Lighting decides how a restaurant feels, how long guests stay and how the food looks on Instagram. Good restaurant lighting is built in layers.
1. Ambient light
General light sets the mood. In casual restaurants it can be brighter; in fine dining and bars, much lower. A statement chandelier in the main hall often provides the ambient light and becomes the room's signature. See large chandeliers.
2. Light over tables
Each table should have its own pool of light, so guests see their food and each other's faces. Pendants hung 75–90 cm above the table work best. Rows of identical pendants over banquettes create rhythm. See glass pendants and brass pendants.
3. Bar lighting
A bar counter needs brighter, focused light for staff and a glowing back bar. Linear pendants or a row of smaller pendants over the counter work well — see linear chandeliers.
4. Accent and wall light
Wall lights along banquettes and corridors, and accent light on art or plants, add depth. See wall sconces.
Colour temperature and dimming
- 2700 K (warm) for dining rooms and bars; 2200–2400 K for very intimate spaces.
- Dim everything: one setting for lunch, another for dinner.
- Choose a high colour rendering (CRI 90+) so food looks appetising.
Common mistakes
- Bright, flat ceiling light everywhere.
- Cool white light that makes food and skin look grey.
- Pendants hung too high over tables.
- Mixing many styles with no common finish.
Working with a manufacturer
We make chandeliers, pendants and wall lights for restaurants, bars and hotels in our own factory: custom sizes and finishes, 20 working days production, no minimum order and a 30% trade discount for designers. See lighting for restaurants and hotels.