6/27/2011

Display Easels Styles and Materials

By Kylie Scott


"Easel" may be an unfortunate choice of words to describe display easels, since the word carries connotations of the basic artist's stand. In the industry, these easels cover the whole gamut of presentation stands. Virtually all the different kinds of stands that hold objects upright for viewing are "display easels".

Once you understand just how broad the definition is, you can also begin to grasp just how many designs and types of display stands there are and how many uses they can be put to. They are manufactured in a range of heights, from as small as four inches to as high as well over six feet. They can be fully adjustable, foldable, collapsible or simply free-standing and semi-permanent.

Display easels stand firmly on the floor or shelf on three legs, four legs, a weighted base or even a cleverly designed folding "V" shaped base. It all depends on the use it is going to be put to, the weight it must carry and the conditions it will be subjected to.

The bifold easel is a simple yet ingenious design. The base, a simple "V", joins a second "V" that is the upright. The two pointed ends are hinged, so that the stand can fold flat. These come in all sizes and materials, but some of the more popular ones are made of wood. Softwoods like pine are used for the budget stands, while exotic woods, such as black oak, cherrywood or maple cost slightly more, but have the appearance of fine furniture.

In the minds of many, tripod easels are synonymous with display easels. As with other styles, these stands are made out of many different materials and come in a variety of sizes. They also come in a multitude of designs. Some can be collapsed to a fraction of their erect size. Some are simply hinged so the back leg can be folded in or out. The front of the easel might have parallel legs or they may taper to an upside-down "V". The most complex designs have a number of adjustment options.

Tabletop easels generally are not height adjustable, though there are exceptions to this rule. For business use, they are designed to carry a small sign or a stack of informational pamphlets. For home decorating, they are made to carry photographs, plates or even open books. There are specific purpose designs, too, such as those that are specifically made for reading music.

These are just a few examples of the functional designs of presentation stands that are available. When it comes to aesthetic designs, the list grows even longer. Many display stands have been created by craftsmen and artists in order to enhance the appearance of the presentation. A simple marker board mounted on an artistic looking stand transforms the bland looking white or blackboard into something interesting and arresting.




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