As an event designer, it is your job to transform an ordinary room into the perfect paradise for your client. A crucial element to this process is lighting. One of my favorite tricks for setting the mood is uplights. Uplights are a lighting tool that simply places the lights on the floor shining up rather than the traditional downlight that is fashioned to the ceiling facing down. When it comes to uplights, there are several different types to choose from and each has its own drawbacks. In this article, we will go over my top three types of uplights and how to use them. The types of lights that we will cover are PAR, LED, and LED floodlights.
PAR Uplights
PROS:
PAR uplights are some of the most common types of uplights and are widely used by seasoned pros and beginners. I had these uplights when I first started out. They give off a ton of light, are easy to use and have the ability to change color. This versatility makes them a great choice for anyone. In addition to that, they are relatively inexpensive and cost about $25 on Amazon.
CONS:
PAR uplights are known for getting very hot very quickly, so I wouldn’t recommend combining them with non-flame retardant fabric or at an event that involves curious children. In addition to this, their versatility is limited by the lighting gels you can get your hands on to change the color and there are no adjustment options for brightness. Lastly, these lights use bulbs which can be broken in transit or at the event itself.
Ironically, these were my step two when it came to lights. I got a bit tired of worrying about my fabric catching fire and fussing with lighting gels, so I decided to opt for LED lights. My favorite thing about them is that they are lighter and smaller which makes them less of a hassle to transport. Lastly, these lights can also change color without the need for purchasing additional lighting gels.
CONS:
Although I love me some LED lights, I have to say that they are a bit more of an investment than parking uplights. In addition to this, I find that it is easier to get stuck with LED lights that don’t get as bright as you need them to which can be a major bummer if you have purchased them online for an event without doing some research first.
My most recent purchase in the plight department was some LED Floodlights. I have to say that they are my absolute favorite so far. The ones that I purchased are available at the link above and operate from your phone. You can change colors, adjust brightness, and even create a lighting sequence to the rhythm of the music at an event. This may sound really complicated, but the app makes it super simple and adds value to your designs. Oh, and did I mention they are less than $50 on Amazon?
CONS:
These particular LED floodlights have a great reputation overall on Amazon, but according to some customers, there are some issues. Some users report issues with connectivity between the app and the lights which can be a bit embarrassing in the middle of an event. In all honestly, I have never had this issue, but it is something to consider.
Conclusion:
Overall, uplights are an amazing way to add dimension and character to your designs. There are several to choose from and it really depends on your budget, personal preferences, and the risks that you are willing to take when it comes to choosing your equipment. If you decide on PAR uplights, are you prepared to carry around additional bulbs and lighting gels to every event? If you want LED uplights, do you have the funding for them? My suggestion is to with the LED floodlights that I mentioned because they have become my go-to. What uplights do you use? Drop a link in the comments, so that I can try them for myself! Before you head out, check out the rest of my embellishment series! If you are new to pipe and drape or just wondering what it’s all about, download my free beginners guide to Pipe & Drape here. In the meantime, head over to The Posh Academy on Youtube to learn more about myself, my company, and how to start yours!
