Let’s be honest — when you’re running a business in New York City, you don’t always have time to overthink your display setup. You need something that works, looks good, and doesn’t cost a fortune. That’s exactly why so many of our clients at Print Standard Print keep coming back to the X-stand banner stand.
That said, not all X-stands are created equal. We’ve seen businesses show up to events with flimsy frames and washed-out prints — and trust us, it shows. So before you order, here’s a straightforward guide to help you pick the right one.
What Even Is an X-Stand Banner Stand?
If you haven’t used one before, here’s the quick version: it’s a lightweight display frame shaped like an “X” that holds a printed banner stretched across its four arms using corner grommets. No tools needed, no complicated setup. You can have it standing in under a minute, which is honestly one of the reasons people love them.
They’re popular at trade shows, retail stores, pop-up events, and pretty much anywhere you need a clean, branded display without hauling heavy equipment around.
1. Get the Size Right for Your Space
This one sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get wrong. X-stand banner stands typically come in two main sizes — 24″ x 63″ for tabletop displays and 31.5″ x 71″ for full floor-standing setups.
If you’re placing it on a counter or a table at a smaller event, the tabletop size works great. But if you’re on an open show floor or want something people can spot from across the room, go with the larger size. A banner that’s too small just gets lost in the crowd — especially in a busy NYC venue.
Not sure which fits your space? Just reach out to us at Print Standard Print and we’ll help you figure it out.
2. The Print Material Actually Matters
Here’s something a lot of people overlook: the frame is only half the story. The quality of your printed banner is what people actually see.
We recommend matte or glossy vinyl for most X-stand banners. Vinyl holds up well, the colors stay vivid, and it doesn’t tear easily. If your setup is near a window or under strong lighting, matte is usually the better call — it cuts down on glare so your message stays readable.
At Print Standard Print, we print on high-quality materials with sharp, high-resolution output. Whether someone’s standing right next to it or walking by from across the room, your design needs to look clean and professional — and that starts with the print.
3. Think About How Much Use It’s Going to Get
If you need a banner for one event and that’s it, a basic lightweight stand is perfectly fine. But if you’re someone who does markets, expos, or seasonal pop-ups regularly around New York, it’s worth spending a little more on a frame with reinforced arms and sturdy locking joints.
Cheap stands that get packed and unpacked repeatedly tend to wear out fast. The arms start bending, the joints loosen — it becomes more of a headache than it’s worth. A slightly better frame upfront saves you money in the long run.
4. Can You Swap the Banner Without Buying a New Stand?
This is a feature worth looking for, especially if your promotions rotate throughout the year. Some X-stand frames let you pop out the old banner and clip in a new one — same frame, fresh graphic.
So instead of buying a whole new setup every season, you just order a new printed banner from us, swap it in, and you’re ready to go. Simple, cost-effective, and honestly, just smart business.
5. Don’t Underestimate the Carry Bag
NYC businesses move around. You might be at a Midtown event on Friday and a Brooklyn market on Saturday. Make sure your X-stand comes with a carry bag — ideally one with a bit of padding. It keeps the frame and rolled banner protected during transport and makes the whole thing much easier to manage on the subway or in a cab.
Ready to Print? We’re Right Here in NYC.
At Print Standard Print, we handle everything from design to final print for your X-stand banner stands. Fast turnaround, quality materials, and a team that actually knows what they’re doing — that’s what we’re here for.
Get in touch with Print Standard Print today and let’s get your banner stand looking exactly the way it should.