Curved Pop Up Stands
The classic concave display creates a welcoming backdrop and sits naturally in shell schemes and corner spaces.
Best for: general exhibitions, presentations and compact stand spaces.
View Curved Pop UpsPop Up Stand Buyers Guide
Pop up stands create a large branded exhibition backdrop from a compact, portable kit. With curved, straight, double-sided, linked and fabric options available, the right choice depends on your floor space, viewing direction and how often the display will change.
This guide explains the terminology, compares the main pop up display types and helps you choose the right frame, size, graphics and accessories for exhibitions, conferences, retail promotions and events.
Need help choosing? Tell our team your floor space, viewing angles and transport needs. Call 01733 511030 or email us for a recommendation.
A complete portable backdrop
What Is a Pop Up Stand?
A pop up stand is a collapsible aluminium lattice frame dressed with custom-printed graphics. The frame opens in a scissor action, magnetic bars attach to its nodes and printed panels hang across the front to form a continuous exhibition backdrop.
Traditional kits pack into a wheeled case which can often convert into a branded counter. Fabric pop ups use a printed textile graphic instead of separate rigid panels, while linked systems connect multiple frames to create larger L-shaped or U-shaped layouts.
They are also called pop up displays, exhibition backdrops, magnetic pop ups, linked displays or portable exhibition stands. A pull-up roller banner is a different, narrower product despite sometimes being called a pop up banner.
Shop Pop Up StandsWhy Choose a Pop Up Exhibition Stand?
Pop ups remain a dependable exhibition choice because they balance a large printed area with simple installation, compact transport and reusable hardware.
Large-format impact
Create a substantial branded wall from a relatively small footprint, with return panels wrapping around the frame sides.
Fast, tool-free setup
A standard magnetic frame opens, locks and accepts its bars and panels without specialist contractors or tools.
Easy to transport
The complete stand packs into a wheeled case and many standard systems fit into an ordinary car boot.
Reusable and rebrandable
Reuse the frame for future events and replace compatible graphics when campaigns or brand messages change.
Flexible formats
Choose curved, straight, double-sided, extra-tall, AV-equipped or linked layouts to suit different venues.
Complete kit options
Many kits include graphics, LED lights and a case that converts into a useful branded welcome counter.
Types of Pop Up Stand
Choose the format around the position of your stand, the directions visitors approach from and the level of flexibility you need.
Straight Pop Up Stands
A flat display wall that can sit flush against a venue wall and keeps photography or repeated logos visually even.
Best for: press walls, step-and-repeat graphics, partitions and flat backdrops.
View Straight Pop Ups
Double-Sided Pop Ups
Graphics cover both faces and the end panels, giving the display a finished appearance from multiple directions.
Best for: open floor spaces, central aisles and high-footfall venues.
View Double-Sided Pop Ups
Linked Pop Up Stands
Multiple frames and linking graphics create larger L-shaped, U-shaped and bespoke-looking exhibition layouts.
Best for: corner plots, space-only stands and changing floor plans.
View Linked Pop Ups
Pop Ups With Monitor Mounts
Add video, animation or a product demonstration using an integrated bracket or a separate freestanding TV mount.
Best for: digital demonstrations, explainers and interactive campaigns.
View Pop Ups With Screens
Jumbo Pop Up Stands
Four-section-high frames create an approximately 3m-tall backdrop for more visibility in large venues.
Best for: high ceilings, busy events and brands that need extra height.
View Jumbo Pop Ups
Fabric Pop Up Stands
Hop-up and SEG systems use dye-sublimation printed textile graphics for a lightweight, seamless and low-glare finish.
Best for: fast setup, photography, softer visuals and compact transport.
View Fabric Pop UpsPop Up Stand Comparison
Use this quick comparison to identify the most suitable display family before checking individual product dimensions and package contents.
| Display type | Graphic style | Viewing direction | Best advantage | Consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved magnetic | Separate printed panels | Mainly front-facing | Welcoming shape and proven all-rounder | Curved floor depth and wrapped end panels |
| Straight magnetic | Separate printed panels | Mainly front-facing | Flat backdrop and efficient depth | Panel alignment on uneven floors |
| Double-sided | Panels on both faces | Two or more approaches | Brand visibility from every side | Extra graphics and clear floor space |
| Linked system | Multiple panel sets | Depends on layout | Reconfigurable L and U shapes | More cases, assembly and floor planning |
| Jumbo pop up | Extra-tall panels | Mainly front-facing | Visibility above surrounding displays | Venue height and larger packed components |
| Fabric pop up | Textile graphic | Single or double-sided | Lightweight, low-glare and seamless look | Different finish from rigid graphic panels |
Industry terminology made simple
What Do 3x2, 3x3 and 3x4 Mean?
The numbers refer to the grid of box sections in the frame—not dimensions in metres. XL Displays lists the height first, so a standard 3x3 frame is three sections high and three sections wide. A jumbo frame is normally four sections high.
