The ambience of a restaurant is key for ensuring customers have the perfect dining experience. With careful consideration, the right lighting design can elevate the atmosphere in any restaurant and create a pleasant atmosphere for guests. Here are 12 essential tips to help you design the best lighting plan for your restaurant.
Understand the Power of Colors
Colours in the restaurant’s lighting design play an important role in setting the mood and atmosphere. Different shades of warm and cool colours can create different vibes, so consider how each hue you choose can convey a unique feeling in your restaurant. Warmer tones tend to create more inviting and intimate atmospheres while cooler tones will evoke a calming feel. Experiment with different colour combinations to find the perfect combination for your space!
Choose Flexible Lighting Fixtures
When shopping for lighting fixtures, be sure to look for ones that provide flexibility. That way, you can easily change the atmosphere at different times of the day or night and for different occasions. Look for LED lights that offer adjustable levels of brightness, dimmers that control how your room is lit, and adjustable spotlights so you can focus on certain areas in the restaurant. Certain color changing technologies even allow you to switch up your restaurant’s aesthetic effortlessly!
Design Your Restaurant with Multiple Layers of Light
When designing the lighting for your restaurant, think in terms of multiple layers. Mix and match different types of lighting to create a variety of atmospheres throughout the restaurant. By using task lighting and accent lighting in addition to overhead lights, you’ll be able to create an inviting atmosphere that can change as your guests move through different areas. This will not only make your guests feel comfortable but also provide them with a better overall dining experience.
Utilize Natural Light and Place Mirrors Strategically
Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light that streams in from windows or skylights. You can often enhance the brightness and the “light and airy” feeling of your space by strategically placing mirrors to reflect existing light. Mirrors are also a great option if you have limited sources of natural lighting as they’ll help create the illusion of more space and capture artificial light much better than other materials.
Consider Different Lighting Zones for Different Ambiences
While a well-lighted space is important to ensure the safety and comfort of your guests, it’s also beneficial to create different lighting zones for different parts of the restaurant. For example, the seating area should have a softer ambience than the bar or kitchen, allowing customers to relax and enjoy their meals. You can achieve this by installing different light fixtures in each area or using dimmable lights so that you can adjust the brightness levels as needed.
neoalpha global are experts when it comes to lighting design for restaurants, feel free to contact us today for a free consultation to get your restaurant’s light perfect!
