Dynamic Lighting Controls

Lighting is a crucial part of setting the mood in a restaurant. Luckily, this doesn’t all have to be done manually. Dynamic lighting controls exist that can help you automatically change the brightness, color, and intensity of the lighting in your establishment. 

This gives you far more control over how you present your establishment at different times of the day. If you serve both lunch and dinner, you can choose to have your lights transition in the evening to a more romantic atmosphere, while keeping it open and bright for lunch.

Restaurants are even more interesting when it comes to lighting because of what you are selling. Food has to look appetizing or no one is going to eat it. That’s why warm dimmable LED lamps can be a more appropriate option than harsh white lamps when it comes to lighting choices. 

Hanging Fixtures

It seems the newest restaurant trend is to have an industrial, but chic vibe. Of course, lighting can take this to the next level. By choosing the right light fixtures, the visual perception can really come across as enticing. Hanging pendant lights are the perfect addition.

There are a few things to consider when using these light fixtures though. First, it’s important you have ample space. If an area is too small then the lighting will become crowded. They also need to be up high, if hanging over an area where people will be standing. Therefore, ample ceiling space is important.

These light fixtures are also going to be closer to your guests since they are hanging, so it’s important that they are dimmable. This also goes back to transitioning between lunch and dinner. By having dimmable lights, you can give off two different vibes in the same day with just the push of a button.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is where creativity can fly. Not only are they great for the people eating at your restaurant, but they also add curb appeal. Those who walk by may be enticed by quality outdoor lighting – even if they plan to eat indoors.

As far as the actual fixtures, outdoors usually need dimmer ambiance and require less harsh lamps and/or fixtures. Generally, a good mix of floor lighting with string lights will give off a romantic outdoor vibe while still allowing your customers to read their menu. 

It’s important to consider the paths your customers will be taking as well. The path from the restaurant to the dining area, the dining area to the restroom, and the dining area to the parking lot all need to have adequate light so your customers and your staff don’t trip. 

Ready to take your restaurant lighting to the next step? Let us know. We’re here to brighten your restaurant with expert solutions.

The post Restaurant Lighting Trends To Keep In Mind appeared first on CBMC Lighting Solutions: National Accounts Lighting Distributor.

Beyond decor, design, and positive, helpful staff, your lighting solutions make a major difference. Before settling for any lamps and/or light fixtures, style, and design flow for your store, follow these three tips to optimize your interior. 

Bright but balanced 

One thing to keep in mind is the brightness of your lighting solution. If customers can’t see clearly in your store, there’s a good chance they will leave and take their business elsewhere. No one wants to strain to determine what color a sweater is or whether or not two paintings match. It’s crucial to light up your space with bright, even-toned lamps as to not distort colors or constrict vision. 

However, balance is key. If your hues become too warm, it can throw off natural colors. Too cool, and there is a blue undertone cast over all products. Beyond tone, brightness is a factor you must balance. Customers need to see, but they also shouldn’t feel blinded or oppressed by the level of your lighting. Mimicking the flow of natural light is one of the best suggestions to ensure your customers are greeted with a positive experience. 

Stay away from fluorescent 

If your space came with fluorescents or it has been suggested to you to give them a try, run far, far away. Not only is fluorescent lighting unnatural and sharp, but it can also negatively impact you and your customers on different levels. 

Fluorescent lights contain a small amount of mercury, and doesn’t pose a threat while the lamps are intact. However, if you should accidentally break them, the contaminants can cause mercury poisoning. It’s rare but possible. Additionally, fluorescent lighting has been linked to headaches, eye strain, dizziness, nausea, impaired vision (blurred vision), and can induce migraines. These common reactions to prolonged exposure to fluorescent light are the last things you want for your customers, staff, and yourself. Opting for LEDs or even traditional lamps give you pain-free light that comes in an array of more natural, enjoyable hues and tones. 

Humanize your store

One incredible thing the lighting industry has achieved is creating lighting solutions that follow the circadian rhythm of the human body. This flow allows your lighting to ebb and flow from morning, into afternoon, and night, shifting hues and getting brighter and dimmer depending on the time of day. These smart lamps progress in brightness throughout the day, which gives customers a natural, calming feeling. 

The best part is, you can implement a circadian lighting solution that is programmed to change brightness and color progression automatically at certain times of the day, so you can focus on your business while your customers feel relaxed. 

Lighting solutions are just one of many components retailers must think about when opening or renovating their space. With the right light, you not only give visitors a memorable experience, but you make work better for your employees. It’s a win for everyone.

The post 3 Essential Interior Lighting Tips for Retailers appeared first on CBMC Lighting Solutions: National Accounts Lighting Distributor.

In fact, LEDs dominated the lighting industry in 2020, sweeping 61% of the global lighting market. This impact on the industry isn’t going to slow down. According to Mordor Intelligence, the LED lighting market was valued at $75.81 billion last year and is projected to grow to $160.3 billion by 2026—that’s huge! This growth is not only good for the lighting industry, but also for the environment. If the trend continues down its projected path, the world can avoid 160 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year. 

