What you need for an art market

An art market needs more than tables and stalls. You also need a reliable way to take payments, clear signs for visitors, enough lighting for each selling area, and refreshments for artists and guests. Plan the layout before buying or collecting equipment, because power access, loading space and table sizes affect what you need. This checklist covers the practical supplies that are easy to overlook when preparing an indoor art market.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 14
Chairsqty 40
Tableclothsqty 14
High tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 4

Equipment

Payment terminalsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Coolersqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Mood lightingqty 6

Decorations

Info boardsqty 4
Route signsqty 8
Name badgesqty 20
Adhesive hooksqty 30
Ropeqty 2
Scissorsqty 4
Tapeqty 6
Markersqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Small bowlsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Catering

Cash tray
Price listsqty 6
Menusqty 6
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 kilos
- Butter - 500 grams
- Jam - 2 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- Apple turnovers - 40 pieces
- Currant buns - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper snack bags - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 8 pieces
- Kitchen gloves - 2 boxes

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 3
Cable matsqty 8

Tips

Allow one market stall or clearly defined table space per artist, then keep at least one accessible route through the room. Confirm the final artist count before reserving furniture.
Test every payment terminal at least 24 hours before opening and bring enough extension cords and power strips to reach the selling areas without creating trip hazards.
Prepare one visible route sign for each decision point, plus name badges for every organiser, artist and helper. Pack spare tape, markers and scissors for last-minute changes.
Plan lighting for every stall, not just the entrance. Check the venue after dark or with the main lights lowered, and keep LED lamps and extension leads together in one setup box.
For refreshments, provide roughly 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then adjust for the event length. Chill drinks in advance and set out cups, plates, cutlery and serving trays before artists arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many tables do I need for an art market?: Start with one table or stall space per participating artist, then add at least one separate table for refreshments or information. Confirm the number after registrations close, so you do not reserve too little furniture.
What payment equipment do I need for an art market?: Provide at least one tested payment terminal for the market, with a backup option if several artists sell at the same time. Check power access and charging at least 24 hours before opening.
How many signs are needed for an art market?: Prepare one route sign for every entrance, turn or queue decision, plus a clearly visible information or registration board. Put the signs up during setup, not when visitors are already arriving.
When should I buy supplies for an art market?: Buy or reserve furniture, payment equipment and lighting at least 1–2 weeks before the market. Complete the final shopping run 2–3 days beforehand, leaving the day before for testing, chilling drinks and packing.

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