Short answer
Paper: roll it up after every shoot and stand it upright in a dry room. Muslin and canvas: roll loosely on a tube, cool and dry. Vinyl: roll it, ideally back into its shipping tube; never fold. Wrinkle-resistant polyester: loose in a storage bag, not folded or rolled (Westcott).
Storage by material
How to store each backdrop
| Material | Store it | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seamless paper | Upright, tightly rolled, dry room | Sagging warps the core; humid air ripples the paper | Savage |
| Muslin | Rolled on a tube, cool and dry, in a bag | Neat folds set into creases | Westcott |
| Wrinkle-resistant polyester | Loosely wadded in a storage bag | Westcott says not to fold or roll it | Westcott |
| Vinyl | Rolled, in its shipping tube | Folding creases it | Backdrop Express |
| Collapsible | Folded into its bag, strapped | The rim springs open if loose | Retailer |
Humidity
Paper absorbs moisture from the air and forms ripples and waves (Savage). Keep paper away from bathrooms, basements and exterior walls. A dehumidifier in a studio closet is cheaper than a roll.
Racks and bags
What you need
Wrinkles anyway? See how to get wrinkles out of a backdrop.
Questions people ask
Should seamless paper be stored vertically or horizontally?
Vertically. Savage says to stand rolls upright so they do not sag, which can warp the core and cause waves, especially heavy wide rolls. Backdrop Express agrees and advises against stacking boxes horizontally.
Can I leave paper hanging on the stand?
Not as storage. Savage says to roll the paper back up tightly and evenly after each session rather than leaving it hanging.
What should I roll muslin on?
A cardboard tube or a length of PVC pipe, rolled loosely. That avoids the hard creases that come from folding it neatly.
How do I store backdrops in a small apartment?
Paper rolls can stand in a closet corner or in a vertical rack. Fabric and polyester go in bags on a shelf. Vinyl stays in its tube under a bed. Keep everything out of damp basements and hot attics.
Sources
- Savage Universal, 10 tips to remember when working with paper backdrops (maker)
- Westcott, What is the best way to store a muslin backdrop (maker)
- Westcott, Wrinkle-resistant background use and care (maker)
- Backdrop Express, Printed vinyl backdrops: pros and cons
- Roberts Camera, Lastolite collapsible reversible background 5 x 6 ft (retailer listing)
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Sizes, colors and listings change; check the product details before you buy, and follow the maker’s care instructions.