Lighting for an outdoor space can be a challenging task, even for the most experienced venue owner. Electric Skyline is highly experienced with providing lighting solutions that make people feel secure, increase the potential footfall whilst creating attractive meeting places.
The outdoors already has a certain light attached to it when you add orchestrated additional lighting it is imperative to use lighting techniques that enhance the space. One lighting effect that can be used in most outdoor areas is “LED string lights” which can be used in a multitude of ways. For example, an outdoor covered bistro may have trees or canopy pillars that can be used to string the LED lights around. Also, as a centre piece on the tables softer LED colours such as warm white or branded colours such as blue can be used to create a unique ambiance to your venue.
Lighting for your venue indoor or outdoor should be seen as an investment rather than a cost. Two quite obvious areas that you can show a venue owner a return on investment relatively quickly are;
- Energy saving lighting solutions such as LED can reduced costs, even with the most extravagant lighting design.
- Increased footfall or occupancy leading to increased revenue
Each outdoor lighting requirement is unique but to help, we in Electric Skyline have developed tips that can be followed when embarking on your outdoor lighting project, regardless of the projects size:
- There are three basic types of lighting: Ambient, task and accent. Ambient are hanging lights, post lights (String of LED lights) and wall lights. Task lights are the pathway lights, deck lights and security lights. Accent lights are the spotlights. So, for the more budget minded lighting solution; string lighting, solar spotlights and LED table candles might be the way to go.
- Figure out how much lighting you need. You could apply the following rule of thumb (which is not perfect but a guide) multiply the square footage by the area you want to be illuminated to get a rough guide on the wattage needed (this is all the lights combined for the said area).
- Plan ahead and know how many light fixtures you require and don’t go too big. It is easier to add more lighting than remove it. (removing may leave holes that require maintenance to fix up).
- Use LED where at all possible just because they provide energy saving and reduction in costs.
- Visualise what the new lighting would look like from different angles, e.g. look down as well as up
- Ensure you can change the ambience of the lighting e.g. cool lighting for breakfast or lunch and warmer for the cozier evening meals. As a suggestion, outdoor lanterns provide a warmer glow.
- Think security and safety of your guests, lighting not only provides the correct ambience but also serves as a health and safety tool.
Get in touch if you would like to discuss your lighting project and one of our lighting experts will be able to help you. Call Electric Skyline on +353 (0)94 9360954 or send us an email to info@electricskyline.ie
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