The Power of Light: Why lighting plays such a crucial role in the restaurant industry
“The most important thing? Perfect lighting at all times.”
Lighting is such a crucial element when it comes to creating ambiance in your restaurant. Whether it’s using large windows to allow natural lighting in or using vintage light bulbs to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, light is a key element to the entire dining experience.
Below are some tips on how you can improve your restaurant’s environment and make it more embracing to guests.
ONE | AVOID LED LIGHTING.
If you can, avoid LED lighting. Even though it saves energy and is more cost-efficient, LED lighting has been known for creating more of an intense, rushed, and alert setting in the restaurant industry. Bright lighting actually can make your guests feel more uncomfortable and more aware of those around them. Dimming your lights or using more warm-toned bulbs can help create a more pleasant and homely experience for your guests.
TWO | Make sure you have enough light.
Make sure you have enough light. Although you may want to create a more romantic and welcoming atmosphere, you need to make sure that your restaurant isn’t too dark. You want there to be enough lighting so that people can easily read your menu. You also want enough light so that customers can see their food’s color and presentation in the right manner. Dark lighting can make your food look less appetizing so it’s important to have a good quality of light throughout your restaurant. Also, having enough light is important because it allows people to take photos of their food, and as you know, customers love being able to capture a good shot of their meal for their blog, Instagram account, etc.
THREE | Be creative with your lighting.
Be creative with your lighting. Instead of having standard lights throughout your restaurant, why not try presenting your lighting more innovatively.
ROMANTIC FEEL
If you’re trying to create a more romantic feel, try placing a candle on each table throughout your restaurant. Use either non-scented white ones or simply place a tealight in a jar to help create that intimate atmosphere.
CLASSIC LOOK
If you’re trying to create a more elegant and classic look, try installing a chandelier as one of your main light fixtures or use more sophisticated pendant lights.
contemporary vibe
If you want to give off a modern, more contemporary vibe, try having a unique light structure in the middle of your restaurant that stands out to your guests or use different architectural, and abstract lights. Recessed lighting is great for giving off a chic look in most bar settings as well.
NATURAL LIGHTING
If you want your restaurant to feel brighter and spacious, try installing skylights on your ceiling or have large open windows that allow natural light to come in. If you can’t do that, try getting pendant lights that you can stagger throughout your restaurant. Having a lighter color pendant lights, such as white, can also help make your restaurant roomy.
RUSTIC UNDERTONE
If you’re looking for a more rustic and vintage feel, try using mason jar light fixtures or other vintage light fixtures. Open hanging bulbs, austere wall lamps and sconces are other great options as well.
BOHEMIAN VIBE
If you have a café, eatery, or bistro, try using a variety of lightings, such as floor lamps next to any couches or furniture you might have, or pendant lights over each table.
There’s so much that you can do with your lighting, and it plays such a crucial role in the success of your restaurant. If you’re interested in learning more about lighting and its effect on your customers, check out this website. If you need help deciding what light structure is best for your business, check out this article.