Good restaurant lighting makes a good eating experience
Lighting is an important aspect of every commercial and residential establishment. Contemporary restaurant lighting fixtures have hence been designed to make the restaurant seem warm and inviting to customers. Lighting is an important part of the restaurant décor and helps in improving the aesthetic appeal of the interiors and exteriors of the establishment. Lighting fixtures can be used to promote a certain kind of mood and desires in customers. Hence while purchasing lighting fixtures for your restaurant ensure that it matches important aspects like décor, architecture, cuisine to be served, furniture, flooring, etc.
Lighting in restaurants is also important since it can make or break the appearance of food. Proper lighting can make the food look appetizing. While deciding on the intensity of the lighting fixtures keep in mind the height of the ceiling, color of the walls, ceiling and flooring, furniture arrangement, tiling, carpets, etc.
Most of the lighting fixtures come with dimmer switches which allow you to regulate the levels of illumination. Hence you can dim the lights to create a mystical atmosphere in your restaurant. Track lights and recessed lights are perfect for this purpose. You can strategically place these lights under glass table tops or in corners to get a diffused illumination effect. However place the kitchen door carefully when providing dim lighting for the restaurant.
For comfort of kitchen staff the kitchen should have bright lighting. Also to reduce the heat generated in the kitchen you can use iridescent blue bulbs in the overhead lighting fixtures in the kitchen. Placing the kitchen door opening into the restaurant is important because every time the door opens for service you do not want your guests to blink due to the mismatched intensities of the lighting fixtures. Providing overhead tube lights to be used during the day will also help your staff in effective housekeeping.
Track lights with LED bulbs can be used to create various moods in the restaurant. The bar can be lit up in bright red and the dining room in an intimate, relaxing blue. Track lights can also be effectively used to enhance the décor of the restaurant like paintings, curios, etc. Creating several layers of lighting will also add that extra drama to the interiors. Adding a sensor overhead lighting fixture above the tables can come in extremely handy when guests are flipping through the menu. Additional lighting will ensure that guests don’t have to squint to read the menu.
Chandeliers and colored glass hanging pendants can serve as the main lighting fixture in your restaurant. The dimmer switches on these lights allow you to control the level of illumination thus creating a perfect balance between the main lighting fixture and complementary lighting fixtures. Floor lamps matching the décor of the restaurant can liven up any dark corner. These lamps can be conveniently moved around to brighten up any area. However do not overdo the illumination. Try to limit the number of bulbs used in each lamp to 3.
Proper lighting in your restaurant is essential to create the perfect setting and mood, so choose wisely to attract more customers to your restaurant.
