Restaurant Lamps and Lighting Key Terms

Get the right lighting fixtures for your restaurant by brushing up on industry terminology

The lamps and lighting fixtures in your restaurant do more than just illuminate the diners and the food; they also set the ambiance for the establishment and the tone of the entire meal. By familiarizing yourself with key restaurant lamps and lighting terms, you’ll be able to communicate your vision to a designer or lighting wholesaler to get pieces that will suit the mood of your restaurant. From “candlestick lamps” to “sconces” to “pendants,” a little knowledge will go a long way toward achieving the best lighting and looks.

 

Candlestick lamps

For a traditional look for dining room tables or hostess stations, consider candlestick lamps that use long-lasting fuel cells as opposed to traditional bulbs. Find the style and shade that suits the mood of your establishment.
Try: Get more information on candlestick lamps with different finishes and lampshade styles through Restaurant Source.

Recessed, wrap and striplight

Unlike the mood lighting used to set the ambiance in the dining room, your restaurant kitchen will require powerful fluorescent lighting. Common terminology for this type of lighting includes recessed styles inset in the ceiling, wrap styles covered with acrylic shielding, and striplights with reflectors to amplify light output.
Try: Discover the specifications and installation requirements for commercial kitchen lighting, including fluorescent recessed, wrap and striplight, at LBC Lighting.

Sconces

Add lighting to your restaurant without taking up any necessary table or floor space by installing sconces along the walls. Choose sconce covers that coordinate with your decorating style.
Try: Discover a variety of sconce styles at Louie Lighting.

Pendants

Also called hanging lamps, pendants drape over restaurant tables or hang in the establishment entryway for an eye-catching look. Choose a style that coordinates with other floor lamps or sconces throughout the restaurant for a unified look.
Try: See different pendant lamp styles, along with a variety of lampshade options, through Old Hickory.

Electronic candles

For the flicker of candlelight without the danger of an open flame on each table, consider electronic candles that use a flickering LED light. Although many battery operated models are disposable, they'll typically burn for 30 to 40 hours.
Try: Restaurant Lights features a selection of electronic candles including color LED tealights, real wax candles and rechargeable styles.

Emergency lights

In addition to regular restaurant lighting and mood lighting, your establishment may be required to have emergency lights in the event of a power failure or natural disaster. Check city or state requirements to determine the placement and amount of emergency lighting that you'll need.
Try: Discover different types of emergency lighting and signs, including required power sources, voltage and mounting specifications, at Pegasus Associates.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---