Tent Enhancements That Make All the Difference

A tent is just the starting point. What really transforms the space, and the overall guest experience, are the enhancements. From structural upgrades to design-forward details, the right additions can completely change how a tent looks, feels, and functions. We asked our tent team to share their go-to upgrades, the ones they consistently recommend to take a tent from standard to standout.

Decks & Railings

Love the openness of a tent but want to layer in a few more moments? A deck is an easy place to start.

Adding tent decking and railings creates a polished foundation while giving you flexibility in how the space is used. One deck can serve multiple purposes throughout the event, from cocktail hour to a bar setup or even a lounge area guests naturally gravitate toward.

As Regional Director of Tent Sales & Production Cosette Hirschfeld shares: “Decks are a great way to activate more space and extend the guest experience without a significant investment. They act as an extension of the tent, allowing guests to move seamlessly between areas. They can be covered for a smooth, cohesive look or enclosed to stay welcoming in any weather — and left open for moments like a golden hour toast or a late-night lounge. It’s a way to create a quieter space to connect, just steps from the energy of the main event.”

Styled simply and used creatively, decking adds variety and dimension without disrupting the overall flow. Railings can further define the space, creating subtle boundaries and a more finished, architectural feel that makes the entire layout feel more intentional.

Skylights & Partial Clear Tops

Not all clear tops are created equal, and sometimes, a partial approach delivers the best result.

As Project Manager Ryan Shoos explains, incorporating skylights using clear tops on just a portion of the tent allows you to balance aesthetics and comfort: “A full clear top can make the tent very hot in the summer, but using clear tops on just a few bays gives you that same aesthetic without overheating the space. I especially like using skylights on our black frame or structure tents, breaking up the black roof with clear panels creates a great ‘wow’ factor.”

By incorporating partial clear tops or skylights, you get the visual impact of a clear tent while maintaining comfort, and often at a more cost-effective price point.

Bump Outs

Sometimes, the best way to improve a layout is to expand it.

As Senior Project Coordinator Samantha Ridgway shares: “A bump out is one of my go-to tent enhancements. It adds dimension to the layout while creating a dedicated space for moments like a bar, photo op, or coat check.”

Adding a tent bump out creates a natural extension of the main structure, allowing you to carve out purposeful areas without interrupting the overall flow. It’s a simple upgrade that makes the space feel more dynamic and thoughtfully laid out.

Portal Braces

If you’ve ever noticed structural crossbars interrupting a tent’s interior, you’ll understand why this upgrade matters.

According to Tent Sales Consultant Matthew Woodford: “My favorite tent accessory is the Portal Brace. It’s an upgrade for structure tents that eliminates the X braces in the bays. While it’s functional, it’s really a visual upgrade. Portal braces allow for wide open entry and exit and eliminate the large X braces that crisscross through the tent.”

By removing visual obstructions, portal braces create a cleaner, more open interior, improving both the look of the space and how guests move through it.

Glass Walls

For a more refined, indoor-outdoor experience, glass tent walls offer one of the most elevated upgrades.

Glass panels provide the clearest possible view outside, allowing natural light and the surrounding environment to become part of the design. Unlike traditional sidewalls, they don’t billow in high-wind conditions, making them both a practical and visually striking option.

As Project Manager Sasha Moraski shares: “Glass walls are an amazing way to elevate your structure. Whether it’s protecting your guests from those finicky New England elements, providing a clear, safe viewpoint, or simply adding a more sophisticated look, glass walls are the way to go.”

For an even more seamless setup, glass walls and doors can be incorporated to create an elegant, versatile event space, one that feels open, structured, and thoughtfully designed from every angle.

The difference between a standard tent and a standout space comes down to the details. From decking and skylights to bump outs, portal braces, and glass walls, these tent enhancements don’t just improve functionality, they shape the entire experience.With the right upgrades, a tent becomes more than coverage. It becomes a space that feels intentional, elevated, and designed from the ground up.