Designing a seating area is always a challenge. Designing an outdoor seating area presents even more unique challenges. From the chairs to the landscaping, there are a lot of things to consider when creating an outdoor oasis for your customers. One of the most crucial elements to master is outdoor lighting. This seemingly small detail can have a monumental impact on how customers perceive the space and your business as a whole. When it comes to making light work for your space, there are a few things to remember about successful outdoor lighting.
Visibility
The first requirement of outdoor lighting is visibility. People like to be able to see their meals clearly. It is also hard to read a menu without proper lighting. When it comes to finding the right solution for lighting, we have a few tips.
- There are many kinds of lighting to choose from, but popular styles are ceiling lights, wall fixtures, and gooseneck fixtures.
- You want lighting that provides gentle visibility in your outdoor seating area. If it is too bright, it will distract from the ambiance level and be uncomfortable
- Consider LED lights as a money-saving alternative.
- Choose lower wattages for a gentler illumination.
Ambiance
While you want lighting that allows visibility for your customers and staff, you also want to add ambiance to the setting. The goal of successful outdoor lighting is to provide visibility and ambiance in equal measure. You want lighting that illuminates while also setting a relaxing mood.
- A popular trend in outdoor seating lighting is the use of Chinese lanterns. They provide a gentle glow to any space.
- Another popular option are string lights. These lights come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and wattages so you can find one that works for you. Depending on your patio space and the string lights you choose, you may be able to illuminate your entire space with just these simple lights.
- Make sure any ambient lighting you add is balanced with the overall illumination level to ensure a comfortable brightness. If the space is already well-lit, there is no need to add extra ambient lighting just for the sake of ambient lighting.
