When looking to enhance your tent or canopy setup, tent sidewalls are one of the most effective accessories you can add. Whether you need extra branding, weather protection, or a way to control traffic flow, tent sidewalls provide a functional and customizable solution. Many of our customers use tent sidewalls and backdrops to create visually appealing and practical event spaces with designated entrances, exits, and display areas.
Adding tent sidewalls to your setup is an easy way to modify your tent’s functionality without making permanent changes. Whether you are setting up for an outdoor festival, a corporate event, a wedding, or a trade show, tent sidewalls help create a controlled and branded space that enhances the overall experience. But with different types of sidewalls and backdrops available, it’s essential to understand their distinctions and how to choose the right option for your needs.
Tent Sidewall vs. Backdrop: What’s the Difference?
If you’re trying to decide whether to equip your tent with a tent sidewall or a backdrop, it’s important to understand how each functions. While they may seem similar at first glance, they serve different purposes in a tent setup and are designed with distinct attachment methods, visibility, and functionality in mind.
Tent Sidewall: Designed for External Branding & Enclosure
The key feature of a tent sidewall is that it is printed and designed to face outward. This means your branding or design is visible to people outside the tent, making it a great option for promotional events, trade shows, outdoor markets, and vendor booths. The back of the sidewall, including the hems and snap hooks, is positioned toward the interior of the tent.Depending on the style of tent, tent sidewalls can be connected together using zippers, hook and loop fasteners, or alligator clips to form a complete enclosure.
Using tent sidewalls allows you to fully enclose your tent, protecting your display area from the elements while ensuring that your branding is visible from all angles. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas where potential customers or event attendees need to recognize your setup quickly.
Backdrop: Designed for Internal Decoration & Messaging
A backdrop, on the other hand, is created to face inward. Your graphics and branding are visible only to people inside the tent, making it ideal for presentations, photography setups, VIP areas, and decorative event spaces. Unlike a tent sidewall, a backdrop does not typically connect with additional panels or sidewalls and is primarily used for aesthetics rather than as a protective barrier.
Backdrops are particularly useful when you want to create a polished and immersive environment inside your tent. Whether you are setting up a step-and-repeat banner for a photo booth or showcasing a product launch, backdrops ensure that the audience inside the tent experiences a visually appealing and brand-focused atmosphere.
Tent Sidewall Styles for Different Tent Types
Not all tents use the same sidewall attachment methods. Depending on the type of tent you have, the installation method and compatibility of tent sidewalls may vary. Below is a breakdown of how tent sidewalls connect to various tent styles:
Classic Series Frame/Pole Tents
Attachment Method: Uses spring clips along the top to connect to the tent’s rope line.
Side-to-Side Connection: Side release buckles allow tent sidewalls to link together seamlessly.
Ground Securing: Grommets along the bottom edge allow rope staking for added stability, preventing wind from lifting the walls.
Backdrops for this style also attach via spring clips at the top but lack side-to-side connections and bottom grommets. This means that while they provide excellent visual appeal inside the tent, they are not as effective for enclosure purposes.
Fast Shade Pop-Up Canopies
Attachment Method: Hook fastener strip along the top attaches to a matching loop fastener on the valance.
Orientation: The fastener strip is positioned on the print side of the tent sidewall, ensuring that branding faces outward for maximum visibility.
Side Securing: Hook and loop straps wrap around the tent legs, with zippers for seamless sidewall-to-sidewall attachment.
For backdrops, the attachment method is similar, but the fastener strip is placed on the rear side so that the printed portion faces inward. Unlike tent sidewalls, backdrops for Fast Shades do not include zippers, making them more suitable for decorative use rather than full enclosure.
Pinnacle Series Cross Cable Tents
Attachment Method: Uses alligator straps and clips around the top and sides to secure to the tent frame.
Side-to-Side Connection: Hook and loop fasteners along the vertical edges allow tent sidewalls to attach to one another, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
Ground Securing: Includes grommets for staking, similar to frame tents, which is particularly useful in windy outdoor environments.
Backdrops for Pinnacle tents attach similarly but with the printed side facing inward. This configuration allows for an enclosed yet visually appealing space, particularly useful for private gatherings or staged presentations.
Why Use a Tent Sidewall?
Investing in a tent sidewall can enhance the functionality and appearance of your event setup. Here are some key benefits:
Weather Protection: Shield your space from wind, rain, and excessive sun exposure, ensuring a comfortable environment inside the tent.
Branding & Advertising: Display your logo, marketing message, or event details prominently to attract attention from potential customers or event attendees.
Privacy & Security: Keep your booth or tent space enclosed to prevent unauthorized access and create a more controlled setting.
Versatile Configuration: Easily adjust entrances, exits, and enclosed sections to fit your event’s specific needs.
Enhanced Guest Experience: By adding tent sidewalls, you can create an inviting and comfortable space that keeps distractions and external noise at bay.
By understanding the differences between tent sidewalls and backdrops, you can make an informed decision that best suits your event needs. Whether you require a fully enclosed tent for privacy and security or an elegant backdrop for an upscale presentation, the right choice will help you maximize the impact of your tent setup.
Now that you have a better understanding of tent sidewalls and backdrops, you can confidently choose the right option for your next event. If you need further assistance selecting the perfect tent sidewall, feel free to email us at Sales@GetTent.com or call (844) 801-9588 during business hours.
