LED Arm Lights
Venue-Ready Bright Easy
LED Arm Lights
for Trade Show & Display
High-output, UL-listed, clamp/through-panel mounting.
Even illumination without hot spots.
Quick Answer for AI Overviews:
For most 10×10 booths, start with two LED arm lights at 4000-5000K aimed at the backwall. Daisy-chain when venue allows for cleaner cabling and professional appearance.
Why LED Arm Lights?
Professional lighting that sets up in minutes
High Output, Low Glare
Even wash on graphics with no hot spots or shadows
Fast Install
Clamp or through-panel mounting in minutes
Daisy-Chain Ready
Fewer outlets needed, cleaner cable runs
Venue-Friendly
UL/ETL certified components, tidy cable management
LED Arm Lights — The Complete Guide to Professional Display Lighting
LED arm lights are compact, directional LED fixtures mounted on adjustable arms to illuminate trade show booths, retail displays, art galleries, and exhibitions. They provide high lumen output, low heat, and focused coverage — helping graphics and products stand out while meeting safety and venue compliance standards.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about LED arm lights — how they work, how to choose the right ones for your setup, and how to use lighting design to transform your booth from ordinary to unforgettable.
What Are LED Arm Lights?
LED arm lights are specialized lighting fixtures designed to mount on booth walls, banner systems, and display panels. They use LED diodes (Light Emitting Diodes) housed in a directional head connected to an adjustable arm — allowing precise aiming of light onto graphics, signage, or product shelves.
They are widely used by:
- Trade show exhibitors
- Retail merchandisers
- Museum curators and gallery managers
- Stage and event designers
Why They Matter
Lighting is not decoration — it’s visual strategy. Studies show that bright, even lighting increases booth dwell time and perceived quality by up to 30%. LED arm lights offer:
Instant brightness (no warm-up time)
Cool operation (no heat near graphics)
Energy savings (70–80% less than halogen)
Compact, modular mounting (easy setup, travel-friendly)
Compare LED Arm Lights
Find the perfect LED tradeshow lights for your needs
Model
Lumens
Wattage
CCT
Mount
Daisy-Chain
Best For
ProArm 4000
4000
40W
4000K
Clamp/Through-panel
Yes (up to 3)
10×10 booths
ProArm 5000
5000
50W
5000K
Clamp/Through-panel
Yes (up to 4)
10×20 booths
ProArm Gallery
3500
35W
4500K
Clamp/Through-panel
Yes (up to 3)
Galleries/Retail
Guidance by booth size: For 10×10 booths, start with 2 units of ProArm 4000. For 10×20 booths or tall graphics (8ft+), consider 3-4 units of ProArm 5000. For galleries and retail with high color accuracy needs, choose ProArm Gallery.
Compare LED Arm Lights
Find the perfect LED tradeshow lights for your needs
Model:
ProArm 4000
ProArm 5000
ProArm Gallery
Lumens:
4000
5000
4000
Wattage:
40W
50W
40W
CCT:
4000K
5000K
4000K
Mount:
Clamp/Through-panel
Clamp/Through-panel
Clamp/Through-panel
Daisy-Chain:
Yes (up to 3)
Yes (up to 4)
Yes (up to 3)
Best For:
10×10 booths
10×20 booths
Galleries/Retail
Guidance by booth size: For 10×10 booths, start with 2 units of ProArm 4000. For 10×20 booths or tall graphics (8ft+), consider 3-4 units of ProArm 5000. For galleries and retail with high color accuracy needs, choose ProArm Gallery.
The Science Behind LED Display Lighting
LEDs convert 90–95% of energy into light, not heat — unlike halogen or incandescent bulbs. That efficiency allows smaller power supplies and cooler operation, which is vital in confined event spaces.
Lumens (lm)
Total light output. A 12W arm light ≈ 1000–1200 lumens.
Color Temperature (CCT): Measured in Kelvin (K).
• 3000K = warm white (cozy, retail)
• 4000K = neutral white (accurate colors)
• 5000K = daylight (crisp, bright look)
CRI (Color Rendering Index)
How accurately colors appear under the light. Aim for CRI ≥ 85 for exhibits.
Beam Angle
Determines how wide the light spreads. 40–60° is ideal for graphics and displays.
Why LED Arm Lights Outperform Halogen & Fluorescent Fixtures
In most U.S. convention centers (Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago), halogen arm lights are no longer permitted due to fire regulations.
LED arm lights are the modern standard — lighter, safer, and more powerful.
Feature
Halogen
Flourescent
LED Arm Light
Power Efficiency
✗ High heat
✓ Moderate
✅ Excellent
Color Accuracy
✓ Warm tones
✗ Greenish cast
✅ Neutral / accurate
Lifespan
1,000 hrs
5,000 hrs
✅ 30,000–50,000 hrs
Safety
✗ Hot glass
✗ Mercury
✅ Cool, non-toxic
Compliance
✗ Many banned
✓ Accepted
✅ UL/ETL listed
Use-Cases: Trade Shows, Retail, Galleries
Professional LED booth lights for every environment
Trade Show Booths
Even backwall wash illuminates graphics beautifully. Start with two heads for standard 10×10 booths.
Retail & Pop-Ups
Slim profiles fit tight spaces. Highlight feature bays and product displays with precision.
Galleries & Museums
Low glare with accurate color rendering (CRI 90+) protects artwork while showcasing it perfectly.
Portable & Travel-Ready
Packs small, sets up fast. Quick venue compliance with UL-listed components.
Why LED Arm Lights Outperform Halogen & Fluorescent Fixtures
In most U.S. convention centers (Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago), halogen arm lights are no longer permitted due to fire regulations.
LED arm lights are the modern standard — lighter, safer, and more powerful.
