When you decide to open a restaurant, there are several factors to consider. In addition to the right decor and a menu that’s properly priced with ample variety, how you choose to light your restaurant is a very important factor to take into consideration. At Restaurant Rockstars, we have more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant business industry, and we know what it takes to make sure your startup restaurant is a success. To learn more about our restaurant consulting services, schedule your 30-minute consultation today! In the meantime, read on to learn more about restaurant lighting basics that will ensure your guests have the best dining experience possible.
Restaurant Lighting Basics
When it comes to properly lighting your restaurant, there are three categories of lighting that you’ll want to be sure to address: ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Ambient Lighting
When you first enter a restaurant, the first thing you’ll likely notice is the ambient lighting. This is the general, overall lighting of a space. When you’re deciding on how bright you want the ambient lighting in your restaurant to be, it is helpful to consider what kind of mood you want to set. If your aim is to provide diners with a romantic setting, lower ambient lighting may be best. Conversely, if you’re hoping to provide your guests with an atmosphere that is fun and energetic, brighter ambient lighting may work best. Whether you choose an atmosphere that is bright or dim, recessed lighting can be a great lighting method to accomplish your goal.
Task Lighting
Often times, restaurant owners that want to provide their guests with a more formal dining experience choose a lower level of ambient lighting. If this is the case, it may be necessary to have some type of task lighting to assist your guests with reading the menu and properly appreciating their beautifully plated dishes. This can be accomplished with pendant lighting over a bar or small, simple lamps on each table. In addition to providing task lighting for the diners in your establishment, your wait staff and maître d will also appreciate task lighting at their respective stations.
Accent Lighting
While the ambient lighting and task lighting are important to creating the right atmosphere for the guests in your restaurant, accent lighting is equally important. This type of lighting is used to draw attention to specific features or areas in your restaurant, and it may also be used to create visual interest. This type of lighting is often considered when new restaurant owners are planning the decor. Accent lighting can be great for anything from highlighting interesting wall art to the chef’s framed seasonal menu. Track lighting is an excellent choice for an affordable lighting fixture that can direct light in several directions, creating multiple focal points with one fixture.
Ready to Open a Restaurant?
If you’re ready to take your dream of restaurant ownership and turn it into reality, Restaurant Rockstars is ready to help you open a restaurant! We offer innovative server and staff sales training, help with business plans and finances, and consulting services that are based on the skills and experience of a professional restaurant entrepreneur. Shop our products today and get ready to rock your restaurant!