Window Poster, Window Sticker or Foam Board for Your London Christmas Display

Planning window poster printing for Christmas? December in London turns every shop front into a tiny stage. A bakery in Hackney, a gift shop in Islington, a salon in Soho. Each wants one quick glance from someone hurrying past with a full bag. You have three solid choices, and they do very different jobs.

ExactPrint can print all three, so the real question is which one fits your window and your message.

Why Material Matters More Than You Think

Most people pick the design first and the material second. It should be the other way round. A beautiful festive layout on the wrong surface will still look off, a bit like wearing wellies to a wedding.

So, let's slow down and look at each option on its own. We will talk about where it works best, then put all three side by side in a table.

Window Poster Printing: The Classic Choice

A poster is the one most shop owners think of first, and for good reason. It is flat, simple and easy to read from the pavement.[CW1] 

Where Posters Work Best

Posters suit a single clear message. Think "Mince pies are back" or "Gift cards available". One idea, big letters, done.

If your window is wide and you want a statement, an A1 poster gives you a lot of space. For a smaller pane or a narrow door, an A2 poster is easier to place. The A1 poster page lists a same-day dispatch option at checkout, and the A2 poster page lists a same-day option at checkout.

Poster Sizes in Plain Words

• A1 measures 594 x 841mm. Big enough to spot from across the road.
• A2 measures 420 x 594mm. Neat, and easy to fit in tighter spots.

Pick the size by looking at your window, not by guessing. Hold up a bit of paper or a bin bag cut to size. It sounds silly, but it works.

Transparent Window Stickers: The Light Touch

Now for the quiet one. Transparent window stickers are for people who do not want to cover the whole window. The glass stays part of the look.

That makes them handy when you still want passersby to see your shop inside. A tiny holly border, a short greeting or a simple "Open late this week". You can see the idea.

Check the transparent stickers product page for the full details before you order. ExactPrint prints the artwork you send, so keep it clean and bold. Thin, delicate lines can get lost on a see-through surface. That is simply good design sense.

Stickers also pair well with a poster nearby. The sticker can echo one small detail from the bigger piece, like a colour or a tiny festive shape. Little echoes tie a display together without shouting.

Foam Board Display: The Indoor Star

Here is the odd one out. A foam board display does not go on the window at all. It lives inside, close to the glass or further back in the shop, where people can see it once they step through the door.

Foam board is a paper-faced foam core. It is made for indoor and short-term outdoor display. It is not waterproof, so for a window display keep it inside, away from rain and damp spots. For longer outdoor plans, this is not the right pick.

Sizes That Make Sense

For a bold feature near the entrance, try an A1 foam board. If you want something smaller for a counter or a quiet corner, an A2 foam board is a tidy size. ExactPrint’s A1 foam board page lists same-day printing and mounting, and the A2 page lists a same-day or next-day delivery option.

Foam board is a good choice for your Christmas window display when the window itself is already busy. Let the board do the talking inside instead.

Pick Your Winner: Poster, Sticker or Foam Board at a Glance

Three Quick Ways to Choose

1. Look at your window first. Is it already full of stock? Go for a sticker or move the message inside with a foam board.
2. Think about one message. If you only have one thing to say, a poster is hard to beat.
3. Think about where it will sit. Anything that might get wet should not be foam board.

Simple as that. No spreadsheets needed.

Mixing the Three Together

Here is a thought. You do not have to choose only one. A small shop might put an A2 poster in the window and a few clear stickers around the edge. An A1 foam board can sit just inside the door.

Same colours, same festive feel, different jobs. Think of it like a band. The poster sings lead, the stickers play the little harmonies, and the board is the drummer at the back keeping time.

The poster catches the eye. The sticker adds charm. The board tells people more once they are inside. It feels planned, which customers notice, even if they cannot say why.

A tip: keep the colours to two or three. Red and white. Green and gold. Anything more and it starts to look like a jumper your uncle got at a party.

Three Shops, Three Different Answers

Let's make this real. Picture three London businesses, all getting ready for the festive rush.

The Corner Café

A small café in Shoreditch has a big front window, and the owner wants people to see the tables inside. She does not want to hide the cosy glow. So, she goes for a few clear stickers along the bottom edge, plus one A2 poster on the door with the seasonal menu message. Light, warm and not pushy.

The Gift Shop

A gift shop in Islington has a tiny window crammed with stock. There is no room for a poster there. So, the owner puts an A1 foam board near the till, right where people queue. Customers see it while they wait, and it works hard without taking space from the products.

The Hair Salon

A salon in Southwark wants one big, simple message to stop people on the pavement. That is a job for an A1 poster. One-line, big letters, plenty of white space. Nothing fancy.

See how the answer changes with the room, the window and the message? There is no single best choice. There is only the choice that suits your space.

Getting Your Artwork Ready

Whatever you pick, a few habits help.

• Use large, clear lettering. People walk past fast.
• Keep the message short. Eight words beat forty.
• Check spelling twice. Then ask someone else to check once more.
• Choose strong contrast, such as dark text on a light background.

ExactPrint prints the artwork you supply, so what you send is what you will see. Take ten minutes to get it right and your display will look sharp all season.

Ready to Dress Your London Window This Christmas?

Christmas only comes once a year, and London shoppers have plenty to look at. A clear, tidy display gives them a reason to stop. Window poster printing, a sticker or a foam board can all work, so choose the one that suits your space and your message.

Not sure where to begin? Start with an A1 poster, then add a sticker or board if you want more. Your London window will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a window poster and a window sticker?

A poster is a paper print covering a set area. A transparent sticker is a clear option, so the glass stays part of the design. Posters suit big messages, while stickers suit lighter festive touches.

Which poster size suits a small shop window, A1 or A2?

A2 measures 420 x 594mm and fits smaller panes more easily. A1 measures 594 x 841mm and gives you a bigger statement. Measure your window first, then pick the size that sits comfortably.

Can I use foam board outside?

Foam board is a paper-faced foam core made for indoor and short-term outdoor display, and it is not waterproof. For a window display, keep it inside the shop, away from rain and damp. For tougher or longer outdoor use, ask about Foamex, a printed PVC board.

Can I mix posters, stickers and foam board in one display?

Yes, and many shops do. Use a poster for the main message, stickers for small festive touches, and a foam board inside. Stick to the same colours so everything looks like one connected design.

What should I check before sending my artwork?

Look at spelling, lettering size and contrast. ExactPrint prints the artwork you supply, so mistakes will print too. Keep the message short, use bold text, and ask a friend to read it before sending.