How to choose lighting for a restaurant?
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Izabela Seliga -
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It's not just the tasty menu and efficient service that make guests visit the restauant. The atmosphere of the place also contributes to success. A friendly space in which you want to stay is also due to appropriate lighting. How to choose light fixtures for a restaurant to create a unique atmosphere? Read our text!
How to start arranging lighting in a restaurant?
Remember that each commercial premises must meet occupational health and safety regulations and other standards, such as PN-EN 12464-1. It defines lighting standards, including: for catering establishments. According to its requirements, the light intensity in the kitchen area should reach <500 lux. In the space where guests eat, this value is <200 lux. Luminaires used in gastronomy must have a CRI of at least 80.
European regulations also regulate emergency lighting in restaurants. Such marking must be placed primarily in the kitchen, where the risk of fire is highest. Emergency lighting must be located throughout the premises and in communication routes. In the case of corridors, the guidelines also specify the intensity level, which should be at least 100 lx when measured at a height of 80 cm.
The key to success is the appropriate arrangement of light sources. Divide the interior into sections and match them with appropriate lighting. Make sure that the frames are diverse, but matching in style.
What should you take into account when planning?
- the size of the space that each luminaire is to cover with light,
- color of light,
- zones that we want to highlight with light,
- the style of the entire room,
- additional light sources, such as shop window lighting, external lamps.
What should you consider when choosing lighting for a restaurant?
Lighting in a restaurant should combine functionality with great design, and at the same time harmonize with the entire decor of the premises.
The color of the light has a great impact on the atmosphere of the interior. There should be light sources of all three colors throughout the premises. Thanks to appropriate lighting, you will make the dishes more appetizing and put your guests in a comfortable atmosphere. Neutral light sources are best for a restaurant room, and warm ones for a cafe or pub. In the kitchen, use cooler light to help you focus. In the breakfast room, make sure there is plenty of natural light to best highlight the morning menu.
Choose lighting made of durable materials, resistant to damage and corrosion. The fixtures should also be easy to clean and maintain. Lighting a restaurant is a big expense, so choose energy-saving LEDs.
Which lamps should you choose for specific rooms?
Mix different types of lighting: hanging lamps, wall lamps, ceiling lamps, spotlights, spots - this will ensure the optimal amount of light and at the same time achieve the most interesting effect.
In the room where guests stay, we most often find a central light source and supplementary lighting, i.e. decorative lamps, wall lamps or spotlights. Using spots or a cascade of hanging lamps, highlight the counter or bar, i.e. the place where we direct the guests' eyes to make it easier for them to place orders. You can achieve a decorative and atmospheric effect by hanging decorative lighting above the tables or wall lamps at the tables placed against the wall. Lamp models such as KUUL F, LUOTI, TORNI A by UMMO or Bola Bola LED, Matuba LED i Giro by LoftLight will be perfect above the table. What about the wall? For example, the Fold collection luminaires by Nordlux or the S14d wall lamp with a linear bulb, which you will find in the portfolio of the Creative-Cables and Zangra brands.
In the kitchen, choose fixtures that are as functional as possible and take up little space. Choose those with a higher waterproof class (IP44). Avoid overhangs and lamps that may limit the work area in any way.
Wall and ceiling lamps are a good solution in the hall and transitional areas. Stand out with beautiful ceiling luminaries from the PI collection by Ferroluce or elegant Vero ceiling lamps by KASPA.
In the bathroom, choose discreet ceiling lamps. Complete them with decorative lamps near the mirror, which will improve comfort of use and create a chic impression. Just like in the kitchen, choose waterproof fixtures. The UMMO, Zangra, Markslojd i Nordlux brands offer you decorative lamps with a higher tightness class.
Don't forget about outdoor lighting, which can attract and interest guests from afar. Neon or LED signs in shop windows, such as the glowing Ledon brand inscriptions, are a popular solution. In the summer season, the lighting of beer gardens is equally important. Light bulb garlands will work best in this role.
For more inspiring light luminaries, visit the KoloroweKable.pl store!
Sources of photos/visualizations:
- Cover photo: Tokyo Cheesecake Bakery
- 1 project: 74studio interior design
- 2 project: Anna Freier Architektura Wnętrz
- 3 project: 74studio interior design
- 4 project: AWó. studio projektowe