Showroom Lighting: Car, Furniture and Ceramics Showrooms
Short answer
The aim of showroom lighting is to show products in their true colour and form, and to change the light as the layout changes. General lighting is even and glare-free, products are accented at about 3–5 times the general level, with CRI 90 or higher and 3000K–4000K depending on the product; track spotlights and DALI scenes give flexibility.
A showroom is where a product is not only sold but shown; customers often make their decision there. So showroom light has two jobs: to show the product in its true colour, texture and form, and to be easy to re-aim as the display changes. The general rules of retail lighting apply here too; for details, see our retail lighting design page.
Recommendations by showroom type
| Showroom | Colour temperature | CRI | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars | 4000K | Ra 90 | Number of reflected points in the paint; side light that shows the car's lines |
| Furniture | 2700K – 3000K | Ra 90 | Home atmosphere; wood and fabric colour |
| Ceramics, sanitaryware | 4000K | Ra 90 | Reflection of the luminaire in glossy surfaces |
| Kitchens, bathrooms | 3000K – 4000K | Ra 90 | Task light on worktops, concealed light inside cabinets |
| Textiles, clothing | 3000K | Ra 90, R9 > 50 | Reds and skin tones must look right |
Three layers: general, accent, atmosphere
- General lighting: even and glare-free; it defines the space without tiring the visitor's eyes. The typical target in sales areas is 300 lx, and the product itself stands out with accent light added on top.
- Accent: the displayed product is lit about 3–5 times brighter than its surroundings, with narrow and medium-beam adjustable spotlights.
- Atmosphere: wallwashing, concealed ceiling light and decorative luminaires carry the brand's identity.
For calculating accent ratios, see our accent lighting guide.
Flexibility: why track spotlights?
In showrooms the layout changes often with the season, campaigns and new products. Fixed recessed luminaires cannot keep up; track spotlights can be slid along the track and re-aimed. For compatibility with single- and three-phase tracks, beam angles and power, see our track spotlight guide.
Control scenes
With DALI, scenes such as 'opening', 'event', 'cleaning' and 'night window' are defined; when the showroom is closed, only the window and façade light stay on at a low level. This saves energy and keeps the showroom visible from outside at night.
Conclusion
Good showroom lighting combines accent light that brings the product forward, high colour quality and a flexible system that adapts to a changing layout. For a luminaire layout and calculation for your showroom, contact us through our design and consultancy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of light should a car showroom use?
To show the lines of the bodywork and the gloss of the paint, general lighting is high and even, and cars are highlighted with adjustable spotlights. The number of point sources reflected in glossy paint is limited; 4000K and CRI 90 are preferred.
Which colour temperature suits a furniture showroom?
Warm white of 2700K–3000K, which evokes a home, is preferred. CRI 90 or higher is recommended so that wood and fabric colours look true.
How can reflections be avoided in a ceramics and sanitaryware showroom?
The image of the luminaire reflects in glossy surfaces. Light is aimed at the surface at about 30°, and deep-reflector, low-glare luminaires are chosen; 4000K suits neutral colours.