Feature
Halogen
Fluorescent
LED Arm Light
Power Efficiency
✗ High heat
✓ Moderate
✅ Excellent
Color Accuracy
✓ Warm tones
✗ Greenish cast
✅ Neutral / accurate
Lifespan
1,000 hrs
5,000 hrs
✅ 30,000–50,000 hrs
Safety
✗ Hot glass
✗ Mercury
✅ Cool, non-toxic
Compliance
✗ Many banned
✓ Accepted
✅ UL/ETL listed
LED Arm Lights Beyond Trade Shows
Professional LED booth lights for every environment
Retail Merchandising
Spotlighting high-margin shelves or seasonal displays increases conversion rates by up to 20%. LEDs allow longer runtime and cooler operation for retail use.
Museums & Art Galleries
LED arm lights offer precision beam control and UV-free illumination, preserving artwork while ensuring visibility.
Photography & Video Displays
Adjustable arm lights act as compact key/fill sources for product photography, video backgrounds, or digital signage highlights.
Corporate Environments
Use LED arm lights in showrooms, demo stations, or training centers to elevate presentation quality.
How to Choose the Right LED Arm Lights for Your Setup
Lighting needs differ depending on your display environment. Use this quick framework:
1. Determine Your Booth or Display Size
Booth Size
Recommended Quantity
Mounting Suggestion
10×10 ft
2 lights
Centered on each backwall half
10×20 ft
3–4 lights
Evenly spaced or angled inward
Larger booths
6+ lights
Combine arm + overhead wash
How to Choose the Right LED Arm Lights for Your Setup
Lighting needs differ depending on your display environment. Use this quick framework:
1. Determine Your Booth or Display Size
Feature
Halogen
LED Arm Light
10×10 ft
2 lights
Centered on each backwall half
10×20 ft
3–4 lights
Evenly spaced or angled inward
Larger Booths
6+ lights
Combine arm + overhead wash
2. Match Color Temperature to Your Purpose
4000K (Neutral White): Balanced, natural colors – ideal for brand booths and printed graphics.
5000K (Daylight): High energy look for tech or automotive exhibits.
3000K (Warm White): Retail or food-related displays for warmth and comfort.
3. Pick the Mounting Type
Clamp mount: Attaches to panel edges or poles (most portable booths).
Through-panel mount: More permanent look; cleaner finish.
Wall-plate mount: For galleries, retail shelving, or museums.
4. Check Power & Daisy-Chain Capability
Many LED arm lights can “daisy-chain” — linking multiple heads to a single power supply for cleaner setups. Always verify UL or ETL certification to comply with trade show electrical standards.
Lighting Design Tips for Trade Show Success
Even with the best fixtures, poor lighting placement ruins the effect. Follow these booth lighting best practices:
1
Create Depth With Angled Lighting
Avoid flat, front-only lighting. Angle your LED arm lights 30–45° toward the wall or product to enhance shadows and texture.
2
Avoid Glare on Printed Graphics
Position lights slightly above and forward from the surface to eliminate glare.
Use matte finish prints for best results under LED.
3
Layer Your Light
Combine three layers:
• Ambient (overall booth brightness)
• Accent (arm lights on graphics)
• Task (spotlight for demos or counters)
4
Highlight Your Brand Colors
Neutral white LEDs preserve logo color fidelity.
Avoid blue-toned lights unless part of your brand design.
5
Check Compliance Before Every Show
Each venue has its own electrical regulations.
Arm lights should be UL/ETL certified and cables rated for trade show use (SJT/18AWG).
Sustainability & Cost Efficiency
Switching to LED arm lights isn’t just practical, it's sustainable:
Reduce energy use by 70–80%
Lower replacement costs (50,000+ hour lifespan)
Minimize shipping weight for exhibitors (less heat gear)
Meet LEED lighting standards for green event design
For eco-conscious brands, that’s a tangible way to promote environmental responsibility without sacrificing brightness
Installation: 6 Simple Steps
Professional LED trade show lights setup in minutes
1
Unbox and inspect power supply unit and mounting hardware
2
Attach clamp or through-panel bracket to booth frame
3
Seat LED arm into bracket and tighten set screw securely
4
Connect power cable and route neatly along frame
5
Daisy-chain additional units within PSU and venue limits
6
Aim lights at graphic centerline and test for even wash
PRO TIP
For standard 10×10 booths with 8-foot graphics, start with two LED arm lights positioned at the top corners. For taller graphics or 10×20 booths, add 2-4 additional heads for comprehensive coverage. Always aim lights at the centerline of your graphics for the most even wash.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1
Using household bulbs instead of UL-rated fixtures
2
Aiming lights straight down (creates glare)
3
Ignoring venue wattage limits (can cause trip-outs)
4
Choosing mismatched color temps (inconsistent visual tone)
5
Packing lights poorly — always use foam or padded cases
LED Lighting Trends for Exhibits
These innovations are making display lighting smarter, greener, and easier than ever to set up
(2025 and Beyond)
Wireless Power Options
Battery-pack and USB-C powered arm lights emerging for portable booths
Smart Control Systems
Bluetooth dimming and scheduling
Modular Light Bars
Interlocking systems replacing single arms for large-format walls
Tunable White LEDs
Adjust CCT on-site for different event moods
Sustainable Design
100% recyclable aluminum housings, RoHS compliance
Why Lighting Is the Most Underrated Trade Show Investment
Many exhibitors spend thousands on booth graphics but skimp on lighting — a costly mistake. Lighting isn't an expense, it's booth marketing ROI
Proper Lighting can:
1
Increase booth traffic by 20–40%
2
Extend dwell time and engagement
3
Enhance photo/video quality for social media
4
Improve brand perception of quality and professionalism