El cardboard shop design and ephemeral spaces They have made a strong impact on the world of retail, events, and brand communication. What once seemed like a simple packaging material has now become a key element in pop-up shops, art installations, window displays, and shopping center corners that aim to surprise visitors and convey values of sustainability, creativity, and approachability.
Beyond the cliché that “everything fits in a box”, cardboard has proven that it can be ephemeral architecture, furniture, set design and the packaging in a single project. From reusable modular structures to packaging with such an eye-catching design that it becomes part of the product, brands are using it to connect with their customers in a different way and, incidentally, reduce costs and environmental footprint.
From digital pop-up window to physical pop-up shop
The term “Pop up” was born linked to pop-up windows that popped up in the browser, but soon jumped to the physical world to give a name to those shops that appear and disappear in a matter of days or weeks. They are temporary stores that are set up in strategic areas of the city, for a very specific period, to present a product, clear out stock, launch a capsule collection, or foster a more direct encounter with the public.
These spaces, rather than being typical retail outlets, function as “show store” and brand experienceIt's not just about placing products on shelves, but about creating a journey, an atmosphere, and a story that visitors experience intensely… and know they won't get another chance. That feeling of exclusivity and fleetingness is part of the charm of pop-up stores.
This concept was popularized by communication agencies and design studios In the United States, it quickly conquered cities like New York and London. From there, it spread to the rest of Europe, where it has become more sophisticated with new formal approaches and, above all, with a wide variety of materials: wood, metal, textiles, recycled shipping containers, and, of course, cardboard in all its forms.
Brands have seen in these pop-up shops an opportunity to Testing concepts, testing products, and generating media buzz without the investment of a permanent establishment. And, within this agile format, cardboard fits like a glove due to its lightness, low cost and enormous versatility.
Examples of temporary wooden shops: warmth and modularity
Wood continues to be one of the star materials for design pop-up shops with a warm feel and approachable. It allows for the creation of robust yet demountable structures, with an artisanal touch that many fashion and design brands particularly value.
A good example is the modular shop for COS Created for the Salone del Mobile furniture fair in Milan, this project designed a "room within a room" using wooden modules that combined like pieces of a compact studio. Everything was planned to integrate product display, concealed storage, and comfortable visitor circulation within a small space.
The result was a space welcoming, clean and functionalwhich invited entry without overshadowing the Swedish brand's garments. The modularity allowed the system to be disassembled and reassembled in other contexts, maximizing the investment in design and manufacturing.
Another notable case is the Camper pop-up shop on the Vitra campusIn Switzerland, designed by architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, the temporary shop was integrated within Buckminster Fuller's iconic geodesic dome. The intervention played with wooden slats, creating a spacious and understated environment that complemented the dome's original triangular structure.
Also the campaign “Camper loves Paris“They opted for wood as the framework for a three-story pop-up shop in the French capital. Designer François Dumas created a kind of three-dimensional cage from colored wooden slats, which served simultaneously as an exhibition support and a powerful visual element. In this space, the current collection was mixed with iconic models from the brand's history, transforming the shop into a kind of living archive.”
Cardboard comes into play: ephemeral interior design with added value
Alongside these examples in wood, the cardboard sector has decided to take a step forward and assert itself as the main material in the interior design of pop-up shops. It's not just about using it for packaging boxes or secondary displays, but about building walls, ceilings, counters, furniture, and all kinds of temporary architectural elements.
One of the most striking cases is the Aesop pop-up shop at the Merci department store in ParisThe Australian luxury cosmetics firm decided reuse your own shipping boxes —the same ones they use to ship their products and gift sets— to create an organic installation on the ceiling and part of the space. The architecture firm Studio March was in charge of transforming those boxes into a kind of sculptural cardboard cloud that enveloped the visitor.
With this proposal, Aesop achieved reinforce its message of sustainability and brand consistencyThe same material that protects the product during transport then becomes an aesthetic and structural element within the store. All of this is done with a restrained, elegant, and highly recognizable style, true to the brand's visual identity.
Another radical example is the TRIWA pop-up shopThe Swedish watch brand's exhibition space was designed by the Polish studio Mode:lina Architekci. In this case, the space was conceived as a large cardboard "tank," constructed from over 900 cardboard tubes. The tubes formed curved walls and volumes that completely enveloped the exhibition, creating a powerful and distinctive image within a very controlled budget.
In South Korea, the Urbantainer studio developed the project Naver App Square for the Naver search engine. The project started with a recycled shipping container, which was transformed to resemble a giant cardboard shipping box. The exterior mimicked a package, complete with packaging graphics and even a scannable QR code. Inside, all the furniture—tables, chairs, speakers, bottle racks—was designed from cardboard, creating a cohesive universe centered around the language of packaging and the digital experience.
These projects demonstrate that cardboard has not only joined the pop-up phenomenon, but also has become a protagonist with ingenious solutionsScalable and visually striking, it confirms itself as an ideal material for a world where ephemerality reigns, and where quick assembly and disassembly and cost reduction are key.
