How to illuminate a restaurant?

The first step in creating good lighting for a restaurant is defining the target audience. The lighting design for a sophisticated or intimate restaurant will differ from that of a fast-food restaurant. Appropriate lighting will highlight the restaurant's aesthetics and enhance the dining experience.

What kind of lighting should be present in a restaurant?

General lighting

General lighting creates the restaurant's atmosphere, whether more intimate or more standardized. It should be evenly distributed throughout the space to avoid dark or bright spots. Recessed downlights, track lighting, pendant lamps, and LED strips can be used for this purpose.

Task lighting

This lighting provides the necessary light for specific tasks, whether it's reading a menu or preparing food. The light should be bright enough to allow for easy visibility. However, it should not cause discomfort or glare. For example, task lighting is used at restaurant tables. Let's see how it works.

Table lighting

It is important for customers to be able to clearly see the food they are about to eat, as well as comfortably see the faces of the people at the table.

The tables can be illuminated with:

• Direct light : a pendant lamp can be used, thus directing the light directly onto the table;

• Diffused or indirect light : in this case, light fixtures are used to illuminate the restaurant in a standardized way, applying the same amount of light to each table.

If the intention is to create a more intimate atmosphere, the first option is better. If, on the other hand, the aim is to create a more uniformly lit environment, without individual light points at each table, then diffused light fixtures can be installed on the ceiling (for example, track lighting).

Accent lighting

Accent lighting is used to highlight specific areas of a restaurant, such as the restaurant logo, plants, artwork, or other decorative elements. It can also be used to create a dramatic effect and add depth and texture to the restaurant's design.

For example, accent lighting can be applied to the restaurant's facade. The facade (smooth or textured) can be highlighted when lights are placed close to the wall. These can be placed on the floor or on the wall itself (floodlights), creating visual interest in the color or texture of the restaurant's facade.

Restaurant room lighting

Standardized lighting fixtures can be used to illuminate the restaurant, as well as decorative lamps and fixtures that create a more welcoming atmosphere. Filament LED bulbs are widely used in restaurant decor, making the environment more harmonious and elegant.

Choosing the right color temperature for light bulbs and fixtures is very important for making a restaurant cozy. The warmer the light, the more casual and welcoming the space will be.

Color temperature

Color temperature is expressed in Kelvins (K). The higher the value, the cooler and bluer the light. Conversely, lower values ​​correspond to a warmer and more yellowish light. If you want to create a cozier environment, you should opt for color temperatures between 2500K and 3000K (warm white). If you prefer a more neutral light, but still a little yellowish, you should choose between 4000K and 4500K (neutral white).

Rustic setting

If we want to give it a rustic look, we can opt for Edison bulbs, which emit a warm and nostalgic glow. They can be hung in groups above tables or placed in open light fixtures to give a rustic feel.

Pendant lights and chandeliers are great for creating a focal point in a restaurant room. They are available in various styles, sizes, and colors. They are a good element for creating a luxurious or elegant look.

Kitchen lighting

In kitchens, the most suitable option is to use damp proof LED luminaires due to the constant steam. Damp proof industrial, being completely closed, prevent any particles or substances from the air from coming into contact with the internal parts of the light fixture. This ensures that the steam from an industrial kitchen does not interfere with the LED's operation. It also prevents loss of brightness or a reduction in the product's lifespan.

In this environment, where precision and productivity are necessary, the most suitable light is cool white. Lamps or luminaires with a color temperature between 6000K and 6500K should be installed. This will make the environment comfortable and safe to work in.

Children's area

LED strips are very versatile items that can be used in restaurant dining rooms as well as in children's play areas. Here, they can be used in RGB mode to add color to the children's play space.

Luminaires and lamps with high CRI

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) of products is quite important to ensure that the food's color is not altered. This is measured between 0 and 100. The higher the number, the more faithful the color of the food will be to what we see in sunlight.

In both the kitchen and the restaurant's dining area, the light fixtures and lamps must have a CRI greater than 80.

We've included a few options of damp proof for the kitchen of your restaurant :

Philips brand

Ledvance brand

V-TAC brand

byWATT brand

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our experts at info@wattlamp.net.