One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve a commercial or office environment is with the help of different lighting solutions. It is important to keep in mind the efficiency of your lighting choices for illuminating the different areas of a commercial building. For example, an office must be planned with consideration of all the various types of lighting required in separate areas such as meeting rooms, conference rooms, private cabins, common spaces, shared offices, etc. Each type of area will have different lighting requirements.
Therefore, when developing a plan for lighting in a commercial project, many factors must be taken into consideration. These include sustainability, durability, the type of lights used, the number of lights required, energy codes, cost of energy, and more. These elements are especially important to plan effectively beforehand, as they can impact the business significantly in terms of finance, energy, efficiency, etc.
This guide to preparing a commercial lighting project will help you understand these aspects of lighting, as well as how to develop an effective lighting plan.
What Do I Need to Target When Preparing a Commercial Lighting Project?
When working on the creation of a commercial lighting project, there are a few things that need to be carefully thought through. These factors are essential to the running of any business and keeping them in mind can help any business owner understand how to choose their lighting.
- Proper lighting systems can create a cohesive environment that integrates a sense of productivity, safety, and well-being for the employees who work in a building and the customers who may enter the premises to avail themselves of products or services.
- Make sure your lighting plan is flexible so that employees can perform their day-to-day tasks and activities with maximum comfort and efficiency. You’ll want to consider how each room or space will be utilized.
- It helps to integrate different types of lighting, such as task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting. Balancing various lighting styles in each area of a commercial building makes it possible for flexible usage and allows for changes to your lighting plan in the future.
- Lighting should create a flow between spaces. A comfortable transition from space to space can be achieved with a good commercial lighting plan.
- Focus on long-term factors such as energy savings, quality of light, and cost efficiency.
- Try to integrate daylight into the building wherever possible to allow for natural light. This creates a comfortable and inviting ambiance.
- You’ll want to ensure that you refer to the energy codes applicable to your geographical area and business role.
- Consider the size and shape of your space, as well as higher trafficked areas versus areas that don’t encounter as much traffic.
- Darker walls absorb more light and will therefore require additional lighting. By contrast, a brighter room, with lighter colored walls will require fewer lights.
Choosing Lighting Color for A Commercial Space
It is essential to select lights with an appropriate color temperature and color rendering as per your business. Lighting has a significant impact not only on how the space feels but also on how the company presents itself to the public. Two units are used to measure the color of a light source – Color Rendering Index (CRI) and Correlated Color Temperature (CCT).
Even though two white light sources can appear to be the same, they can produce different colors or give the surroundings a different feel. A space can be given an even and consistent illumination with the help of lights that have the same or very similar CRI and CCT.
Understanding Color Rendering Index
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a range of values between 0 and 100. CRI measures the capability of a light source to reliably show colors when compared to natural light. Essentially, a CRI of 100 is equal to sunlight.
CRI range example
Understanding Correlated Color Temperature
The color of light is measured by its Correlated Color Temperature, or CCT. This is denoted as the ‘color temperature’ of the light and is measured in Kelvin (K). The color temperature of light can greatly impact the environment it creates in commercial spaces.
Types of Colored Lights
Color temperature (CCT) is a range of the color of light from yellow/orange (warmer, lower CCT) to white/blue (cooler, higher CCT). The standard range is between 2700K (a yellowish light) and 5700K. (a bluish light). Lights with a higher CCT tend to be used in settings where tasks are performed (such as a factory or warehouse). Lights with a lower CCT tend to be used in settings where the ambiance is more of a factor (such as homes, restaurants, or lobbies).
Cool lights can make rooms seem larger, while warm lights make rooms feel smaller despite adding comfort and familiarity to them. The color temperature of the light you choose should be considered with the function a room has to serve in a commercial building. Therefore, color temperature plays an extremely important role in spaces such as car dealerships, showrooms, shopping malls, and more!
CCT ranges – from low to high (left to right)
What Are the Layers of Light That I Need to Incorporate?
When it comes to commercial lighting, there are typically four layers of light. These should be used cohesively and in harmony with each other to create a balanced commercial working space that is comfortable for customers, employees, and clients. Adding the right mix of these lighting types can help make a space more appealing, inviting, and visually interesting. The four layers of commercial lighting you need in your building are:
- General Lighting/Ambient Lighting. The primary source of illumination in spaces is general lighting. It should provide adequate light throughout the area, encouraging better orientation and the general performance of employees. Baffles, reflectors, and lensed trims can be used to arrange recessed fixtures in overlapping positions to accomplish this. Vertical lighting, created by sconces or wall washers, can help make a space look bigger, more open, and much more welcoming.
- Task Lighting. Task lighting is used to light up a space that is intended for a particular task. These lights can deliver a more localized, focused, and intense illumination. They work better in combination with general lights and help eliminate shadows and glares that hinder work. These are common in conference areas, workspaces, and countertops. Energy-efficient lights such as LEDs are the most popular.
- Accent Lighting. With the help of a focused or pointed light source, accent lighting emphasizes textures, shapes, finishes, and colors dramatically, while reinforcing the design aesthetics of a space. The result may include numerous undesirable shadows and distracting glare if this light is directed ambiguously – a major reason why different layers of light should be present in a space. Recessed lights with adjustable trims, track lighting, and concealed adjustable light fixtures with point source lights provide a sense of directional control. They are particularly effective for accent lighting.
- Decorative Lighting. As is very clear by the name, decorative lighting has two major functions - adding to the layers of lighting in a commercial setting and making the space look aesthetically more appealing by playing the role of a design element. Pendants, chandeliers, sconces, table lamps, floor lamps, and cylindrical lights are all examples of decorative lighting. In addition to providing or contributing to the overall lighting plan, decorative lighting should complement the interior and add visual interest to a space to enhance the appeal of commercial working spaces.
How Can I Create an Energy Smart Design?
Commercial buildings are often large and require numerous lighting fixtures. This can be very costly. When preparing a commercial lighting project, use these energy-saving tips to reduce energy usage and increase cost savings.
- Consider the space's architectural features as well as the way people interact with it. This will help you to determine where to install fixtures and the proper amount to use.
- Coordinate layers of light to ensure maximum lighting where it is required, without putting too much load on one lighting type.
- Use suitable controls such as dimmers and occupancy sensors for light level and management of energy usage.
- Leave spaces for natural light to illuminate the area so that fewer lights are required.
- Use energy and cost-saving lights such as LEDs.
Types of LED Lights
LED lights have become one of the most popular solutions in the commercial sector as these lights are highly efficient and long-lasting which saves on energy and replacement costs. Looking for LED lights? These are the different types of commercial LED lights you can consider for your commercial lighting project:
Finding the Best LED Lights for Your Project
Preparing a Commercial Lighting Project requires a lot of thought and effort, as does the selection and purchase of the lights required to turn that project into reality. However, it is not always easy to find the right light or determine which one to go with – the options are numerous and can be overwhelming. LightMart is your solution. We offer a wide range of commercial LED lights including the best quality indoor and outdoor LED lights for hotels, warehouses, garages, restaurants, showrooms, shopping malls, and more. Every project undertaken comes with the promise of industry-best warranties and consultancy to drive maximum efficiency and cost savings.
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