Until recently, lighting design for a restaurant often consisted of simply flooding the space with maximum light without noticing that ambiance is just as important as fine cuisine. But with escalating prices and proposed energy regulations, a new trend towards branding with more flexible LEDs has been experienced across the country and hospitality industry is no different. No wonder, restaurateurs have keenly started opting for efficient, better and smarter lighting design considering that the quality of light in a restaurant has direct impact on customers’ experience, enjoyment and loyalty.
Eating with others is a staple of life. Thus setting the right mood with restaurant lighting is important. For out-of-town guests or a family out to dinner, any seat or table can feel like an upgrade for LED lighting design can transform a space–and the perception of the food and drink.
Crisp, white light with superior colour rendering makes food more appetizing by highlighting colour and texture. Good quality lighting helps drive restaurant sales, besides low-voltage LED lighting systems reduce energy use, operating expense, and of course, restaurant’s environmental footprint. Whether it be an intimate, dimly-lit Steakhouse or a bright and vibrant brunch buffet, the selection of lighting is utmost important to achieve the needed aesthetic.
Therefore, it won’t be wrong to mention that in a restaurant, ambience is everything. It is important to create a soft, peaceful/ romantic atmosphere, or energise the room with vibrant, beautiful colours to wow your guests and set their mood. And, for all this to happen what better option than the LED lighting can be, the exceptional quality of which has limitless possibilities. Most importantly, the lighting should reinforce the theme of the restaurant, help define space, and contribute to the impression of quality.
Types of Lighting for Restaurant:
Lighting in a restaurant essentially has three varieties – ambient light, accent lighting, and featured décor. There are variations, of course, but thinking about them in this fashion gives a good start as ambient sets the baseline, accents provide the contrast, and featured lights are focal points.
- Ambient Illumination
Starting with a ‘baseline’ i.e. ambient lighting, it fills rest of the space. It’s the light that exists outside of areas where it’s fixed like in the ceiling. Or it might be parts of the walls that are not points of interest. These are generally recessed lights, rail lighting, or the indirect or reflected light from walls, mirrors, or other bright surfaces.
- Accent Lighting
Accent lights are used to call attention to the special touches, architectural elements, art, or other interesting design elements. These lights are brighter or more intensely focused, than ambient lighting.
- Featured Lighting Décor
Featured lighting has less to do with lighting the space, and more to do with reinforcing the brand’s design theme. They also add interest to the space in general, drawing the eye and effectively adding to the layers of designed light in the space. These lights can be wall sconces, pendant lights, or a uniquely designed light for the space. Generally, this is one design element that should be well considered, and is worth an investment.
Points to ponder:
In general, lighting considerations include:
- Glare from fixtures, walls, or accents should be minimised, managed
- Lighting should draw attention to artistic touches
- Food must be brightly lit during the dining experience for the most appeal
- Avoid over-lighting corners, ceilings, floors when they are not designed to be focal points in your space
- Colour matching with the interior (now simpler with LEDs)
- Colour changing lighting help setting mood of the guests
