Planning an event and wondering how to create the perfect ambience? Uplighting is the secret ingredient you are missing. These floor-based lights don’t just brighten a space. They elevate it, adding depth, colour, and a touch of charm to any venue.
But here’s the big question: How many uplights do you actually need to create that “WOW” factor? Well, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.
The number of lights you need depends on several factors, including the size of your venue, the number of windows, doors, columns, and even where your tables are located.
At the same time, guest count or seating capacity can give you a rough estimate, but you should consider your actual space layout to get it right.
But figuring it out doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide explains everything and shares some expert tips to make your event shine brighter.
So, without further ado, let’s examine the factors that affect the number of uplights needed for your next event.
WHAT ARE UPLIGHTS, AND WHY DO YOU NEED THEM?
Uplights are ground-based lighting fixtures that sine upward, projecting light to a room’s walls, ceilings, or particular areas. With styles ranging from battery-powered to wireless, uplights are easy to install and highly versatile.
To make things artistic, uplighters are more than just functional. Here’s why they are the favourite for the venue.
- For ambience: Make the venue feel warm, elegant, or dramatic.
- Custom colours: Match your event’s theme with vibrant or subtle tones.
- Areas to highlight: Attract people to areas such as stages, cake tables, and decor.
- Outdoor use: A weatherproof option makes uplights perfect for gardens and pathways.
HOW MANY UPLIGHTS DO YOU NEED?
The number of uplights depends on venue size, event style, and goals. Here’s a glance:
| Venue Type | Space Size (sq. ft.) | Number of Uplights (Basic look) | Number of Uplights (Full Look) | Quick Note |
| Small Room | <100 | 6-8 | 8-10 | Suitable for cosy or intimate gatherings |
| Medium Sized Venue | 100-200 | 10-15 | 15-20 | Perfect for mid-sized corporate events |
| Large banquet Hall | 200-400 | 20-25 | 25-30 | Ideal for formal dinners or galas |
| Outdoor Garden or Pathway | N/A | Varies by feature | 20-25 | Focus on trees, paths, or marquee areas. |
| 1,000–2,000 sq. ft. Venue | 1000-2000 | 8-12 | 15-20 | For subtle or dramatic lighting setups |
| 2,000–4,000 sq. ft. Venue | 2000-4000 | 15-20 | 25-30 | An ideal choice for conferences or product launches |
| 4,000–6,000 sq. ft. Venue | 4000-6000 | 25-30 | 40+ | Best suited for large-scale corporate events. |
It’s just a general guideline. Overall, choosing the uplights mainly depends on your event type, size, and the vibe you want to create.
HOW TO PLAN YOUR UPLIGHTING?
For planning an uplight, you need to consider a few things mentioned below:
1. MEASURE YOUR SPACE
Start by measuring the walls and overall size of your venue. Divide the total wall length by your desired spacing between uplights. For example:
- Wall length: 100 ft
- Spacing: 10 ft
- Number of uplights Needed: 100 ÷ 10 = 20 uplights
2. DECIDE ON SPACING
- For a subtle look, Place lights every 10-15 feet.
- Place lights every 6-8 feet if you want a bold look.
3. THINK ABOUT YOUR GOALS
Ask yourself,
- Do you want soft lighting to create warmth?
- Are you highlighting specific areas like a stage or logo?
- Do you need lights in your brand colours?
EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT EVENTS
Here are some examples for choosing the uplights according to your event type:
- SMALL GATHERINGS
For an intimate wedding or a birthday party with about 50 guests, 10-14 uplights will create a cosy and elegant ambiance.
- MEDIUM-SIZED EVENTS
For a corporate event or a medium-sized party with 150 guests, 20-28 uplights provide balanced lighting that fills the room beautifully.
- LARGE EVENTS
For grand celebrations or events with over 300 guests, 40-60 uplights will ensure full coverage and a dazzling effect.
COMMON UPLIGHTING MISTAKES TO AVOID
When you choose uplighting for your event, make sure to avoid these common mistakes:
| Mistake | Why it’s a problem | Solution |
| Using Too Many Lights | Makes the venue look cluttered | Stick to a planned number based on size |
| Choosing Random Colours | Colours that clash can confuse the mood of your event | Use colours that fit your theme or brand |
| Skipping Key Areas | Some walls or features may look dull without lighting | Identify all key areas in advance |
| Forgetting Power Access | Uplights need power outlets nearby | Plan for outlets or use wireless lights |
Working with a professional lighting company like EMS Events ensures everything is set up perfectly, from placement to colour selection.
BONUS TIP: HOW TALL WALLS AFFECT LIGHTING NEEDS
You may need extra or stronger uplights if your venue has tall walls or columns. Here’s a quick guide:
| Wall Height | Number of Uplights (per 10 ft) | Special Considerations |
| 10-12 ft | 1 | Standard spacing is fine |
| 12-20 ft | 2 | Use brighter lights or tight spacing |
| 20 ft+ | 3 | Double up lights for best results |
WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL FOR UPLIGHTS?
Planning uplighting can feel overwhelming, but a professional AV hire company can simplify it. They’ll:
- Help you calculate the exact number of lights.
- Provide high-quality LED uplights.
- Handle setup and breakdown.
- Customise colours and effects to match your event style.
For corporate events or any large-scale events in London, we at EMS Events specialise in providing high-quality uplighting solutions for events of all sizes. Here’s why you should choose us:
- We have many uplights, battery-powered, outdoor wireless uplights, and more.
- Over 25 years of experience and a skilled technical team to ensure hassle-free setup.
- We are based in central London, where you can easily visit our warehouse and test our lighting. It also allows us to accommodate last-minute requests and provide quick support.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Uplighting is a simple yet impactful way to make your event shine. By considering your venue size, desired effect, and room layout, you can easily determine how many uplights you need to create a stunning ambience. Ready to light up your event? Contact EMS Events to hire uplighting solutions tailored to your needs. Our team will help make your event unforgettable from conference gatherings to grand celebrations.
