A lighting plan for the hospitality industry: what do you pay attention to?

A lighting plan for the hospitality industry makes all the difference. It helps entrepreneurs combine atmosphere and practical light. Think about mood lighting, basic lighting and functional lighting. The right combination makes guests feel welcome and staff can work comfortably. From restaurants to cafés, hotels and entertainment venues: with a good lighting plan, you create the perfect atmosphere and make the space usable.

Lighting plan for restaurants

When creating a lighting plan for restaurants, the desired atmosphere is crucial. A good balance between ambient and working lighting ensures comfort for staff and guests. Use white light for the bar and kitchen and warm, dimmed lighting for the dining area. Use dimmers to adjust brightness to different times of the day. Accent lighting highlights certain areas of the restaurant, such as artwork or special tables, to give the space a unique look.

Lighting plan for cafés and bars

When creating a lighting plan for cafés and bars, the right atmosphere is essential. The lighting should not only contribute to the look of the room but also be practical, e.g. bright enough for operation, safety or specific work areas. Use the right colour temperature: warm light for seating areas and more neutral light behind the bar.

A good hospitality lighting plan provides a balanced combination of ambient, working and accent lighting. This way, certain elements, such as the bar or decorative details, can be highlighted to create a unique look. Use dimmers to adjust the atmosphere to suit different moments, such as busy evenings or intimate settings.

Lighting plan for hotels and bed & breakfasts

Comfort and atmosphere are important in a lighting plan for hotels and bed & breakfasts. Provide warm lighting in the rooms for a homely atmosphere. Use dimmers to adjust light intensity to suit guests' needs. In the lobby, accent lighting can highlight art or designer pieces for a luxurious look.

Common areas, such as corridors and dining areas, need good lighting: bright, but not too bright, for safety and accessibility. Consider daylight for a natural atmosphere, so the space feels natural and guests feel comfortable. Accent lighting on the outside also helps to create an inviting atmosphere outside, so guests feel right at home. A good hospitality lighting plan provides comfort and tranquillity, and is practical for staff. Flexibility in lighting design allows for different moods depending on the occasion.

Lighting plan for nightlife venues

A nightlife lighting plan is all about creating the right atmosphere. Create a unique atmosphere with LED lighting by changing colour and intensity for the perfect experience. Use LED lighting with variable colour and intensity for entrance and dance floor. Illuminate specific areas such as the bar and seating areas to attract attention and give structure to the space.

Also provide well-lit entry ways and stairs to ensure safety without disturbing the unique atmosphere. Use smart systems to quickly adjust lighting to easily respond to events and times of night. A good lighting plan makes the space attractive and keeps visitors coming back.

Why is a lighting plan for the hospitality industry smart?

It's smart to have a well thought-out lighting plan for the hospitality industry because it plays a big part in the guest experience. It also makes operation and navigation easier, as workstations and walking routes are well lit. Lighting not only plays into the atmosphere, but also provides a practical layout. Good lighting directs attention, for example to the bar or dishes. This makes guests feel at ease and more likely to stay longer and come back.

Basic lighting

Basic lighting in the hospitality industry provides sufficient light throughout the room so that guests can get their bearings easily. This type of lighting provides the average brightness needed to create a pleasant and safe environment. Examples of basic lighting include spotlights, ceiling lamps and pendant lights.

The right lighting at basic level provides a good balance between ambience and practical use (such as sufficient light for safe movement and clear sightlines), which enhances other lighting layers.

Functional lighting

Functional lighting targets specific tasks or activities that require good light. This lighting makes working in certain areas easier and safer. Examples of functional lighting include LED strips under kitchen cabinets for sufficient working light when preparing dishes, or waterproof and heat-resistant lamps in the kitchen for safe working. Functional lighting provides focused light in key areas, such as above a worktop or near the entrance.

Mood lighting

Ambient lighting aims to create a pleasant atmosphere in the room. This decorative lighting adds to the comfort of guests and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Examples of mood lighting include wall lamps that provide soft light accents, dimmable lamps that allow you to adjust the light intensity according to the moment and table lamps that spread a warm glow.

Mood lighting uses warm light to create a cosy and relaxing environment. This type of lighting adds a personal and decorative element to the interior, giving the room more character.

Creating a lighting plan for other buildings

Other buildings such as newly built houses, shops and offices also benefit from their own lighting plan. For new-build homes, a good lighting plan is essential to illuminate each room atmospherically and practically and thus make the most of it. A lighting plan for shops is about highlighting products properly and making the environment feel inviting, so that customers stay longer and are more inclined to buy. In offices, a good lighting plan promotes productivity and well-being.