When you are getting ready to open a new restaurant or update an existing one, you have many different things to think about and decisions to make. One thing you definitely don’t want to overlook is your restaurant lighting. Restaurant lighting has a powerful impact on your guests and your employees because it can create any atmosphere you desire and highlight features of your building for all to enjoy.
With modern programmable and customized settings, you can even change the mood your restaurant lighting imbues throughout the day. You can utilize timers and dimmers in such a way that you don’t have to constantly adjust the settings yourself, but the different settings flow seamlessly together.
As you begin to consider your restaurant lighting options, you will need to think about what type of mood you want to share with your customers. The ambience can even vary in different areas of your establishment. You may want your bar or lounge to be dimmer than the main dining areas, for example. You will also need different lighting for your kitchen, dish and storage areas.
Your lighting needs will also vary depending on what time of day your restaurant is open. In the morning hours, when people are waking up, bright lighting is best. Midday lighting should be more moderate, but will vary depending on the type of establishment. Evening lighting is typically dimmer, allowing diners to unwind and relax after a long day.
Don’t forget about making sure that diners have enough light to comfortably read their menus. Accent lighting can create focal points around your space, highlighting artwork or special architectural features. Another important area that is sometimes overlooked is exterior lighting. Not only does this improve your security, but it should communicate with your guests even before they come into your restaurant.