Stretch fabric wall: straight, curved or wave?

A stretch fabric wall is a lightweight tube frame with a printed fabric graphic pulled over it like a pillowcase, giving a smooth, crease-free wall of print. It is the modern alternative to the old panel-and-pole display: lighter to carry, quicker to build and with no gaps or joins in the image. The main choices are the frame shape, the width and whether the graphic is printed on one side or both.

How a stretch fabric wall goes together #

The frame arrives as tubes that push together. Once the frame is standing on its feet, you slide the printed fabric over it from the top, pull it down and fasten it along the bottom edge. The fabric is cut to fit the frame closely, so pulling it on stretches it smooth. No tools are needed, and a practised pair of people can build one in minutes.

Because the graphic is fabric, it folds into a bag without cracking, which is a big advantage over rigid panels for anyone who exhibits often.

Three shapes compared #

Shape	Look	Best for
Straight	A flat wall	Shell scheme stands, backdrops for photos and speakers, tight spaces
Curved	A gentle arc	Space-only stands and receptions; the curve wraps round the visitor
Wave	An S-shaped wave	Stand-out features, dividers, event entrances

A straight stretch fabric wall is the most versatile, because it fits against shell scheme walls and works as a photo backdrop. A curved wall takes more floor depth but looks more finished on an open stand. A wave is a feature piece; it works best where people see it from several angles.

Widths #

Straight walls come in widths from 2.5 m to 6 m (2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6 m). Curved and wave frames are offered in a narrower choice of widths, and the product page shows which are available for each shape. As a rule of thumb:

• 2.5 m or 3 m for a 3 × 3 m stand, allowing room at the sides.
• 4 m or 5 m for 4 m and 6 m stands, or as a stage backdrop.
• 6 m for large stands and event backdrops.

Measure the stand from the organiser’s floor plan and leave space at each end, especially for curved and wave frames, which need depth as well as width.

Single or double sided #

A single sided stretch fabric wall has print on the front and a plain back. Choose double sided when the wall stands where people can walk round it: as a room divider, in the middle of an open stand, at an event entrance or as a backdrop that is also seen from backstage. On a shell scheme stand against a wall, single sided is enough.

Graphic and frame, or graphic only #

You can order the frame and graphic together, or the graphic only. Graphic only is the way to change your message for the next show without buying another frame. Keep a note of the frame shape and width you own, because a replacement graphic has to match exactly.

This is one of the best things about a stretch fabric wall: the frame lasts far longer than any one campaign, so the running cost after the first show is just the print.

Stretch fabric wall or pop up display? #

Both give you one continuous back wall, and both use printed fabric. The differences are in the frame and the shape.

• A pop up display uses a folding concertina frame that opens out, and the fabric graphic fixes to the frame. It always makes a curved wall of a fixed size, such as 3×3 or 3×4.
• A stretch fabric wall uses push-together tubes and a pillowcase graphic. It comes in straight, curved and wave shapes, in a wider range of widths, and can be printed on both sides.

If you want a flat wall, a double sided divider or something wider than 4 m, choose a stretch fabric wall. If you want the quickest possible curved back wall for a standard stand, a pop up display is hard to beat. Our pop up display stand 3×3 page has the details.

Artwork for a stretch fabric wall #

• Use the template for your exact shape and width. Curved and wave graphics are not simple rectangles in use, and the template shows where the frame bends.
• Keep text off the tightest part of a curve. On a wave, put the headline on the section that faces the main aisle.
• Keep the headline high. People standing in front of the wall hide the lower half.
• Extend backgrounds into the bleed. Fabric wraps round the frame at the edges, so allow the full bleed on the template. Our bleed and safe area guide explains why.
• Large photos only. A wall this size needs photos that are sharp at full size.

Uploaded files get a free file check by a person before printing.

Looking after it between shows #

Pack the fabric loosely folded or rolled in its own bag, away from the tubes, so nothing presses creases or marks into the print. Let it dry fully if it has been out in damp weather before packing. Check every tube is back in the frame bag at the end of the show; a stretch fabric wall with one tube missing will not stand properly. A small label inside each bag listing the shape, width and design saves time when you own more than one.

Other fabric pieces that match #

If you want a whole stand in the same material, add a stretch fabric snake stand for a corner feature or reception, and a fabric counter such as the oval promotional counter for the front. They use the same pull-over fabric idea, so the print finish matches.

Timing, transport and venue rules #

Stretch fabric walls are made to order and take longer than a roller banner: about 8 working days to dispatch on the standard option, with faster and slower options shown on each product page. Order well before the show and allow for delivery. Each wall packs into bags for the frame and fabric; wider walls need a car with a good boot.

Check the exhibitor manual for height limits and material rules before you order, and ask us if the venue needs a material certificate. The HSE’s event safety guidance explains why organisers set those rules. Browse all fabric display walls to compare shapes and widths side by side.

UK mainland delivery is £7.95 per order and free when your goods total is £99 or more after discount codes.