Benefits of cardboard in ephemeral architecture and commercial interior design
The success of the cardboard interior design for shops and events This is no coincidence. Beyond its aesthetic impact, there are a number of practical and economic advantages that make it a very interesting ally for brands, shopping centers, museums, and small businesses.
Firstly, the cardboard stands out for its ease of storage, transport and handlingThe components can be shipped flat, folded, taking up very little space, and assembled on-site with minimal tools and without the need for specialized technical personnel. This significantly reduces logistics costs and allows for rapid deployment of installations in different cities.
Furthermore, there are multiple types of cardboard—from the Bee nest down to the microchannel, through high-density panels—that offer good resistance and stability performanceA well-designed piece of cardboard furniture or structure can support weight, be reused multiple times, and maintain a pristine appearance throughout its intended lifespan.
In economic terms, cardboard is usually cheaper than other materials like solid wood, metal, or certain engineering plastics, allowing for more budget to be invested in creativity, graphic design, or custom digital printing. And, being a recyclable and largely recycled material, it aligns with the sustainability policies that more and more consumers are demanding.
Finally, from an aesthetic point of view, cardboard is no longer perceived as a cheap or "tacky" material. The possibilities for finishing, its combination with other materials, and the work of innovative designers and architects have led to this. Even luxury brands proudly integrate it into their retail spaces, as part of its narrative of innovation and environmental responsibility.
Interior design in cardboard: design, planning and digital printing
When a brand decides to invest in cardboard interior designThe process usually begins with a listening and goal-setting phase: what you want to communicate, how long the installation will last, what type of space it will be located in (shop window, pop-up store, trade fair stand, shopping center, museum, etc.) and what budget is available.
From there, work proceeds along two main lines. On the one hand, the planning and design of cardboard elementsModular structures, pedestals, decorative panels, totems, counters, space dividers, product displays, or even small architectural volumes that create "rooms within rooms." Each piece is sized with both its use and assembly in mind.
On the other hand, the large format decorative digital printingThanks to current systems, it's possible to print all kinds of graphics directly onto cardboard: patterns, illustrations, photographs, solid color backgrounds, corporate fonts, or campaign messages. This transforms each piece of cardboard into a visual communication medium, integrating architecture and branding in a single gesture.
Once the digital design is finalized, the pieces go to the cutting and milling machinesThese molds allow for very precise shapes, interlocking tabs, screwless assembly slots, etc. They are then printed with the corresponding graphics and finished to ensure a clean, durable result that meets the level of detail required by each brand.
The goal is for the assembly should be simple, quick, and reusableMany systems are designed like a puzzle or construction set: they fit together without the need for glue or complex tools, they can be disassembled without damage, and they can be adapted to different spaces simply by changing the configuration of the pieces.
Formats and applications: from pop-up stores to museums
Interior design using cardboard is currently being applied in a wide variety of contextsFrom small businesses wanting to update their shop windows to large chains needing promotional sets for shopping centers or cultural spaces seeking light and sustainable scenery.
The pop up stores They remain one of the star formats. Since these are limited-time stores, they are ideal for using temporary structures, quick setups, and elements that can be reused in future campaigns. Cardboard allows for the creation of an immersive environment that reflects the collection's story, the brand's tone, and the lifestyle associated with the product.
In the field museum and exhibitionCardboard is used to construct micro-architectures within the galleries: tunnels, walls, platforms, pedestals, and graphic supports that help tell the exhibition's narrative. The aim is for the visitor to become immersed in the theme, for there to be coherence between the content and the container, and for everything to be dismantled without leaving a trace in the original space.
The malls They use cardboard interior design for promotional campaigns and one-off events. Due to the scale of these spaces, large pieces, striking sets, and highly visible elements that attract attention from afar are required. Honeycomb cardboard, in thick panels, is perfect for these types of voluminous yet lightweight displays.
Also in the area of corporate events, trade fairs and congresses Demand for cardboard stage sets has skyrocketed: branded lecterns, three-dimensional lettering, stage backdrops, photo booths, modular stands, small lounge areas, and information points. Visual branding is achieved through volume, color, and direct printing, avoiding heavy structures that increase transportation costs.
Inspiring examples of retail interior design using cardboard
In the retail world, cardboard is used both in entire stores as well as in specific interventionsAn iconic project is the Aesop Store Renewal in Melbourne, where honeycomb cardboard covers an entire wall with an undulating design. The curves and repetitive pattern create a sculptural backdrop that frames the product without competing with it.
This Australian brand is a good example of how cardboard can be integrated into a elegant and minimalist store conceptIn another of its stores, Aesop DTLA in downtown Los Angeles, the Brooks + Scarpa Architects studio designed an interior where almost everything revolves around the cardboard tubeThe walls, counter, lamps, and shelves are constructed from cylinders about six inches in diameter.
The tubes combine with countertops made of recycled paper and an original floor from 1929In a warm and neutral palette that takes advantage of the natural light from the large facade window, the result is an extremely cohesive space where the honesty of the materials reinforces Aesop's understated and refined identity.