Shape changes the final assembled width and depth, so do not choose from the name alone. Check the exact product dimensions against your booked floor space, including counters, feet, lighting, visitors and access routes.
3x1
Narrowest standard format for small spaces and focused messages.
3x2
Compact backdrop with more room for a logo, message and imagery.
3x3
Popular all-round size for a complete exhibition backdrop.
3x4
Wider visual area for larger plots, campaigns and product stories.
3x5
Maximum standard width when a broad branded wall is required.
How to Choose the Right Pop Up Stand
1
Measure the usable floor space
Check width, height and depth, then allow room for return panels, lights, counters, visitors and accessible movement.
2
Map visitor approaches
A wall-backed stand may only need front-facing graphics; an island or central aisle position can justify double-sided print.
3
Choose straight or curved
Use straight for a flat wall or press backdrop and curved for a softer enclosure that draws attention towards the centre.
4
Decide how often layouts change
A single frame is simplest for a consistent plot. Linked systems offer more options when floor spaces vary between shows.
5
Plan transport and staffing
Compare packed size, case count and total weight. Larger or linked displays are easier with more than one person.
6
Check the complete package
Confirm the frame, bars, graphics, case, counter top, lights, connectors and mounts included—not only the headline size.
From case to complete backdrop
How Does a Magnetic Pop Up Stand Work?
- Open the frame: expand the scissor-lattice structure evenly and engage its locking connectors.
- Fit the magnetic bars: attach the vertical bars to the frame nodes to create the surface for the panels.
- Hang the graphics: start with the centre panel, then work outwards so the artwork lines up across each join.
- Add the lighting: fit the supplied LED lights and route cables safely away from walkways.
- Convert the case: where included, add the wooden top and graphic wrap to turn the transport case into a podium counter.
What is normally included?
Complete traditional kits commonly include the aluminium frame, magnetic bars, printed graphic panels, a wheeled transport case, case-to-counter top, printed case wrap and LED lights.
The bestselling 3x3 XLPRO® kit, for example, includes five printed panels, 18 magnetic bars, the case and counter conversion, a printed case wrap and two LED lights.
Check before ordering: package contents differ between standard, fabric, double-sided, linked and AV systems. Use the individual product page as the final specification.
Pop Up Exhibition Stand Artwork Tips
Traditional pop up graphics are separate panels that combine into one image. Design around the joins, curved return panels and the real viewing distance to keep the finished display clear and professional.
Protect important content
Keep logos, headlines, faces and fine details away from panel joins. Small shifts on uneven floors are less noticeable in backgrounds than in text.
Plan the end panels
The first and last panels wrap around the frame sides. Keep the core message on the front-facing panels where visitors can read it fully.
Use suitable imagery
Supply high-resolution images at the recommended artwork scale so large photographs remain sharp rather than pixelated.
Write for distance
Use a short headline, strong contrast and restrained supporting text. Visitors should understand the main message within a few seconds.
Design around furniture
Keep important information above counters, screens and people. Place calls to action where they will not be hidden during conversations.
Keep colour consistent
Use approved brand colours and enough contrast for text. Soft proofs and screen previews cannot exactly reproduce every printed colour.
Looking for a starting point? Explore our exhibition stand ideas gallery and use the free artwork check included with printed orders.
Packing, Storage and Replacement Graphics
Before packing
Wipe panels clean with an appropriate dry or lightly damp cloth and make sure every component is dry before it enters the case.
Roll, do not fold
Roll traditional graphic panels with the printed face out as instructed, then secure and protect them inside the transport case.
Rebrand accurately
Order replacement graphics for the exact frame model and shape. Panel quantities and dimensions differ between systems.
Pop Up Stand FAQs
It is a portable exhibition backdrop built around a collapsible aluminium lattice frame. Magnetic bars and custom-printed graphic panels attach to the open frame to create a large branded display that packs into a wheeled case.
The numbers describe the frame's box sections, not metres. A standard 3x3 pop up is three sections high and three sections wide. Always check the product's assembled dimensions because straight and curved frames have different widths and depths.
Choose curved for a welcoming shape that sits neatly in a shell scheme or corner. Choose straight for a flat back wall, press backdrop or display that needs to sit flush against a wall. The best option depends on your floor space and artwork.
A standard magnetic pop up can typically be assembled in about ten minutes without tools. Open and lock the frame, fit the magnetic bars, hang the panels and add the lights. Larger linked systems require more time and are easier with an additional person.
Yes. Replacement graphic panels can be ordered for a compatible existing frame, allowing the hardware to be reused for a new campaign or event. Confirm the exact frame model, shape and panel set before ordering.
Complete traditional kits normally include the aluminium frame, magnetic bars, printed graphic panels, wheeled case, case-to-counter top, printed case wrap and LED lights. Contents vary between products, so check the individual listing before ordering.
Traditional pop ups use separate rigid graphic panels held by magnetic bars. Fabric pop ups use a lightweight printed textile attached by hook-and-loop fastener or silicone edges, giving a softer, low-glare finish and often allowing faster pack-down.