Lighting your venue
For many people, even though they don’t realise it, a big part of a night out is the lighting. Low, atmospheric lighting can set the tone for a cozy evening at a pub, while bright, flashing lights can add to the excitement of a night out at a club. But what kind of lighting is best for a particular type of nightspot? And how can lighting be used to create the right mood? It turns out that there is more to lighting a bar or restaurant than just turning on the lights. By understanding a little bit about lighting design, owners and operators can use light to create the perfect atmosphere for their guests.
The customer experience in pubs, bars and restaurants is enhanced by good lighting
The right lighting can help to set the mood in any social space, whether it’s a pub, bar, restaurant or wedding venue. Good lighting can enhance the ambience, making it feel more inviting and helping to create a good atmosphere. It’s important to avoid harsh, bright lighting as this can be off-putting for customers and make the space feel less inviting. Instead, opt for softer, more flattering lighting that will make people feel relaxed and comfortable. If you’re not sure what kind of lighting to choose, then it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice. A lighting designer will be able to advise you on the best lighting for your particular social space. The lighting in your venue should be carefully considered as it can really make a difference to the atmosphere. With the right lighting, you can create a space that people will enjoy spending time in.
"At MooBoo Home we work with you to design the perfect lighting for your venue. We think about how to draw people into your venue, how inviting it looks from the outside looking in, and how it makes people feel once they come through the door. An inviting space will encourage customers to stay longer and return to your venue time and again"
Creating pockets of light and colour in a space to create atmosphere.
A good lighting design can make all the difference in a pub, bar or restaurant. The right mix of light and shadow, combined with an effective use of colour can create a unique atmosphere that draws people in and makes them want to stay. One of the most important things to consider when lighting a space is how the light will interact with the different surfaces. A well-lit space will have a variety of different light sources that create a variety of different effects. For example, accent lighting can be used to highlight certain features, while task lighting can be used to provide a clear, bright light for activities such as reading or playing games. Another important consideration is the use of colour. Different colours can create different moods and atmospheres. For example, warm colours such as orange and yellow can create a cosy, intimate feeling, while cool colours such as blue and green can create a more relaxed atmosphere. By carefully considering the different elements of lighting, it is possible to create a space that is both inviting and atmospheric. By playing with light and shadow, and using colour effectively, it is possible to create a space that has its own unique identity and character.
A lighting designer should look at the practicalities of lighting the space. They should think about the purpose of the venue and how to light it both practically and for ambience.
The purpose of lighting in pubs, bars and restaurants is both practical and for ambience. Good lighting can help to set the mood of a venue, and make it feel more inviting and welcoming. It can also help to create a more efficient working environment. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right lighting for a pub, bar or restaurant. Firstly, it is important to think about the purpose of the venue. What kind of atmosphere are you trying to create? Is it a relaxed and informal setting, or a more formal and sophisticated one? The lighting should reflect this. Secondly, you need to think about the practicalities of lighting. What type of light fixtures will be most suitable for the space? Will they need to be dimmable? Is there a need for task lighting? Lastly, you need to consider the costs of the lighting. It is important to find a balance between creating the right atmosphere and being cost effective. In general, pubs and bars tend to be more relaxed environments, and so softer, more diffused lighting is often used. This can be achieved through the use of wall sconces, table lamps and ceiling lights. Restaurants tend to be more formal, and so brighter, more focused lighting is often used. This can be achieved through focussed pendant lights and recessed lighting.
When it comes to the practicalities of lighting, it is important to ensure that the light fixtures you choose are fit for purpose. For example, if you are looking for task lighting, then you will need to choose fixtures that give off a lot of light, such as spotlights. If you are looking for ambient lighting, then you will need to choose fixtures that give off softer, more diffused light. It is also important to make sure that the bulbs you use in your light fixtures are dimmable, as this will allow you to create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion. Cost is also an important consideration when choosing lighting for a pub, bar or restaurant. It is important to find a balance between creating the right atmosphere and being cost effective. LED lighting is a great option as it is very energy efficient, which will help to reduce running costs. When it comes to lighting pubs, bars and restaurants, it is important to consider the purpose of the venue, the practicalities of lighting and the costs. By taking all of these factors into account, you can create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.
“Saving money in your venue on utility bills can be achieved by simply looking at the type of light bulbs you are currently using and swapping them for more efficient LED bulbs. A lot of venues that we visit are still using incandescent and halogen bulbs, which are very inefficient and cost a lot to run. They also have a short lifespan and so you will find yourself needing to replace the bulbs more often. Hundreds of pounds per year can be saved with this one simple change. At MooBoo Home, we can help you make these changes, even if you are not yet ready to redesign the lighting fixtures already in place.”
To read more about energy efficiency and saving money by changing to LED lightbulbs, read our blog “Save money on energy bills by switching to LED”
A lighting designer should consider the theme of the venue, and think about styles of fixtures and how they will blend with the overall design brief
When designing the lighting for a pub, bar or restaurant, there are many factors to consider to create a harmonious and effective lighting scheme. The first step is to understand the overall design theme of the property, as this will help to inform the style of fixtures and fittings that will be most appropriate. If the property has a traditional or rustic feel, for example, then antique-style lights would be more in keeping than ultra-modern ones. It is also important to think about how the lighting will blend with the existing colours and furnishings in the space. For a contemporary look, try using fixtures in sleek metals such as chrome or stainless steel teamed with mirrored acrylics. For a rustic style venue, a wooden beam light would be a good option. It is also worth considering the different functions that the various areas of the pub, bar or restaurant will need to serve. The main seating area will need good task lighting for reading menus or newspapers, for example, whilst softer, more ambient lighting would be more suitable for relaxed conversation. In the bar area, bright, focused lighting is essential for staff to be able to work quickly and efficiently, whilst creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. With so many factors to take into account, it is advisable to seek the help of a professional lighting designer to ensure that your pub, bar or restaurant is lit in the best possible way.
“At MooBoo Home we have a wide range of cables and components to choose from, which, when matched with the perfect timber or steel and acrylic canopies, can create a harmonious lighting design for any style venue”
While good lighting is certainly important for setting the right mood in a venue, it is not the only factor. The overall design, furnishings and music are also important in creating the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a night out, and we will take all of this into account when designing your lighting fixtures.
Contact us today to discuss the perfect bespoke interior lighting design for your venue.