How to get the Lighting Right for your Exhibition Stand

All too often, the lighting for exhibition stands is an afterthought. However, exhibition stand lighting is one of the things that can make a massive impact on the success of an event.

Proper lighting can transform an ordinary stand into a captivating space that draws visitors in and enhances the overall experience.

Bespoke exhibition stands are a great option for any business looking to create the wow factor for their visitors and creates the option of incorporating a well thought out lighting design which perfectly highlights and complements their offering and stand space.

Even if custom exhibition stands are beyond your budget, there are many ways you can consider your lighting design. Below, we explore how to get the lighting right for your exhibition stand and create some magic with lighting at your event.

Understanding different types of lighting

There are several types of lighting that you can use for your exhibition stand, each serving a different purpose. Here are some common options:

Ambient lighting – This is the overall lighting that sets the general mood of the stand. It provides a comfortable level of brightness to navigate the space and should be evenly distributed.

Accent lighting – Accent lights are used to draw attention to specific products or focal points within your stand. These lights are more focused and can create a sense of depth and dimension. A good example of this is roller banner spotlights. These are designed to highlight and draw attention to the details on a roller banner. Accent lighting is key if you are showcasing new products or items that you are trying to push.

Task lighting – If your stand includes interactive elements or product demonstrations, task lighting ensures that these areas are well-lit for visitors to engage easily.

LED lighting – LED lights are energy-efficient and come in various colours. They can be used creatively to add a vibrant touch to your stand and can be controlled remotely to create dynamic lighting effects.

Play with the right lighting levels

Balancing the illumination levels is crucial to avoid either too harsh or too dim lighting. Dodge the risk of confusing your visitors by creating a lighting concept that accentuates their journey through your stand. Strive for a comfortable brightness that allows visitors to see your products and graphics clearly without feeling overwhelmed. Using a mix of ambient and accent lighting is a good way to achieve this balance.

Consider coloured exhibition stand lighting

Colours can significantly impact the atmosphere of your exhibition stand. The branding colours of your company could be an option here and could be integrated into the lighting design. Coloured gels or LED lights can create a unique and cohesive look that reinforces your brand identity.

Don’t get lost in the shadows

Shadows can be great for adding depth to your stand but excessive and harsh shadows may obscure your products or make the space feel cold and unwelcoming. Experiment with the positioning of lights to minimise undesirable shadows while still maintaining a sense of dimension.

Practice makes perfect

The worst thing you can do is wait until the day of the exhibition to set up your lighting. Make sure you test the lighting arrangement beforehand to ensure it aligns with your vision and meets your goals. Be objective and make adjustments as needed. If you struggle with this, ask a third party for their opinion. Rehearsing the setup will help you to avoid any unwanted eventualities.

Parkes Print and Design – Professional Exhibition Stand Design

If you’re unsure about the lighting design or want to achieve a more sophisticated setup for your exhibition stand, consider seeking help from Parkes – the experts in bespoke exhibition stand design. We can provide specialist, experienced insights and tailor your lighting concept to suit your specific needs. If you’re looking for custom exhibition stands in Bedfordshire or the surrounding area, or even nationally, then Parkes are here for you.