The Subconscious Power of Lighting

Have you ever walked into a restaurant and experienced a lovely warm feeling, something in the atmosphere and yet you can’t quite define what makes it so special?

There’s no doubt in that initial moment you experienced a pretty strong sensory assault – a heady combination of smells and sounds, but of course what you saw most likely happened before any of that and it led to so many other sensations without you even realising. 

The subconscious power of lighting can’t be ignored – at some point when the place was being designed, the lighting played a key role and it’s now an intrinsic part of what defines the space. Dare we say it – the lighting is the space?

In fact, how the space has been lit will be a key factor in what drew you inside in the first place and it will be one of the sensory influences that remains throughout your dining experience.

As explained in ArchDaily’s article How Lighting Affects Mood, research shows that “The amount and type of lighting directly affects concentration, appetite, mood, and many other aspects of daily life.” 

Successful bar owners and restaurant operators we have worked with over the years appreciate this, they are conscious of how lighting creates a mood and conjures up feelings for their customers, as much as what it represents about their brand and offering.

Trainspotters has been lucky enough to supply light fittings across a spectrum of industries around the world but there has always been a particular demand from the Hospitality Sector, whether from small independent eateries or big brand celebrity-endorsed restaurants on the high street; and the recipe is consistently the same – quality lighting is key.

Getting lighting right in a bar or restaurant setting can be a complex affair. The most successful businesses consult with professionals –  lighting or interior designers who skillfully tap into the overarching scheme. Using someone who is well versed in the subtleties of hospitality projects, who appreciates form as well as function and understands the customer, is invaluable. Creating something as intangible as a mood is a well-honed skill but get the lighting right and you are well on your way to success.

So, the next time you’re out for a meal, even if you don’t consciously clock it, know that the lighting is playing a huge role in how you feel – creating the atmosphere, experience and success of the space.  If you’re in the hospitality business, imagine the type of mood you want to create in your minds’ eye, then think about your own best dining experiences and consider what kind of lighting helped to create something so special.