Lighting for Restaurants and Hospitality

In a country like Spain, going out for a drink with friends or dining in a restaurant is already part of our culture. With so many gastronomic venues to choose from, the impression each one makes is shaped not only by its design, but also by its lighting. It’s not just the food that plays a key role in the dining experience — lighting also influences our perception of time, mood and even how we see the food itself.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE LIGHTING FOR RESTAURANTS

To provide the right atmosphere for customers, it is essential to carefully select the type of luminaire, the way the lamp distributes light, and the style you want to convey. A very important factor is the design of the luminaires, which will largely depend on the type of restaurant or venue you want to illuminate. It is not the same as a fast-food chain, which requires simpler, less refined lighting, as a fine-dining restaurant, where the lighting tends to be softer and more intimate. To help you choose lighting for either category, our restaurant lighting section offers a wide variety of styles that will perfectly match your venue’s décor.

When it comes to Colour Rendering Index (the measure of how accurately colours appear under a light source), a CRI of over 80 is recommended. Since the scale ranges from 0 to 100, this means restaurant lighting should reproduce food colours and textures as faithfully as possible, making dishes look more appealing and appetising.

Another key factor is that LED lighting is the most advisable choice for this type of establishment. It offers multiple advantages such as high energy savings, low cost, reduced environmental impact and a greater variety of colours and temperatures.

As for product types, the choice of lamp depends on the restaurant area you wish to illuminate. For example, to light a dining table, a pendant lamp is an excellent option. Not only do they come in a wide variety of designs to complement your venue’s style, but they also provide focused, welcoming light. A minimum distance of around 70 cm between the pendant and the table is recommended to avoid glare.

At the bar — one of the most relaxed areas of a restaurant — focused lighting is ideal, using luminaires such as downlights or pendant lamps. If there are display cases or counters where products are showcased, the lighting should be as even and focused as possible, avoiding any shadow.

Another crucial yet less visible area is the kitchen, where concentration is key for chefs and staff. Here, neutral light of around 4000K enhances workflow and provides a strong sense of well-being.

Finally, in our restaurant lighting section you will also find options for outdoor terrace areas, such as floor lamps, table lamps or even string lights if you want to create a more relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Do not hesitate to contact our lighting experts if you need advice or a specific product. At LightingSpain, we will be delighted to help you.