Featured artwork by @globiejo

Whether you’re selling at art shows, markets, pop-ups, or gallery-style events, how your work is presented matters just as much as the art itself. A clean, professional display builds trust, protects your work, and helps buyers imagine it in their own space.

If you’ve ever wondered how to display art for sale in a way that looks polished without overcomplicating your setup, this guide breaks it down step by step.

Why Presentation Matters When Selling Art

Buyers often make decisions in seconds. Before they ask about price or process, they’re responding to how your work looks on display.

Professional presentation:

• Makes your art feel finished and intentional

• Protects prints from damage and handling

• Creates consistency across your collection

• Helps buyers focus on the artwork, not the setup
  
  

The goal isn’t to over-style your display, but to remove friction and make your work easy to view, handle, and purchase.

The Best Way to Display Art Prints Starts With Protection

One of the most common mistakes artists make is displaying prints without proper backing or protection. Even high-quality artwork can feel unfinished if it’s loosely packaged or easily bent.

To present prints professionally:

• Use rigid backing boards to keep prints flat

• Choose acid-free materials to protect artwork long-term

• Keep each piece sealed to prevent smudges and fingerprints

This is especially important when customers want to flip through work or handle pieces directly. A protected print signals quality and care, giving buyers the confidence they need.

How to Display Art for Sale Without Frames

Framing every piece isn’t always practical, especially when selling prints in bulk. Fortunately, there’s a professional middle ground.

If you’re looking for the best way to display art prints without frames, consider:

• Matting prints to standard sizes

• Using neutral, versatile matboard colors

• Packaging artwork so it’s ready for framing after purchase
  
  

Matting instantly elevates a print, adds structure, and helps buyers visualize the finished piece in a frame of their choice, without the cost or logistics of pre-framing everything.

Create a Consistent Look Across Your Display

Consistency is one of the fastest ways to make your setup look intentional and cohesive.

Tips for a clean, professional display:

• Stick to 1–2 matboard colors across your collection

• Use the same outer dimensions for most prints

• Keep labels and pricing clear and uniform
  
  

Neutral tones like white, off-white, or light gray are popular because they complement a wide range of artwork and styles without distraction.

Think About Portability and Setup Time

When selling in person, your display needs to work with you, not against you. Complicated setups slow you down and add stress before events even begin.

A strong display solution should be:

• Lightweight and easy to transport

• Quick to set up and break down

• Durable enough for repeat use

Having artwork that’s already mounted, backed, and packaged allows you to focus on engaging with customers instead of managing your display.

Use Presentation to Guide Buying Decisions

How you arrange and present your work can subtly influence what sells.

Try this:

• Display a few featured pieces upright to draw attention

• Keep additional prints organized and easy to browse

• Group similar sizes or styles together

Clear presentation makes it easier for buyers to compare pieces and commit to a purchase, especially when they’re shopping in a busy environment.

Why Artists Choose Show Kits for Selling Art

For many artists, the easiest way to bring all of these elements together is with a complete presentation solution.

Show kits combine:

• Precision-cut, acid-free mats

• Sturdy backing boards

• Protective, resealable sleeves

They’re designed to help artists display art for sale in a way that looks professional, protects the work, and simplifies setup – whether you’re selling one piece or fifty.

Instead of sourcing materials separately, artists can rely on a consistent, ready-to-use presentation that works across shows, markets, and pop-ups.

Choose the Right Size for Maximum Flexibility

Standard sizing matters more than you might think. Prints matted to common frame sizes are easier for buyers to take home and frame later.

Popular options include:

• 8x10 prints matted to 11x14

• 11x14 prints matted to 16x20

• Square formats for modern displays

These sizes give buyers flexibility while keeping your inventory streamlined.

Presentation That Works Wherever You Sell

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your setup, the key to selling art successfully is presentation that feels intentional, consistent, and professional.

When your work is:

• Protected

• Easy to browse

• Ready to frame
  
  

…it becomes easier for buyers to say yes.

At Matboard.com, show kits are designed to help artists present their work confidently, without overcomplicating the process. Because when your art looks ready to sell, it usually is.

Present Your Artwork Like a True Professional

Explore Art Pro’s Presentation Kits to find a clean, professional way to display your work, and spend less time setting up and more time selling.