Architecture and lighting of spaces are like two sides of a coin, equally important in blending in with features while individually acting on their own. Restaurants typically pay a great deal of attention to lighting owing to the overall experience of the space. The lighting of a restaurant plays a vital role in setting the mood and tone of the space.
The main types of lighting are ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Different lighting levels are used by restaurants throughout the day to set the mood of the space according to the time of the day. Bright lighting is favoured during the day and dim lighting in the night.
Brighter lighting is usually used for family-friendly spaces, pizzerias, ice cream parlours, etc, as it creates an energised and stimulating atmosphere. This type of lighting is best achieved with large windows that let in lots of natural sunlight, open spaces, and bright overhead fixtures that complement daylight’s crisp, energising colour temperature. This type of lighting encourages an increase in customer turnover.
Low lighting is a technique done by interior designers for restaurants to create an intimate and romantic atmosphere. It allows the guests to feel calm and cosy while providing adequate lighting, usually of warm colour temperatures, with customizable dimmers and plenty of accent lighting. Restaurant settings that utilise low lighting should also incorporate plenty of task lighting within the design for the staff and clients to see well and safely navigate themselves around all the dimly lit areas.
Cafes
The lighting colour temperature for a cafe should be decided according to the type of food and theme of the space. The lighting setup also helps in promoting the brand. Natural lighting and openness are the keys to an overall beautiful cafe. The counters could be lit up with a series of pendant lights while the seating areas could have a mix of pendants and downlights to develop it. The overall lighting of the space shouldn’t look too dramatic but should have balanced warm lighting and some feature spots.
Brighter lights stimulate your hunger, thus creating a tendency in them to order more food than they originally intended to. On the other hand, warm, dimmer lights create a cosy vibe where the customers would want to stick around for longer.
Lighter colour-themed interiors of neutrals and whites could benefit from a variation between warm and cool colour temperatures. These spaces are usually complemented by indoor plants. Interiors themed with warmer colours like a subtle orange, exposed brick, etc, go well with warm temperature lighting. Smart lighting technologies like daylight sensors, dimming controllers, etc., help maintain the space effectively.
Light fixtures must be chosen correctly for the desired effect. The placement of these fixtures should also be thought through well so that it doesn’t cast a shadow and produce minimum glare. Open spaces are usually lit up with fairy lights or festoon lights that create a magical effect while providing adequate light.
Fine dining
Fine dining spaces are designed to look sophisticated and elegant with intimate and dim lighting. These spaces are usually lit up with pendant lights, downlights, and wall lights where necessary. Lighting should blend with the interior design and enhance the intended mood – cosy, romantic, opulent, or avant-garde.
Layered lighting is favoured for successful lighting design in fine dining. For overall illumination – ambient lighting, task lighting helps diners read menus and appreciate the presentation of their meals. Lastly, accent lighting highlights architectural features, artwork, or selected table arrangements.
Fine dining is all about transitions. Controlling the light intensity and choosing the right colour temperature is key for a good dining experience. Candles or small lamps are added to tabletops that help accentuate the dining area while also enhancing the presentation of items present on the table. The lighting systems should be adaptable, to produce a seamless transition of spaces through the systems for different occasions.
Pubs & Bars
Every pub is designed differently. The common elements of a pub are – the bar counter and seating, and a dance floor may or may not be a part of the space. The main bar area should be well-lit and attractive, snatching the customer’s attention. A combination of warm colour downlights and spotlights would be ideal. Even a feature pendant accompanied with some small spots would look great. The concept of layered lighting works well here.
Away from the bar and with softer ambient lighting enhancing a cosy and intimate atmosphere, wall and ceiling lights could be used. Pendant lights, wall lights, mid-sized chandeliers, and lanterns would be ideal.
While centrally located dance floors are featured by a chandelier or scattered neon lights, one at either end of the pub is usually greeted with striplights or recessed lights by making it like a pathway to the space.
Routes to the staircases, emergency exits, and washrooms are usually brighter than the seating areas.
Inclusions of neon signs with writings or taglines have also become trendy these days, while used to accentuate one space/wall it also adds to the pub’s name and branding.
Lighting in restaurants plays a crucial role in shaping the overall dining experience. The type of lighting considered depends on various factors concerned with the illumination of the space as well as complementing its interiors, brand name, visual appeal, and presentation. The specific light fixtures, colour temperatures, and technologies enhance the ambiance of the space, thus creating a well-functional and aesthetic restaurant.
REFERENCES:
- Web References
- Arrow Electrical. Top tips for pub lighting. https://www.arrowelectricals.co.uk/blog/top-tips-for-pub-lighting/
- Festoon House. 11 Best Cafe Lighting Design Ideas for outdoor and Indoors. 17/08/2023. https://festoonhouse.com.au/cafe-lighting-design-ideas/
- Brand My Cafe Blog. 6 pro tips to choose the right lighting for your café. 20/01/2020. https://blog.brandmycafe.com/6-pro-tips-to-choose-the-right-lighting-for-your-cafe/
- TCP Lighting. Impact of lighting in restaurants. 16/09/2022. https://www.tcpi.com/how-light-impacts-psychology-mood-in-restaurants/
- Grygera, T. LinkedIn. Illuminating elegance: Mastering lighting design for fine dining restaurants. 15/07/2023. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/illuminating-elegance-mastering-lighting-design-fine-grygera-leed-ap?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&utm_campaign=share_via
Image References:
- https://www.whatshot.in/bangalore/nevermind-bar–social-v-158999
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17170042320147017/
- https://brabbu.com/blog/the-finest-of-fine-dining-meet-the-5-best-design-restaurants-in-paris-la-villa-restaurant_design-restaurant/
- https://zeezest.com/food/restaurant-review-10-a-speakeasy-in-bengaluru-gets-an-eight-2233
