By learning the basics of lighting, you can design a great lighting plan for your business. Below we will tell you why a lighting design plan is important, how to make a plan, and the fundamentals of lighting your business.
Keep reading to learn how a GCE National Lighting expert can help your business succeed!
You May Not Have Lighting Design Experts on Staff
There are many benefits to having a lighting design expert on staff. There are two options to planning your lighting design without a personal design expert. Option number one is to learn the fundamentals of lighting. And option number two is to talk to a GCE National lighting professional.
Having a lighting professional you can call is a great benefit to you as a business owner. It is pertinent to be surrounded by those who understand the basics of lighting design. Without the proper knowledge, your lighting plan may not succeed.
You must also understand lighting choices, equipment, placement, colors, temperatures, and technical terms. A GCE National lighting design expert knows all of these things and more!
Great Lighting Starts With Great Design
Why is a lighting design important to your business? A lighting plan can greatly affect your business in several ways.
Lights can affect your employees. Your business will require workers, and your workers will need the light and space to work. Lighting can impact an employee’s performance and ability to work.
The design can also affect your customers. Different lights elicit different feelings and moods. Some lights may soothe and pacify customers. On the other hand, some lights may overwhelm and confuse your customers. It is vital to understand this before creating a lighting design plan.
Another reason a great design makes a difference is safety. Business owners should create a space that reassures customers, employees, and visitors. Lights can be a precautionary measurement. A well-lit area is less likely to experience dangerous situations. A lighting design is crucial because it keeps people safe.
Lastly, a lighting design affects the appearance of your business. What may be inexpensive may not do your business justice. Similarly, the most expensive lighting design may not contribute to the overall atmosphere of your business.
Here are the Fundamentals You Can Use To Design a Sound Lighting Plan for Your Business
Now that you understand why a lighting design is essential to your business let’s figure out how to make a plan. There are things to consider before choosing lights. Consider the following questions before you design a sound lighting plan for your business
What is good for your business?
Each business will have different activities, jobs, and goals. If your goal is to create a welcoming space, then you will need to plan accordingly. Some businesses have many tasks that are accomplished throughout the day by many people. These businesses will need lighting that can accommodate them for busy days.
What type of light do you need?
Some businesses can benefit from a wireless light, a remote-controlled light, or motion sensor lights. Other places will only need switches and generic lighting. Also, think about the color quality and brightness. Color and temperature can alter the way your space is perceived. Intense lights will capture attention, and softer lights will create a more tranquil area.
What will the atmosphere be?
A cozy bookstore will have softer, warmer lights to create a relaxing atmosphere. An accounting office will need more task lighting and all-inclusive lighting. A busy arcade room will require unique and eye-catching lights. The atmosphere of your business plays a significant role in your design plan.
What about placement?
Layering lighting is foundational when lighting a professional business. The three most common placements are downward (soffit), upward (cove), and an upward/downward combination (valance). Light placement can completely transform a room. Consider where you may or may not be able to install lights.
What about fixtures?
There are many fixtures that you can buy. There are sophisticated fixtures such as chandeliers, pendants, lamps, decorations, etc. And there are more common fixtures such as walls, ceiling, tracks, recessed, etc. Consider what may enhance your business space.
The Fundamentals of Lighting Design for Businesses
After understanding how to make a lighting design plan, it is vital to comprehend the fundamentals of lighting design and the basics for your business. There are many things to learn about lighting design, but some of the most important things to know are as follow:
Task Lighting
Task lighting is fundamental because it allows people to complete everyday actions. Task lighting lights crucial areas within your business for both your employees and guests. Employees need to be able to function and work efficiently. Task lighting helps them do this.
Businesses also need task lighting in areas, such as registers, bathrooms, dressing rooms, sidewalks, kitchens, storage rooms, inventory rooms, and other necessary spaces. Without task lighting, performing basic responsibilities will be difficult.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is fundamental because it highlights important details and enhances the features of a room. Many businesses use accent lighting to highlight things, such as products, menus, sales, clearance items, seating, signs, artwork, decorative items, desks, and other key areas.
Accent lighting is a great way to make something stand out. Without accent lighting, guests and customers may miss something intensely important. Accent lighting is fundamental because there is always a place for accent lighting in businesses everywhere.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting, or general lighting, is one of the most basic lighting examples. Ambient lighting does many things. This type of lighting provides the majority of light, creates a unique atmosphere, and is essential to every business. Ambient lighting is the lighting that will most likely influence moods.
With ambient lighting, you must choose your color, temperature, brightness, and intensity carefully. General lighting can affect how your business is seen, how your employees perform, and the overall environment of the business. Ambient lighting should encompass the entirety of the room and provide enough light for navigation and enjoyment.
Rules & Regulations
Lastly, you must be aware of rules and regulations. When creating a lighting design plan for your business, understand that regulations and electrical codes will determine what you can and can not do. Many companies forget to follow electrical codes, local restrictions, and regulations.
If you do not adhere to rules and regulations, it could cost your business more money in labor, installation, renovation, and engineers. It is best to learn what rules to follow and other electrical restrictions for your business.
The best advice to follow is to hire a lighting expert before you implement your lighting design plan. GCE National can help you with the fundamentals of lighting design for your business!
Talk to a GCE National expert and learn how to implement sound lighting design at your business.