Another very interesting project is the Kiton Showroom in MilanDesigned by the A4A studio, this display uses honeycomb cardboard panels as modular pedestals to showcase men's fashion. The pieces, with their clean, straight lines, are arranged at varying heights and can be combined as desired depending on the garment or accessory being displayed.
Each base has a different finish in color and textureThis allows for visual creativity without sacrificing a sense of understated elegance. The system is lightweight, easily transportable, requires no specialized personnel for assembly, and can be reused for events, photo shoots, or new window display arrangements.
Cardboard can also be used in the form of stacked boxes as a constructive and decorative elementThis is the case with the Deskontalia space, a physical store associated with an online shopping portal. Since the product wasn't a specific item—customers came to pick up all kinds of orders—the architects at the Vaumm studio decided that the cardboard box itself would be the main focus.
Except for the main counter, almost everything was constructed using standard boxes of varying sizes, stacked and nested to create shelves, walls, and volumes. The kraft boxes, almost plain, only incorporated a few white graphic details, creating a a sober but very recognizable geometric rhythm which transformed the space into a meeting point between customer and brand.
Pedestals, displays and modular systems for pop-up and retail
Within the design of cardboard shops, the modular pedestals and displays They have become a key tool. They allow you to organize products, create routes, and highlight specific pieces without the need for construction or heavy furniture.
For fashion or footwear brands, for example, it is common to work with folding pedestal systems of different heightsA practical example is the design of elements in 16mm thick white Dboard for the women's footwear brand MAGRO & CARDONA. The bases, with a glossy finish, deliberately departed from the traditional "paper" texture, providing a more sophisticated look without losing the lightness of cardboard.
These types of solutions are ideal for pop-up stores, temporary corners and collection presentationsThe fact that they can be folded and stored flat makes it easy for the brand to take them from one event to another, maintaining a consistent image with a very reasonable investment.
Honeycomb cardboard panels also work very well as shop window backdrops, space dividers or graphic supportsBeing lightweight yet durable, they are easy to place and remove, encouraging you to renew the scenery with each campaign, playing with heights, volumes and color.
Furthermore, the cardboard adapts to All types of finishes: direct printing, laminates, varnishes, special cutsThis allows for complete customization of each project to fit the brand's visual codes, from a very raw and industrial aesthetic to a polished and almost "premium" look.
Creative packaging in boxes: when the packaging is also space
If we move from space to product, the creative packaging in cardboard boxes It has become an incredibly powerful branding tool. Many companies in the food, fashion, cosmetics, and electronics industries rely on cardboard because it is eco-friendly, recyclable, and easy to customize, but also because it can become the first emotional point of contact with the customer.
A well-designed package should to convey the brand's value even before openingThe moment a consumer receives a box—in store or at home—can be crucial in reinforcing their perception of quality, personal touch, or creativity. That's why there's so much experimentation with shapes, closures, surprise openings, and eye-catching graphics.
For a packaging design to work, it is essential to take care of the so-called “facing” of the packagingThat is, its ability to display well on the shelf or in the exhibition space. The box must stand upright, vertically or horizontally, without losing stability and clearly displaying the brand and main messages.
The text accompanying the graphic design also plays a key role. Many packaging projects rely on a friendly tone, even using the informal "tú" form with the customerespecially in everyday products like pasta, snacks, or cosmetics. If used judiciously, this informal language isn't perceived as disrespectful, but rather as a form of camaraderie.
The Visual metaphors are one of the most powerful resources In packaging: an image or shape that encapsulates the product's promise can trigger recall and differentiation. However, packaging cannot be limited to just the graphic design: the opening mechanism, pouring, dosage, and protection of the contents must be equally carefully considered to ensure a truly satisfying experience.
In some cases, the packaging is designed with a second life in mindBoxes that transform into organizers, toys, decorative items, or storage containers. If this approach is chosen, it's important to place the brand in a visible area even during this second use, so that the packaging continues to act as a small ambassador for the company.
When the product itself is visually appealing—for example, a designer bottle, a colorful candy, or a special garment—it can be interesting if the packaging incorporates windows or openings that allow a glimpse of the interior. In this way, the aesthetic value of the content is used to reinforce the overall proposal.
Color and graphic details deserve specific consideration: the logo must stand out against the background, the tones must align with the brand's values (natural, technological, artisanal, luxurious, etc.), and each icon, pattern, or illustration must enhance, not overwhelm. When all of this comes together, the result is a Eye-catching packaging that communicates well and works in everyday use.
Today, many specialized printing companies offer Digital printing adapted to short or customized runsThis makes it easier for even small businesses to experiment with creative packaging without having to produce huge quantities. This works particularly well for limited releases, special editions, and ephemeral collections tied to specific events.
The rise of cardboard in stores, exhibitions and packaging demonstrates that A seemingly humble material can lead to innovative design proposalsSustainable and full of personality. By combining clever ephemeral structures, meticulous digital printing, and a healthy dose of creativity, brands ensure that both their spaces and their boxes speak for themselves and remain etched in the user's memory.
