Lighting can make or break your bar or restaurant. There is nothing that can drive sales like the lighting layout. It’s not so much how the lights look. It’s the brightness and color of the bulbs and the location of the fixtures. Hire a pro. Don’t goof it up.

Restaurant Store Lighting Layout Guide

Here’s a quick overview on planning your space's lighting layout:

1. Understand the Space’s Layout & Zones Divide the space into functional zones:
Entry: You want to attract customers and create an inviting entrance.
Aisles & Circulation Paths: Ensure safe and even illumination.
Bar area: Bright enough for the barkeep to work. Dimmer at the counter for patrons to comfortably chat. Seating areas: Soft, flattering, and comfortable Storage/Back Areas: Utility lighting.

2. Layer the Lighting Use a layered lighting approach:
Ambient light: Use Recessed downlights, track lights
Accent light: Highlight specific artwork or displays. Use adjustable
spotlights, wall washers
Seating area lights: Pendent lights over the tables are best
Decorative Branding and aesthetics: Cool pendant lights, neon,
chandeliers

3. Choose the Right Fixtures
Track Lighting: Flexible, great for spotlighting merchandise.
Recessed Downlights: Clean look, good for ambient lighting.
Pendant Lights: Stylish, adds personality, great over counters.
LED Strips: Perfect for shelves, cabinets, display edges.
Wall Washers: Emphasize graphics or textured surfaces.

4. Control & Efficiency Use dimmers for flexibility. Use smart lighting for scheduling and energy saving. Choose LED for long life and low power consumption.

5. Sketch the Layout Create a basic floor plan and overlay lighting: Use symbols to show light types and beam angles. Indicate power sources and control switches. Highlight product displays and circulation flow.

6. Test and Adjust Do a trial installation if possible. Adjust beam angles and intensities for optimal impact. Walk through the store as a customer would—observe focal points and visibility.