those people you are trying to reach.
Stand on the opposite pavement.
Do this before you measure anything. Pick the spot where a passer-by first notices your shop, and photograph the window from there. On a typical high street that may be 10 to 15 metres away. Then stand two paces from the glass and take another. Those two views show what you need: something large enough to catch the first, and details sized for the second.
Split the window into zones
| Zone | What it does | Usual size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye-level band, about 1.2m to 1.7m from the ground | Main offer or image | A0 or 40in x 30in | Wider windows |
| Same band, narrow shopfront | Main offer in less space | A1, portrait | Under about 1.5m of glass |
| Door glass | Hours, offers, small notices | A3 or A2 | Close reading |
| Top strip | Name or a short line | Long panel, cut to fit | Seen over passing people |
| Hero image filling the window | Stops people in the street | 60in x 40in or larger | Big shopfronts |
One big poster usually beats four small ones. Passers-by give a window a second or two, so a single message at A0 will land where a neat row of A2s reads as clutter.
Text height from the street
A headline that needs to reach someone 15 metres away wants capitals of around 125mm, by the usual sign-trade guide. That is a lot of an A1 sheet, so keep it to a few words. The full method is in our guide to text size for long-distance reading.
Choosing the material
Paper behind the glass suits a promotion that changes often, though strong sun can fade it, so a south-facing window deserves more thought. Self-adhesive vinyl sticks to the glass itself. Backlit film needs a light source behind it, but keeps working after dark. For a longer view of all of this, see planning a shop window display.
| Material | A2 | A1 | A0 | 60in x 40in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photo paper 135gsm | £11 | £20 | £30 | £45 |
| Self-adhesive vinyl | £15 | £25 | £35 | £48 |
| Backlit | £26 | £39 | £65 | £99 |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
Bear in mind our £35 minimum on large format poster printing: a single small sheet is often best combined with something else.
Before you order
Measure the glass you can actually see, not the frame around it. Look at the view from inside as well: staff may want some daylight, and covering too much can make a shop feel closed. Check your lease, and ask your council if you are unsure whether a display needs consent.
Print on and behind shop glass.
Your questions.
How do I hang a poster behind the glass?
Hanging bars and a thin line or clear hooks are tidy options, or you can mount it on a light board that stands on the window bed. Tell us what is behind the glass.
Should the print face the glass directly?
Paper left pressed against glass can pick up condensation. Leave a small gap, or use vinyl made to go on the window.
What about a window that curves or has glazing bars?
Bars split the view, so treat each pane as a separate area. Send us a photo with measurements and we can suggest how to lay it out.