Lighting Considerations For Your New Cafe

When you open a new cafe there are a heap of factors to consider. Besides décor and furniture, plus a great menu with plenty of variety, another element to add to the list is that of lighting. Often lighting is forgotten about at the start of planning when really you need to factor it in right away so that it works beautifully within your design once you open up for business. We’ve put together some cafe lighting basics to help ensure your customers have the best experience from the get-go.

When it comes to cafe lighting there are 3 categories which you need to include and these are ambient, task, and accent lighting. So let’s take a closer look at what each of these terms means and how they can be used to best effect in your cafe design.

Ambient lighting

Typically ambient is the first style of lighting that a person is likely to notice when they enter your cafe. It refers to the overall lighting used throughout the premises. How bright you have this lighting depends on the type of mood or ambience that you’re trying to create. Generally speaking most cafe owner’s are trying to create an ambience that is welcoming and sufficiently bright so that people can see what they’re eating without being dazzled. If on the other hand you’re trying to create an atmosphere that is more romantic, then you might want to choose lighting that is less bright or that can be easily dimmed. You might want to consider a large chandelier for your ambient lighting which will also add as a decorative feature.

Task lighting

Task lighting refers to lighting which is being used to target a specific area or areas which need more light in order for customers to focus on important tasks such as reading the menu or selecting cutlery and condiments from a buffet station. Often this is accomplished by using rows of pendant lights which hang low over a dining area or by placing small table lamps on individual tables. Pendant lights can be suspended at different heights to create more of a focal interest too or you might even want to make use of Edison bulbs which are very much on trend right now.

Accent lighting

Accent lighting is also important and is a way of drawing attention to certain areas in your cafe such as a blackboard menu or a fabulous piece of artwork. Wall sconces placed in recesses are a great form of accent lighting and will contribute to the overall feel of your cafe’s interior.

Finally it’s a good idea to consider light dimmers which are a quick and easy way of making the transition from day to night time. If you open to customers in the evening then dimmed lights make your space feel more intimate and if you use LED lights then you can save money in the long run too.

Here at Cafe Furniture Melbourne we stock pendant lights as well as an extensive range of gorgeous cafe furniture to add to your customer’s experience. Why not browse our online store or visit our showroom to see our products first hand. You’ll be assured of a warm welcome.

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