When it comes to selling homemade soaps, the saying “first impressions count” rings true. While your soap might be a blend of heavenly scents and organic goodness, if the presentation isn’t hitting the mark, you might as well reserve it for your bathroom only. 

Let’s face it: who wants to use a soap that looks like it was just haphazardly plunked down on a table, without any thought or care? A soap that looks neglected or unappealingly presented can easily be passed over, no matter how great it smells or how well it lathers. 

We’re not just talking about the bar and packaging, but how you display it to grab your customers’ attention and project a polished brand image. This is where display skills come into play. It's not enough to have your soaps neatly stacked on a shelf; they deserve a platform that accentuates their handcrafted charm and natural allure. From rustic wooden crates for a natural feel to minimalist shelves that fit the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic, how you present your soaps can transform them from simple hygiene products to decorative art pieces. 

In this post, we’ll cover ten homemade soap display ideas that will not only make your products irresistible but also elevate your brand image. Consider them as inspiration to turn your shop or market stall into a visual feast that captivates and entices.

Homemade soap display ideas for sudsational first impressions

Creating an eye-catching display for your homemade soaps doesn't have to be complicated or costly. In fact, some of the most effective displays are those that are simple yet thoughtful. 

Below are ideas that not only capture attention but also reflect the quality and care you put into your soaps. Feel free to tweak these suggestions to match your brand's vibe and style. Each idea is designed to be cost-effective and easy to implement, ensuring that your soaps make the best impression without breaking the bank.

Rustic Wood Crates

For a display that screams natural and organic, rustic wood crates are your go-to. These can be sourced from local flea markets or craft stores, and if you’re feeling handy, you can even make them yourself from reclaimed wood. Stack them in an asymmetrical pattern to create visual interest or use them as individual soap holders for a more structured look. 

For an extra rustic touch, stain the wood in a light, earthy tone or leave it raw and unvarnished. The key is to let the natural beauty of the wood shine, providing a perfect backdrop for your handcrafted soaps.

Tiered Shelves

Tiered shelves are a fantastic choice for a clean and structured display. These can be found at home décor or craft stores, or if you're up for a bit of DIY, you can create your own. Using materials like wood, metal, or even acrylic, you can design shelves that fit your brand’s aesthetic. Paint them to match your branding colours, or keep them natural for a more understated look. 

The beauty of tiered shelves lies in their versatility––they allow your soaps to be displayed at different levels, making each bar easily visible and accessible. Plus, they're great for small spaces, maximising vertical area while keeping your products organised.

Pallet Displays

Pallet displays bring a robust and industrial charm to your soap presentation. Unlike crates, which are typically box-like and used for carrying, pallets are flat structures used for transport and storage. You can often find old pallets at local warehouses or shipping companies, sometimes for free. 

Sand them down and give them a coat of varnish for a more polished look, or leave them raw for an edgy vibe. Pallets can be used as-is, leaned against a wall for a minimalist display, or you can get creative by attaching shelves or hooks to them for more structured organisation. Their wide planks are perfect for displaying multiple soap varieties, giving your products a standout presence.

Themed Bundles

Themed bundles are your ticket to creating an immersive shopping experience. They're a clever way to align with seasonal vibes or trending scents, making your soaps universally popular. Plus, they're a dream for customers looking for that perfect, ready-to-go gift. Here's how to nail it:

Ideas for themed displays: 

Relaxation Station: Group lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus soaps together. Set up a serene corner with calming colours and soft lighting. Add elements like pebbles and bamboo mats to evoke a spa-like atmosphere.

Citrus Grove: Create a vibrant display for lemon, orange and grapefruit soaps. Use bright, citrus-coloured decorations and arrange the soaps among dehydrated citrus slices and leaves for a fresh, zesty look.

Herbal Garden: For rosemary, mint and thyme soaps, set up a green, garden-inspired shelf. Incorporate small potted plants, wooden signs, and even a little artificial turf to mimic an herb garden.

Vintage Vanity Trays

Vintage vanity trays, particularly those with mirrored surfaces, offer a blend of elegance and functionality. Ideal for a sophisticated display, these trays reflect light, creating a dazzling effect that highlights the colours and textures of your soaps. 

