Best Print Bins for Art Fairs and Markets

When it comes to selling art prints at fairs, markets, or festivals, having the right print bin is a game-changer. It is not just about organizing your work. It is about making it easy for buyers to browse, find something they love, and make a purchase. Over the years, I have tried just about every kind of print rack you can think of. Today, I want to break down what I have learned so you can find a print bin that fits your booth and your budget.

I have linked all the print bins I mention in my FREE art fair supply list, so you can easily check them out. You will find both budget-friendly options and more premium ones depending on what stage of the art fair journey you are on.

If you want to see all of the bins I talk about in action, I suggest watching the video version of this post. You can play it right here:

 

It gives you a closer look at how each bin works, what fits inside, and how they look in an art booth. But if you prefer reading, or just want to reference back later, keep scrolling because I will cover all the highlights and include links to everything I recommend.

Budget Print Bins: Metal and Fabric Sling Style

Let us start with the basics. The most affordable type of print bin is the metal and fabric sling style. These are super popular for a reason. They are lightweight, they fold flat, and they get the job done. If you are just starting out or need something easy to transport, these are a solid choice.

They usually come in three sizes. The large one can fit prints as big as seventeen by twenty two inches or even larger, depending on how you angle them. The medium size is great too. It comfortably fits both smaller prints and mid sized ones like eight and a half by eleven. I have used mine for more than ten years and they are still going strong. I like to attach a price sign on the front of each bin with a little tape or a zip tie so buyers know exactly what they are looking at. You can find links to all the sizes I use in my art fair supply list.

Which One to Avoid and Why

Now, a quick heads up. That small tabletop version of the sling bin is one I would skip. I know it seems convenient, especially if you have limited space, but it is just too unstable. Anything bigger than an eight and a half by eleven will tip the whole thing over. If you are setting up at a busy fair, the last thing you want is your display falling apart while customers are browsing.

The medium and large sling bins though are great value. They wobble a little because they are lightweight metal, but for the price, they hold up well and look professional in a booth setting.

My Go To: ProPanel Print Bins

Now let us talk about the fancy option. If you are ready to upgrade your display, ProPanel print bins are absolutely amazing. These are the ones I use in my own booth. They are covered in carpet, come in several color choices, and look very polished. Yes, they cost more, about four or five times as much as the fabric sling ones, but they are worth it if you want a cleaner, sturdier presentation.

One of my favorite features is the surface that works with velcro. Instead of taping signs to the bin, you just use velcro to attach your pricing or category signs wherever you want. Top, front, side, it is totally up to you. It makes the booth look cleaner and lets you switch things around easily during an event. I have both the large and small versions, and each one holds a lot of prints, everything from eight and a half by eleven to seventeen by twenty two and larger.

Protecting Your Prints with a Smart Hack

The ProPanel bins come with optional metal brackets that attach to the corners to help keep the bin stable. But I found they can actually dent your prints. If someone pushes a stack of prints forward while browsing, those metal edges press right into the front ones. So I swap those out for velcro strips on the corners instead. It gives you the same level of stability without risking damage to your art.

Another thing to keep in mind is booth traffic. If you do markets where a lot of kids come through, you know how often little hands grab at everything. I have had kids hanging off my print bins more times than I can count. ProPanel bins fold flat for transport, which is great, but they can also fold inward if someone leans too hard on them. Adding velcro strips to the front edges gives you the same type of support as the corner brackets without the risk to your prints. Watch the video above to see exactly how I place the velcro and what it looks like.

Wrap Up

Whether you are just getting started or you have been doing art shows for years, choosing the right print bin makes a huge difference. It helps you present your work professionally, protect your prints, and create a smoother experience for your buyers. I hope this breakdown gives you a clearer idea of what to expect from each type.

If you're a beginner to selling at art fairs and you're wanting to know some budget art booth setup tips, check out this article it'll help!