Choosing The Right Lighting For a Window Display

Lighting plays an important role in the effectiveness of window displays. The right lighting will illuminate the display, drawing shoppers' attention to it and the product. On the other hand, the wrong type of lighting will take away from the display's aesthetics, sending shoppers heading in the opposite direction.

Overhead Fixtures

The single most common type of lighting used in window displays is an overhead fixture. Overhead light fixtures are available in dozens of different sizes and styles, ranging from generic ceiling-flush fixtures to opulent chandeliers. Installing one is a great way to illuminate your window display while encouraging shoppers to come inside your store and check out the product. Be warned, though, overhead fixtures can be both laborious and expensive to install.

Track Lighting

A more economical approach to illuminating your window display is to use track lighting.Track lighting, as the name suggests, features a track of several different light bulbs. They cost less, are easier to install, and offer greater versatility than overhead fixtures. 

Another reason why you should use track lighting is because they allow you to change the direction of the light. While overhead fixtures typically beam directly down on the display, track lighting can be arranged to focus its illumination directly n the product. And when there's greater illumination on the product, more people will see -- and hopefully buy -- it.

Wall Sconce

Wall sconces are similar to track lighting but lack the ability to change direction. Most wall sconces feature light bulbs pointing upwards, creating a relaxing, stress-free ambiance. If you're looking for a unique source of lighting for your window displays, you should consider using a wall sconce for this reason.

Comparing The Different Types of Bulbs

• Incandescent -- these light bulbs cost the least per unit, but they also use more energy and die faster than other types. Incandescent bulbs are great for on-the-spot lighting solutions, but they shouldn't be used for long-term lighting.
• Compact Florescent Lighting (CFL) -- a newer and more energy-efficient type of light bulb, CFL is the preferred choice by both business owners and homeowners looking to save money on their power bill. A typical CFL bulb will last 3-4 times the length of its incandescent counterpart.
• Light-Emitting Diode (LED)-- LED bulbs offer the highest level of energy efficiency, although it comes with a price: the initial cost of an LED bulb is significantly higher than both incandescents and CFLs.