They're also a practical choice for market stalls or pop-up shops. Easy to transport and set up, these trays can be arranged with minimal effort, yet provide a stunning backdrop for your products. 

Consider embellishing them with a few vintage accessories like pearl necklaces or lace doilies to enhance the antique feel. Not only do these trays attract attention, but they also add a story to your display, making your soaps not just products but part of a larger narrative.

Minimalist Racks

Minimalist racks are all about showcasing your soaps in a clean, uncluttered way. Choose sleek designs with straight lines and a neutral colour palette to ensure your soaps remain the focal point. To add a bit of flair, experiment with different materials like wood for a warm touch or metal for a more industrial look. 

The positioning of your soaps on these racks is crucial––consider spacing them evenly or creating a pattern for visual interest. The simplicity of these racks not only makes your soaps stand out but also appeals to customers who appreciate modern design and clean aesthetics.

Colourful Arrangements

Creating a visually stunning soap display is all about harnessing the power of colour. Imagine arranging your soaps by seasonal hues: soft pastels for spring's freshness or autumn's warm, earthy tones, instantly setting a mood that resonates with the time of year. 

Consider the bold approach of colour blocking on your display table for a contemporary, eye-catching look. Add another layer to your presentation by incorporating complementary props, like coloured stones or fabrics, enhancing the overall visual appeal. Finally, subtle lighting can do wonders, highlighting specific colours and creating an inviting ambiance that aligns with the theme of your display. 

Here are some more tips of colour-coordinating your display: 

Tip #1: Group soaps by colour - Create sections of blues, pinks, greens, etc., for a rainbow effect on your display table.

Tip #2: Use colour gradients - Arrange your soaps to create a smooth transition from one colour to the next, offering a visually pleasing and cohesive look.

Tip # 3: Consider complementary colours - Place soaps in colours that contrast yet complement each other for a display that pops.

Tip #4: Don't ignore the neutrals - Balance your bright soaps with neutral-toned soaps to give the eye a place to rest, enhancing the overall appeal. 

Glass Jars

Using glass jars for your soap display is both practical and visually appealing, especially for showcasing smaller or sample-size soaps. Choose a variety of jar sizes to accommodate different soap shapes––small jars for individual samples and larger ones for displaying multiple pieces. Consider layering soaps with contrasting colours in the larger jars to create a striking visual effect. 

You can arrange these jars at different heights using stands or stacked books to add dimension to your display. The transparency of the glass not only highlights the colours and textures of the soaps but also offers a hygienic way to display them, protecting the soaps from being handled too much. This display style is particularly effective in boutique settings or craft fairs where you want to give a sophisticated and organised presentation of your products.

Wall-Mounted Displays

Wall-mounted displays are a fantastic way to save space while creating an eye-catching soap exhibit. Utilise shelves, hanging baskets or even repurposed wooden pallets attached to the wall to display your soaps. This vertical approach draws the customer's eye upward, making your display stand out in a crowded market. 

It's also an excellent opportunity to get creative––think about arranging the soaps in patterns or thematic shapes. Wall-mounted displays can give your space an artistic gallery feel, where each soap bar becomes a piece of art.

Farmhouse Baskets

Farmhouse baskets are ideal for creating a cosy, rustic display. These baskets, often made of wicker or wire, add a warm, homey feel to your soap presentation. Fill them with a variety of soaps wrapped in simple, rustic packaging to enhance the farmhouse aesthetic. 

Baskets are also incredibly versatile––they can be placed on tables, hung from the ceiling, or even used as standalone features on the floor. They’re particularly effective in outdoor settings like farmer’s markets, where their rustic charm can shine. Plus, they make it easy for customers to browse and select their favourite soaps.

Time to show off your sudsy creations

Remember: a fab soap display is more than just stacking bars––it's about setting the stage for your soaps to shine. Use these ideas to turn heads and spark curiosity. More than toiletries, your soaps are mini art pieces waiting to be showcased. So, get creative, have fun with it, and let your soaps do the talking! And if you're ever in need of supplies, like soap bases and fragrance oils, NI Candle Supplies is just a click away.