What it does
A counter pad is a soft faced mat laid on the counter, and a piece is put down on it rather than on glass. It is the one display item that exists for the transaction rather than for the window — it stops a ring skidding, it deadens the sound, and it frames the piece while a customer looks at it.
Velvet on a counter pad, specifically
Velvet is the traditional counter pad and it is the one that grips a ring best — nothing skids on pile. It is also the one that collects every fibre off a customer's sleeve, so it needs brushing through the day rather than at closing.
Getting the proportion right
Size is set by what is shown on it, not by the counter. A pad big enough for a tray reads as a mat; a pad sized to one piece reads as a stage, and the second is what most counters actually want.
How velvet is applied to a display form
Velvet is glued over the form and the pile has to run the same way on every face, or one side of the same block reads darker than the other. On a curved form it is cut in panels rather than stretched, because pile flattens where it is pulled.
Where it is used
Every selling counter, and particularly high-value counters where a piece is taken out of the case and put down in front of a customer.
Velvet under case lighting
Pile absorbs light instead of bouncing it, so a velvet display sinks into the background and the piece on it becomes the brightest thing in the case. It also means the display itself photographs dark, which suits a shop and not a catalogue shot.
The mistake to avoid
A pad with no weight slides when a customer pulls it toward them. A weighted or non-slip base is the difference between a pad that stays put and one that ends up on the floor.
Why velvet
Velvet-covered display reads as traditional and formal. The pile absorbs light rather than reflecting it, so the piece on top is the brightest thing in the case.
The pile shows handling and dust. Velvet display belongs behind glass, brushed regularly; on an open counter it ages faster than suede.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Height and footprint | Size is set by what is shown on it, not by the counter. |
| Velvet colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Velvet on this form | Velvet is the traditional counter pad and it is the one that grips a ring best — nothing skids on pile. |
Frequently asked questions
Can counter pads be made in our brand colour?
Yes — the velvet is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What sizes do counter pads come in?
They are made to your dimensions. Size is set by what is shown on it, not by the counter. A pad big enough for a tray reads as a mat; a pad sized to one piece reads as a stage, and the second is what most counters actually want.
Is velvet a good choice for a counter pad?
Velvet is the traditional counter pad and it is the one that grips a ring best — nothing skids on pile. It is also the one that collects every fibre off a customer's sleeve, so it needs brushing through the day rather than at closing.
What goes wrong most often with counter pads?
A pad with no weight slides when a customer pulls it toward them. A weighted or non-slip base is the difference between a pad that stays put and one that ends up on the floor.
Can counter pads be made to match our boxes?
Yes — the same velvet and the same colour across boxes and display, ordered in one run.
Specify your counter pads
Tell us your case or window height, what the counter pads have to show, and your brand colour. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.