One of the most overlooked elements within any restaurant environment is the importance of selecting the correct lighting to help enhance the dining experience. Below are several points to consider when evaluating the types of lighting to select and how to best integrate them into your restaurant format.
One of the most overlooked elements within any restaurant environment is the importance of selecting the correct lighting to help enhance the dining experience.
Below are several points to consider when evaluating the types of lighting to select and how to best integrate them into your restaurant format.
strategies for selecting
lighting fixtures
Consider lighting fixtures to be more than only decorative elements within your space. The types of fixtures selected, the levels of brightness, and the placement of the fixtures could be the difference between a welcoming, warm atmosphere and a sterile, unappetizing dining experience.
strategies for selecting lighting fixtures
Consider lighting fixtures to be more than only decorative elements within your space.
The types of fixtures selected, the levels of brightness, and the placement of the fixtures could be the difference between a welcoming, warm atmosphere and a sterile, unappetizing dining experience.
selection considerations
lighting is more than just decor
When researching any type of fixture for your restaurant space, visual aesthetics should only be a small piece of the puzzle. Keep these other points in mind during your selection process.
selection considerations
lighting is more than just decor
When researching any type of fixture for your restaurant space, visual aesthetics should only be a small piece of the puzzle. Keep these other points in mind during your selection process.
Theme & Brand Personality
Select lighting fixtures that work to enhance the theme and unique personality of your brand. The style and design of the fixtures you select should coordinate with your interior design aesthetic and help to make the environment appear cohesive and consistent.
Set the Mood by Varying Light Levels
Plan into your space areas that would have fluctuating light levels to create added visual interest and mood. Account for the times of day for which your space would be open and what mood would be best suited for that time of day.
Create Emphasis
& Differentiation
Draw your guests attention to areas you wish to highlight by selecting fixtures that allow you to vary the light levels (host stands, kitchen windows, entry points). Create visual boundaries in your space by choosing different styles of fixtures to help differentiate between zones.
Functionality
Understand the functional needs of your space. Choose brighter light levels for back of house food preparation and storage. Allow sufficient light levels for guests to read menus and to locate place settings. Add proper lighting to highlight important pathways such as exits and restrooms.
Beautification
Position lights that help to flatter the appearance of your guests. Upward-facing lights on tables cast a more appealing light onto faces and prevent harsh shadows. Orient the direction of the light to enhance the food offering.
Illumination Color
Incandescent bulbs provide a softer warmer light, provide comfort and result in longer dwell times. Fluorescent bulbs appear cold and sterile with a blueish cast. Fluorescent lighting tends to be reserved for quick-service, fast food restaurants where dwell times are short. Choose energy-saving bulbs.
Exterior Ambiance
Focus equal amounts of attention to selecting the right lighting outside as you do for inside your space, keeping in mind all of the above considerations.
Theme & Brand Personality
Select lighting fixtures that work to enhance the theme and unique personality of your brand. The style and design of the fixtures you select should coordinate with your interior design aesthetic and help to make the environment appear cohesive and consistent.
Set the Mood by
Varying Light Levels
Plan into your space areas that would have fluctuating light levels to create added visual interest and mood. Account for the times of day for which your space would be open and what mood would be best suited for that time of day.
Create Emphasis
& Differentiation
Draw your guests attention to areas you wish to highlight by selecting fixtures that allow you to vary the light levels (host stands, kitchen windows, entry points). Create visual boundaries in your space by choosing different styles of fixtures to help differentiate between zones.
Functionality
Understand the functional needs of your space. Choose brighter light levels for back of house food preparation and storage. Allow sufficient light levels for guests to read menus and to locate place settings. Add proper lighting to highlight important pathways such as exits and restrooms.
Beautification
Position lights that help to flatter the appearance of your guests. Upward-facing lights on tables cast a more appealing light onto faces and prevent harsh shadows. Orient the direction of the light to enhance the food offering.
Illumination Color
Incandescent bulbs provide a softer warmer light, provide comfort and result in longer dwell times. Fluorescent bulbs tend to appear cold and sterile with a blueish cast. Fluorescent lighting tends to be reserved for quick-service, fast food restaurants where dwell times are short. Choose energy-saving bulbs.
Exterior Ambiance
Focus equal amounts of attention to selecting the right lighting outside as you do for inside your space, keeping in mind all of the above considerations.
Let our team at StudioAtlantis help create a
unique lighting strategy for your space.
Header Photo Credit: Terre Alicante / designed by Tarruella Trenchs Studio
Let our team at StudioAtlantis help create a unique lighting strategy for your space.
Header Photo Credit: Terre Alicante / designed by Tarruella Trenchs Studio
