Tradeshows are expensive — and one of the fastest ways to blow your budget is by renting booth furniture, flooring, and staging items directly from the show. What looks convenient on the order form can turn into thousands of dollars for tables, chairs, carpet, and décor you’ll never own.
The good news? You don’t have to do it that way.
With a little planning (and even short notice), you can stage a professional, eye-catching booth for a fraction of the cost — and reuse those items show after show.
We love helping exhibitors create affordable, realistic booth setups that still look polished and intentional. Here’s how we recommend doing it.
Why You Should Avoid Renting Booth Furniture at Tradeshows
Rental packages are one of the highest hidden costs at tradeshows. A basic setup can include:
- A folding table
- A couple of chairs
- Basic carpet or flooring
- Minimal décor
And yet… the price often rivals (or exceeds) the cost of buying everything outright.
On top of that:
- Rental furniture is usually generic
- Colors and styles rarely match your brand
- You pay again for every single show
- Last-minute changes get very expensive, very fast
Owning your booth staging gives you control, consistency, and long-term savings.
Budget-Friendly Booth Staging: What We Recommend
If you’re filling a 10ft booth and want to keep costs low, here’s a simple, proven approach.
1. Tables: Buy, Don’t Rent
We recommend purchasing foldable tables from big-box stores like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Why this works:
- Much cheaper than renting
- Easy to transport and store
- Can be reused for multiple shows, events, or even in-house demos
Pair your table with a fitted table throw or runner, and it instantly looks professional.
2. Décor & Staging Props: Think Creative (and Fun 😉)
For affordable décor and staging items, Hobby Lobby is a hidden gem.
You can find:
- Faux plants
- Accent signs
- Shelving
- Display risers
- Decorative storage boxes
Pro tip: Take a woman with you to help pick things out 😉
A cohesive color palette and layered textures go a long way in making a booth feel intentional instead of thrown together.
3. Flooring That Doesn’t Break the Bank
Instead of renting carpet from the show, buy interlocking puzzle-piece flooring from Amazon.
Why exhibitors love this option:
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
- Reusable
- Looks clean and modern
This is one of the easiest upgrades you can make that instantly elevates your booth — without recurring rental fees and for a fraction of the cost. P.S. Thank Katie Later 😉
4. Furniture for Future Shows: Buy Once, Use Often
As you grow and attend more shows, we recommend investing in your own booth furniture from Wayfair.
You can often find:
- Bar-height tables
- Accent chairs
- Stools
- Storage cabinets
- Shelving units
Watch for sales and closeouts — you can slowly build a high-quality booth setup over time, instead of paying rental fees again and again. This is Katie's Go-To recommendation for anyone really wanting their booth to stand out, make a big impression for a fraction of the cost. Wayfair has so many sales going on, and you can find almost anything that you want or need for your show.
How to Fill the Back of a 10ft Booth (Without Overspending)
Your backdrop is the most important visual element of your booth. For a clean, affordable setup starting out, we recommend:
✔ Triple Banner Display
A three-banner setup gives you:
- Strong branding
- Clear messaging
- Visual height
- Flexibility for different shows
It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to make a big impact in a small space.
✔ Table Runner & Table Throw Combo
Instead of a plain table:
- Use a fitted table throw for coverage
- Add a branded runner for contrast and messaging
This combination looks intentional, polished, and far more expensive than it actually is.
These options above are great for short-notice shows & tight budgets
This approach works especially well if:
- You’re new to tradeshows
- You’re exhibiting on short notice
- You don’t want to commit to expensive rentals
- You want flexibility as your brand evolves
You can build a booth that looks professional without waiting weeks or blowing your budget.
We Love Helping Exhibitors Save Money (and Look Good Doing It)
If you’re overwhelmed by booth planning or not sure where to start, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
We love helping businesses:
- Create affordable booth layouts
- Choose the right displays
- Avoid unnecessary rental costs
- Build a booth they can reuse and grow with
A great tradeshow booth doesn’t have to be expensive — it just has to be thoughtful. Thats what we are here for! We are here to help you every step of the way.
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