10x10 Backlit Trade Show Displays: A Buyer's Guide

A backlit display is a fabric graphic lit from behind by LEDs, so it glows instead of relying on the lighting in the hall. For a 10 x 10 booth there are two main styles: an SEG light box, which is a slim aluminum frame with a fabric graphic pressed into its edges, and a backlit pop-up, which is a collapsible frame with the graphic already attached. This guide explains the difference, what to check before you buy, and compares three 10 ft backlit displays we recommend.

Why choose a backlit display?

Backlit trade show displays have become extremely popular as LED lighting has become more advanced and affordable. Back-lighting a graphic guarantees a consistently vivid appearance regardless of the surrounding ambient light. In a hall full of printed backwalls, a glowing one is what the eye goes to first.

SEG light box or backlit pop-up?

Three 10 ft backlit displays compared

Infinity DNA Backlit 10ft SEG Display

Best for: the most seamless look, and booths that may grow.

The Infinity DNA is an edge lit light box that can be single sided or double sided. Its graphic extends to the very edge of the frame, so the image looks virtually seamless, even when you place two frames side by side. Different sized frames can be combined for a larger booth.

• Size: 116"w x 94.5"h x 14"d, 80 lb
• Graphic: SEG print on recyclable, wrinkle-resistant backlit stretch fabric, with an unprinted back panel that reflects light forward
• Case: the included hard shipping case doubles as a counter during your show and holds up to 50 lb
• Warranty: 1 year on hardware and graphics

See the Infinity DNA 10 ft display

Backlit 10ft Hopup Display

Best for: the quickest setup and the lightest display.

The Backlit Hopup uses an accordion style frame that sets up easily and ships compactly. LED light bars attach to the top and bottom of the frame to light the graphic evenly. The graphic wraps around the ends of the frame, and a protective hard shipping case is included in the price.

• Size: 119"w x 90"h x 29"d, 56 lb
• Graphic: one tension fabric graphic, 149"w x 89.5"h including the end caps
• Case: hard shipping case included, about 88 lb packed
• Warranty: lifetime against manufacturing defects on the frame, 1 year on the LED lights

See the Backlit 10 ft Hopup

Casonara SEG Backlit 10ft Display

Best for: a full height light box that goes together without tools.

The WaveLight Casonara is an SEG tension fabric light box designed to make backlit graphics more portable, modular and customizable. The frame sections are color coded, so the display assembles and comes apart quickly without tools. It is available single sided or double sided.

• Size: 116"w x 96"h x 13.8"d, 108 lb packed
• Graphic: SEG print on recyclable, wrinkle-resistant backlit stretch fabric
• Case: ships in a wheeled hard case
• Warranty: 1 year on hardware and graphics

See the Casonara 10 ft display

What to check before you buy

Height and depth

All three displays are under 10 ft wide, so they fit a standard 10 x 10 booth. Many shows limit the back wall of an inline booth to 8 ft high. These three are 90 to 96 inches tall, so they fit that limit, but check your show's rules. Depth matters too: a light box takes about 14 inches of your floor, a pop-up about 29.

Single or double sided

If your booth backs onto a wall or another exhibitor, single sided is all you need. If people can walk behind your display, as in an island or peninsula booth, choose a light box with a double-sided graphic.

Power

Every backlit display needs electricity, and most shows charge for it. Order power for your booth when you book, and bring an extension cord. See our guide to power supply at trade shows.

Setup and shipping

A pop-up frame expands in one motion. A light box assembles from frame sections and the graphic presses into the edges, which takes a little longer but gives the cleaner look. All three displays ship in a hard case. Compare packed weights if you plan to check the case on a flight or pay by weight.

Artwork

Backlighting changes how colors look. Vibrant, high contrast artwork works best, and large fields of white or black work worst. See our 5 tips for designing backlit graphics.

Which one should you choose?

• You want the fastest setup: the Backlit 10ft Hopup.
• You want the cleanest, most seamless look, or plan to add frames later: the Infinity DNA.
• You want a counter without buying one: the Infinity DNA, whose shipping case converts to a counter.
• You want a full 8 ft tall light box with tool-free assembly: the Casonara.
• People will see your display from both sides: the Infinity DNA or the Casonara with a double-sided graphic.

Common questions

What does SEG mean?

SEG stands for silicone edge graphic. A thin silicone strip is sewn around the edge of the fabric and presses into a channel in the frame, which pulls the graphic tight and hides the frame.

Can I replace the graphic later?

Yes. On all three displays the fabric graphic can be replaced without buying new hardware, so you can update your message for a new show or campaign.

Do backlit displays come in other sizes?

Yes. The Infinity DNA also comes in 8 ft, 5 ft and 3 ft widths, and the Backlit Hopup comes in an 8 ft width.

How long does a backlit display take to produce?

These three displays take 6 to 7 business days after you approve your graphic proof, plus shipping time.

Not sure which is right for your booth? Call us at 540-438-9933, or see all of our 10 x 10 backlit displays.