Count booth lights by the surfaces that need illumination, not by floor area alone. Start with wall width and height, mounting position, beam distribution and ambient light. Use a tested spacing to estimate quantity, then verify the complete graphic.
Record the layout before counting
- Width and height of each visible graphic face.
- Lamp height, arm reach and distance to the graphic.
- Exact model, beam distribution, output and color option.
- Product zones, reflective surfaces and visitor sightlines.
- Available mounting positions, electrical supply and permitted circuit load.
A 10×10ft floor plan can contain one graphic wall, several faces or mainly products. These are different lighting jobs. Internally lit SEG lightboxes require their own LED layout; external arm-light quantities do not specify internal modules.
Find a usable spacing with a sample
- Fit the final graphic and place the selected light at the planned height and distance.
- Inspect the top, middle and bottom, not just the bright patch near the lamp.
- Add a neighbouring light and adjust aiming and spacing until their coverage meets the brief.
- Check reflections and glare from visitor positions under comparable ambient light.
- Record the spacing, positions and model used. Repeat with different conditions rather than carrying the same spacing to every wall.
A wider listed beam does not prove adequate brightness or uniformity. Tilting a head changes direction, not necessarily the beam angle. Even spacing can still leave dark wall ends or a dim lower section. The IES beam-angle definition uses a relative intensity threshold; a listed angle is not a guaranteed uniform-coverage width.
A count example using a tested pitch
If the sample has established a usable pitch P for that configuration, a starting estimate is N = ceiling(W ÷ P), where W is the wall width and ceiling means rounding up. This is a planning estimate, not a guaranteed minimum.
For illustration, assume your own sample supports a pitch of 0.8m. This is a hypothetical input, not a BOOTH LIGHTS spacing recommendation:
| Wall width W | Starting count N | Even pitch W ÷ N |
|---|---|---|
| 3m | 4 | 0.75m |
| 6m | 8 | 0.75m |
As an initial position pattern, place the first and last fixtures half a pitch from the wall ends. For the 3m example, positions are 0.375m, 1.125m, 1.875m and 2.625m from one end. Check both end regions in the complete setup: obstructions, beam shape or asymmetric aiming can require a different arrangement.
Adjust for mounting height and display type
| Condition | What to reconsider |
|---|---|
| Taller graphic | Lower-area brightness, reach and aiming; more copies of the same lamp may not fix the vertical distribution |
| Side walls or an island stand | Plan each visible face and zone independently, avoiding duplicate light on overlap areas |
| Product displays | Add targeted fixtures where needed after testing reflections, shadows and visitor glare |
| Changed mounting position or model | Repeat the sample; the earlier usable pitch is no longer established for this configuration |
Finish the mounting and power plan
Count each lighting zone separately, then sum the fixtures and total electrical load. Verify complete mounting compatibility, circuit capacity, driver requirements and the exact model's linked-run limit. A booth's total lamp count does not mean all lamps can connect in one chain.
Record positions and cable labels, pack suitable replacements and check the layout again at the venue. If a sample is unavailable, request a plan using the actual dimensions and available photometric data; explain what remains to be confirmed on site.
Use the mounting guide, booth-light buying guide and lighting mistakes checklist before finalising the order.