Still not sold on switching to LEDs? Here’s a few more reasons why they will not only help reduce your carbon footprint, but save you money, energy, time, and—oh!—help protect the future of the planet. 

Long Lasting Lighting 

Changing a burnt bulb at your home is annoying. Changing an entire retail, commercial, or manufacturing building out is a full-time job. With LEDs, you’ll have a lot less work to do, considering these bright bulbs last 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs, 20-25 times longer than halogens, and 8-10 times longer than CFLs. 

This all burns down to years—yes, years. LEDs can last for more than 10 years—in some cases, nearly 20—which even at their higher price tag, will end up saving you money long-term. 

Brighter Bulbs 

When it comes to your business, no matter what you are selling or producing, lighting is an important aspect of what you do. If you own and operate a manufacturing plant, your workers need to see as clearly as possible. If you’re a retailer selling precious gems and diamonds, you want lighting that illuminates your products in the best way possible. LEDs provide significantly more lumens to ensure you’re getting clear, crisp light. 

Additionally, LEDs can be adjusted to a range of colors that can last the entire lifespan of the bulb, instead of burning out or fading like the old gel filters used for colored lighting in traditional bulbs. 

Whatever your industry, LEDs will light it up perfectly and give you more control and creative options. 

Less Heat Means Hotter Savings 

You know how hot traditional light bulbs can get—we’ve all accidentally touched or tapped one or two in our lifetimes, and they burn. More than you’d think! That level of heat generates a serious amount of energy, which significantly contributes to the cost of your energy bills each month. And imagine how much that cost can get when you’re lighting an entire company with traditional bulbs. Ouch! That cost hurts more than the burn from a bulb. 

LEDs produce much less heat for much brighter light. Almost all of traditional incandescent bulbs’ energy goes to heat output, which is a huge waste. However, LEDs produce less heat, so their output of energy used to generate heat is 75-80% less than traditional bulbs. That means your bills go down and your illumination quality goes up. Not a bad deal. 

Considering the cost savings, energy efficiency, and environmental impact, it’s no wonder LEDs are dominating the lighting industry with no signs of stopping. Will you be among the lighting leaders who boost the market in the next six years? Or will you keep your business in the dark ages of interior and exterior illumination?
If you’re ready to make the switch, or looking for a new design or scheme for your company, let us know. We’re here to brighten your business with expert solutions.

The post The Future of LED Lighting (and Why You Need to Get on Board) appeared first on CBMC Lighting Solutions: National Accounts Lighting Distributor.

Smart Solutions

Hi-tech lighting is nothing new, but its uses and functions are becoming more streamlined and able to achieve greater lighting goals. When it comes to residential and commercial spaces, hi-tech lighting that mimics that of natural light will be big in 2021. 

Smart lighting systems can be programmed to imitate the variations of light throughout the day, from the warm glow of a morning sunrise to the crisp bright shine of a sunny afternoon to a slow dim of a setting sun. This control can create a stronger connection to nature and the light found within—and it can help build peaceful, flowing, completely customizable spaces. 

Mix Things Up 

We’re used to seeing singular concepts in lighting: sharp, modern lines, one to two colors, chrome on top of chrome, and similar textures throughout the space. In 2021, the need for every fixture, every part of the design, to be the same will be left in 2020. 

This year, mixing materials, and styles will create unique and exciting lighting experiences. Blended metals, bronze and black, slick glass and matte pieces will all come together to create looks that feel specific to space and one-of-a-kind. Beyond just material and texture, lighting solutions will mix styles as well. Modern meets gothic, opulent melds with simplistic, and bold structures will be balanced with light, airy accents. 

Pop of Color 

It’s a phrase the design industry may dread hearing, but it’s one that will reign true in 2021. Where whites, blacks, bronzes, silvers, and more classically contemporary shades have dominated lighting, we’ll start to see color come through in big ways. 

Painted fixtures in bright blues, canary yellows, or deep, rich greens will be the icing on the electrical cake, transforming spaces in simple ways. The incorporation of color allows distinct emotions to be drawn out and curated for your space. 

LEDs 

As much as lighting solutions revolve around style they also are centered around function. Energy-saving LEDs will continue to be big in 2021, and only get bigger. Not only do LEDs provide a  sleek modern shine, but they can save our CO2 footprint and allow spaces to have stronger lighting performance without the harmful effects on the environment. 

Lighting Focal Points 

Where lighting used to be seen as the completion of a room or the support of design, it’s now going to shift to the focal point. Whether you use artfully crafted fixtures that resemble sculptures, large, bold pieces (no matter the size of your space), or intricate, delicate designs that come together to create a scheme worthy of immediate attention, keep lighting at the forefront of your design. 

If you’re looking for lighting solutions, let us know. We’re happy to work with you to create a lighting design and installation that is uniquely yours. 

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