How to light a window display
Window display lighting can help showcase products and create the desired aesthetic. The content of a window display should match the style of the retail establishment in question. With that in mind, floodlighting can help enhance and highlight what we want to sell.
In this article we will talk about...
- Criteria for lighting a window display
- How to light a window display
- Types of window displays
- Most common types of luminaires
- Secom’s products
Criteria for lighting a window display
Window display lighting must adhere to a specific set of criteria, including the following:
Highlighting products
This is one of the most important lighting objectives here. The lighting should focus our attention on the product and make it as attractive as possible for customers.
Staging
The lighting should be an extension of the style of the retail establishment itself. Hence, the design of the window display should be appropriate, whether that means classic, modern, industrial or any other style.
Originality
This is another basic premise of window displays. Thankfully, the availability of innovative lighting resources makes it much easier to achieve.
Variety
The contrast between the different lighting and visual features positively impacts the final design, and LED luminaires can boost quality in the overall result.
Energy efficiency
LED technology can significantly reduce energy consumption. In fact, these devices can achieve savings of almost 90% compared with conventional lighting systems.
Maintenance and durability
LED luminaires perform better, are more resistant and last longer. What’s more, they require less maintenance and fewer repairs.
How to light a window display
Below we list the main requirements when lighting these spaces:
Lighting level
The minimum lighting output should be above 1500-2000 lux, though this will vary based on the features of each window display. They can vary greatly in size, and may receive full or only partial sunlight.
The colours of the lit space should also be taken into account. Dark walls require more light. By contrast, pale or reflective walls require less.
Colour temperature
This factor is crucial to how people perceive the colours in the space. The colour temperature can be warm, at around 2500-3000 K, or it can be neutral or cold, from 4500 to 6000 K, depending on what we want potential customers to feel when observing the window display.
CRI
The colour rendering index refers to the quality of the light and is just as important as the quantity of light emitted. The minimum value in this case should be above 80.
Beam aperture
This term refers to the size of the beam of light emitted by the luminaire. When below 20 degrees, the light is intense. In other words, the beam is focused over a small area. Ratings over 40 degrees create widespread light covering a larger area. The intermediate level is between 20 and 40 degrees.
Adapted to the type of shop
The lighting design should be tailored to the type of establishment. A clothing store is quite different from a technology shop or one selling souvenirs or lifestyle goods. Each type of retail establishment showcases its own range of products and requires a unique lighting design.
Types of window displays
Lighting designers should be aware of the different types of window displays out there. Here are the most common ones:
Open
These are an extension of the establishment itself without any form of separation between them.
Closed
The back of the display is completely closed. Potential customers cannot see inside the shop, meaning their view is limited to what they see in the window display. The display therefore needs to create the best impression possible.
Semi-open
These displays offer different perspectives into the retail space.
Most common types of luminaires
The main luminaires include:
Track spotlights
The light can be moved to where it is needed.
Recessed
These systems provided powerful, adaptable lighting.
Suspended
These are used to create a more stylish and designer feel.
Surface
Surface luminaires provide widespread and direct light.
Secom’s products
If you’re curious about how to light a window display, you’ll find myriad solutions at Secom. Here are just a few:
Boxter track
An interior LED floodlight with a tasteful design. It is ideal for retail spaces and buildings in general.
Twin track
An interior track LED spotlight. Like the Boxter luminaire, it is perfect for retail and architectural spaces.
When it comes to window display lighting, the creative possibilities for attracting customers and boosting sales are endless.
