The materials we choose for shop design not only influence the aesthetics of the space, but also the shopping experience and brand identity. In this sense, well-designed retail equipment for shops attracts customers, reinforces brand values and enhances the functionality of the environment.
Increasingly, interior designers are looking for solutions that combine innovation, sustainability and durability. But what are the materials that are setting trends in commercial shopfitting? At InscaShops, experts in the manufacture of commercial furniture for major brands, we tell you.
1. Recycled and recyclable materials: the future of retailing
The use of recycled and recyclable materials in furniture and commercial equipment responds to the demand for sustainable spaces. Among the most commonly used options are:
- Recycled plastics, such as PET from bottles, which make it possible to manufacture resistant surfaces with innovative finishes.
- Recycled metals, such as aluminium and steel, which are ideal for light and durable structures in shelving and displays, as well as being completely reusable at the end of their useful life.
- FSC and PEFC certified wood, from responsible sources, recyclable and reusable in new designs. At InscaShops, all our bespoke furniture for commercial spaces is made from wood from sustainable forests.
How to apply this trend with recycled wood? A good example is the use of OSB boards, made from pressed wood chips, which provide an industrial and sustainable finish. In this material we made a display table for denim in the Pepe Jeans corner in El Corte Inglés in Bilbao.
In short, this type of material reduces environmental impact, reinforces the brand’s eco-friendly identity and adds value to the customer’s experience at the point of sale.
2. Microcement: continuity and minimalism
Microcement has become a versatile option for commercial interior design. Its seamless application generates continuous surfaces that enhance the feeling of spaciousness. Some examples of its use in commercial furniture and equipment are:
- Customer service counters and display tables: Its resistance and minimalist finish make it ideal for high traffic surfaces, providing a modern and functional design.
- Commercial flooring: Its uniform finish facilitates cleaning and generates a feeling of spaciousness in the space for those looking for an open and fluid concept.
- Wall coverings: Provides a contemporary and uniform touch in shops looking for a modern aesthetic by allowing to play with different finishes and textures.
- Displays and shelving: Its versatility allows it to be integrated into different types of commercial furniture, combining it with other materials such as wood or metal to create unique and sophisticated pieces.
In addition, its matt or polished finish and its high resistance to humidity and wear make it an ideal option for fashion shops, restaurants or showrooms where constant traffic requires high quality and durable materials.
3. Ceramics: versatility and craftsmanship
Ceramic has established itself as one of the most sophisticated and functional materials in shopfitting. With its wide variety of finishes, from the most classic to the most avant-garde, it redefines the aesthetics of shops and provides practical and long-lasting solutions.
At InscaShops, we are aware that each space has its own character and, for this reason, we make the most of the properties of ceramics to create furniture and display solutions that stand out for their design and resist the passage of time and the intense use of retail.
Innovation in every application: more than a finish, an experience
Some of the ways in which ceramics are brought to life in retail fittings include:
- Customer service tables and counters: Why settle for the conventional when you can create a piece that combines functionality and artistry? Wear-resistant, easy-to-clean ceramic surfaces take centre stage, elevating the customer experience with impeccable aesthetics and exceptional performance.
- Artistic and decorative wall tiles: Every shop has a story to tell, and ceramics is a way to give it a voice. Thanks to its infinite options of textures and colours, it can be used to cover walls or floors, creating atmospheres that evoke sensations from industrial to luxurious.
- Window dressing and decorative elements: Ceramic is ideal for creating eye-catching window displays and decorative elements that tell a story. From geometric shapes to more organic finishes, we achieve surprising results that attract the customer’s gaze, creating visual experiences.
Case studies: ceramics as a protagonist in major projects
Our practical approach has led us to work with brands and retailers that seek to differentiate themselves through design. An example of this is the furniture we created for Galeries Lafayette Nice CAP 3000, where display tables and geometric podiums covered in pastel ceramic became the soul of the beauty section, fusing aesthetics and functionality to offer a unique shopping experience.
In addition to aesthetics, our commercial equipment is designed to withstand the pace of retail: high resistance, easy maintenance and unparalleled durability. Each project is an opportunity to explore new textures, finishes and applications that strike the perfect balance between the practical and the visual.
4. Upcycling: transforming to innovate
Upcycling is a trend that transforms discarded materials into unique, sustainable and soulful design pieces. In the field of commercial equipment, it has gained relevance by offering creative solutions that respect the environment and, at the same time, bring character and personality to commercial spaces.
At InscaShops, we understand that every material has a story, and the ability to reinvent it allows us to create furniture and decorative elements with a distinctive stamp, which not only meet the demands of functionality and durability, but also have an emotional background that connects with the values of the brand.
What are the applications of upcycling in retail equipment for shops?
In retail furniture design, upcycling is a way of redesigning, reimagining and rediscovering the potential hidden in what others discard:
- Recycled metal structures: Old metal structures, which might otherwise have been discarded, can be turned into displays or shelving that bring an industrial, modern aesthetic.
- Reclaimed wood: Wood, as a natural and noble material, has enormous potential in upcycling. By recovering waste wood or wood from other constructions, we can create furniture that is not only sustainable, but also full of character.
- Recycled and customised textiles: Recycled textiles have become one of the pillars of upcycling in shopfitting. At InscaShops, for example, we highlight the customised counter and seat we made for the Pepe Jeans shop in the La Roca Village shopping centre, whose shell is lined with a fabric mosaic made from recycled jeans. This piece not only pays tribute to the brand’s DNA, but also conveys a message of sustainability and commitment to the environment.
In short, with upcycling, we give a second life to materials and objects that would otherwise go unnoticed, making each piece a unique and personal element. In this way, we achieve not only a greater connection with the customer, but also an added value for the brand, positioning it as innovative and environmentally responsible.
5. Travertine: the luxury stone that transforms retailing
Travertine, with its warm colours and unique texture, is a luxury choice for the design of retail spaces that seek a refined and timeless aesthetic.
How to integrate travertine into retail fixtures and fittings design?
Travertine offers a versatility that makes it ideal for a variety of retail applications. Its hardness and beauty allow it to be used in various types of commercial furniture, providing spaces with a touch of exclusivity that does not go unnoticed.
- Luxury shelving for exclusive products: Imagine a high-end watch shop where each shelf has to convey not only the value of the products, but also the brand identity. Travertine, with its polished finish, is ideal for these applications, providing a solid and sturdy base for displaying watches or jewellery. In one project, we manufactured travertine shelves for a luxury shoe store in El Corte Inglés.
- Customer service worktops: Travertine here acts as a focal point, thanks to its natural elegance and ability to resist stains and scratches, ensuring a long life without losing its visual appeal.
- Podiums and showcases for exclusive products: Travertine is also excellent for small items of furniture that need to stand out. The stone, with its robustness and texture, enhances the quality of the product and invites customers to explore and touch. In addition, the material has a natural ability to scatter light softly, which creates a warm and cosy atmosphere.
In other words, travertine is not just a material; it is a statement of intent. Its use in commercial equipment aims to create a sophisticated atmosphere, as well as guaranteeing the durability and functionality that each space needs to last over time.
On-trend materials, inspiring designs
The design of commercial furniture is transformed with materials that not only respond to aesthetic criteria, but also to sustainability and functionality requirements. At InscaShops, we are committed to innovation in the manufacture of made-to-measure shop furniture, offering solutions adapted to each brand and retail concept. The evolution of commercial equipment for shops is based on materials with identity, which make a difference at the point of sale.
