Restaurants on the water have a great deal of ambiance that makes them enjoyable for most customers. Whether lakeside or ocean front, restaurants on the water need to consider their outdoor lighting more carefully than other locations. Let’s take a closer look at this area of lighting with 4 tips for finding the best outdoor lighting for waterfront restaurants.
1. Choose sturdy fixtures with the right ratings.
Any outdoor setting will leave lighting exposed to the elements. With factors such as wind, dust, rain, and heat at play, lighting solutions need extra protection. When you add in the fact that restaurants on the waterfront are more likely to deal with high moisture around their lighting fixtures, especially near the ocean with particularly damaging salt water, you need fixtures with high ratings for outdoor elements. While choosing outdoor rated wet location fixtures is key, the quality of the manufacturing also matters. Look for rust resistant housings and silicone gaskets to ensure the best buy for your waterfront location.
2. Opt for warmer temperatures for ambiance.
While cooler temperatures are great for creating a modern bright vibe, waterfront locations tend to be more about gentle ambiance lighting. The use of cooler temperatures along the white and bluish white end of the Kelvin scale can lead to more glare off the water than staying in the warmer yellows. While you want your outdoor lighting to be in the same color ranges, consider options with better light spread or higher lumen outputs for security areas such as the doorways and walkways while lower lumen outputs in a warm tone are ideal for patio areas on the waterfront.
3. Dimmable lighting is ideal for patio areas.
Lighting levels for waterfront patios need to be carefully monitored. During the day, it will be less of an issue, but around the time of sunset, lighting becomes crucial. Since most people enjoy watching the sunset without artificial lighting impeding the enjoyment of the experience, dimmable lights for patios are a great choice. They can be turned down at low levels during the end of the sunset to provide gentle lighting without interfering, and then turned up more as natural light levels are decreased.
4. Consider vandal proof fixtures.
When choosing outdoor lighting for this location, there may be a slow season when the restaurant is closed for periods of time. This is the perfect time for vandals to go after your expensive lighting investment. With vandal proof fixtures for the exterior of the building, you won’t have to worry about this scenario. Vandal proof lighting is designed to be nearly impossible for someone to remove or tamper with the internal elements thanks to the design. It is a great investment when looking for durable lighting solutions.
You May Also Be Interested in These Articles...
Restaurant Lighting
Lighting any location requires a few tips and insights. When it comes to restaurant lighting applications, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. While there is a lot of in...
Read Article
Bar Lighting
From the area behind the bar to where the patrons sit, there are a few aspects to bar lighting. Read on for tips to improve this area!
Read Article
LED Shoebox Lights
Watch our LED Shoebox Light Product Review video. Our videos will educate you so that you can confidently purchase and install LED light fixtures, whether they are for a new installation or the ...
Watch Video
High Bay LED Lighting
Industrial Low Bay Lighting
Industrial Strip Lights
Vapor Tight Lighting
LED Shop Lights
Hazardous Area / Explosion Proof Lighting
Loading Dock Lights
Construction / Portable Lighting
High Temperature LED Lights
Industrial Ceiling Fans
LED Work Lights
Networked Controlled Lighting
NEW Warehouse Lighting Fixtures
American Made Industrial Lighting
Clearance
Troffer Lights
LED Flat Panel Lights
Drop Ceiling Lights
Suspended LED Lights
LED Cylinder Lights
Exit / Emergency
Wrap Lighting Fixtures
Gooseneck and Barn Lights
Stairway & Corridor Lighting
Hospital Bed Lights
Recessed Lighting
Wafer Lighting
RGB LED Lights
Grow Lights
Refrigeration Lighting
Commercial Sign Lights
LED Track Lighting Fixtures & Systems
UV Disinfecting Lights & Air Purifier Fixtures
American Made Commercial Lighting
LED Flood Lights
Outdoor Wall Lights
LED Area Lights
Parking Lot Lights & Poles
Outdoor Post Top Lights
LED Stadium Lighting
Canopy Lights
Security & Motion Sensor Lights
LED Bollard Lights
Outdoor LED Linear Light Fixtures
Solar Powered LED Lighting
Dusk to Dawn Lights
Landscape Lighting
Outdoor String Lights
Coastal Wildlife Lighting
Outdoor House Lights
American Made Outdoor Lighting
Architectural Linear Lights
Architectural Grid Mount Lights
Architectural Round Pendant Lights
Architectural Square Linear Lights
Architectural X-Shaped Linear Lights
Architectural LED Wall Packs
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling Lights
Chandelier Lights
Pendant Lighting
Island Lights
Under Cabinet Lighting
Vanity Lights
Wall Sconces
LED Tape Lights
LED Mirrors
LED Light Bulbs
LED Tube Lights
LED Corn Lights
Vintage LED Bulbs
Decorative LED Bulbs
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Metal Halide Lamps
LED Magnetic Strip Retrofit Kits
LED Strip Light Retrofit Kits
High Bay LED Retrofit Kits
LED Troffer Retrofit Kits
LED Wall Pack Retrofit
LED Street Light Retrofit Kits
Recessed Lighting LED Retrofit Kits
Ballasts & Drivers
Emergency Ballast For LED & Fluorescent Lights
Electrical Supplies & Mounting Kits
Electrical Tools
Switches & Receptacles
Electrical Power Cords
Sensors and Timers
Smart Home Automation
High Bay Occupancy Sensors
Electric Vehicle Chargers
Hand Dryers
LED Shop Lights
Garage LED Light Fixtures
Office Lights
Classroom Lights
Church Lights
Gym Lighting
Hospital Lights
Walkway Lights
Parking Lot Lights
Exterior Building Lights
Sports Lighting
NSF Rated Lights
Restaurant Lights
Corridor Lights
Barn Lighting