Category: Articles

Store Lighting — What Is Its Role?

Why is it worth paying special attention when choosing lighting for a store’s sales floor? Because it helps achieve the following goals:

• Provides adequate illumination of the assortment — this also influences a customer’s decision to make a purchase.
• Affects the mood of visitors — spending money in a store is much more enjoyable with a good mood.
• Zoning — you can highlight specific areas of the sales floor to draw attention to certain product groups.
• Safety — the more light, the better the visibility, and the lower the likelihood of theft.

Lighting for Different Stores: Features

Different stores require different lighting. Below, we provide a few tips/recommendations to follow when choosing lighting for a retail space.

Grocery Store

A supermarket, grocery store, or small shop – the most versatile option here is track lighting. These are magnetic tracks with lights that move along the entire length of the track.

If the store has high ceilings, it’s better to choose suspended LED lights with adjustable cable lengths. “Barvanor” offers models such as STICK, RAIN, OSLO JAR, UMBRELLA, BUBBLE, and FLUX.

As for the amount of light, we recommend the following:

• In aisles – at least 200 Lux.
• On shelves – around 700-1000 Lux.

An example of such light distribution can be seen in the well-known chain “Metro.”

Don’t forget that products can look much more appetizing with certain lighting. This is actively used.
For cheese and bakery sections, warm light is used. Meat, fish, sausages, and vegetables are lit with neutral light (pure white). Frozen products require cold light (with a bluish tint). Proper lighting accentuates the products.

IMPORTANT: If you need lighting for a large store, such as a supermarket or shopping center, it’s best to choose LED light models, as they are the most energy-efficient and have a long lifespan – over 50,000 hours.

Clothing Store

Typically, the lighting in clothing stores is not as bright as in supermarkets – around 500-600 Lux. However, for boutiques with new collections, the brightness can reach 1000-1500 Lux.

In general, we could write an entire guide on lighting for clothing stores. But the main points are as follows. There should be three types of light in a clothing store:

• General, evenly distributed throughout the store.
• Accent, focused on individual items or displays.
• Combined, a mix of the first two types of lights.

There are no limitations on the type of light fixtures – they can be suspended, surface-mounted, or recessed, spot devices. But it’s worth mentioning: for highlighting clothing, you will need swivel models. The “Barvanor” catalog has such options, like GLAZ, FOND, SLIDE BABY, and others.

Home Appliance Store

For lighting electronics, cold or daylight light is used. The key here is to avoid dark corners and poorly lit areas. The section with televisions and monitors requires less intense light, as well as devices that do not generate heat. LED lights are the ideal solution.

Home appliance stores are usually large, so the most economical solution is track lighting with magnetic tracks and track lights. The number of fixtures depends solely on the length of the track and the power of the power supply. However, other types of fixtures – corner, wall, ceiling, etc. – can also be used.

Cosmetics and Jewelry Stores

It’s important to adjust the light to avoid shadows and glare. In cosmetics stores, light should be set at eye level or above, with a color temperature of 3500 Kelvin. This adds a beautiful tone to the skin.

To prevent glare, lights with frosted shades or diffusers are used. The devices are directional spotlights or recessed spotlights. They provide high-quality lighting for small items.

As for jewelry, the type of lighting depends on the metal. Cold light is used for silver, and warm light for gold. Diamonds look best under lighting with transparent or crystal diffusers, which create reflections on the precious stones.

Where to Buy Lights for Professional Store Lighting

The manufacturer “Barvanor” offers a wide selection of LED lights for stores of various profiles:

• Ceiling.
• Recessed.
• Suspended.
• Track and others.

You can also buy magnetic tracks, accessories for them, and lighting control systems on the company’s website. Additionally, if you need to design lighting – order a lighting calculation, which will help you determine the optimal number of fixtures, their power, type, and layout in the sales floor. You can get more detailed information by leaving a request on the “Barvanor” website or calling +38(099) 963-72-24.

Where to start?

If you’re renovating, you should plan the lighting at this stage to allow cables to be laid without damaging the finish. If the finish is done first, setting up the lighting will be more complex and expensive. That’s why we recommend ordering a lighting calculation first. This will help determine the optimal number of fixtures for the kitchen, their type, power, and placement.

What should kitchen lighting be like?

The most universal option for both large and small kitchens is multi-level lighting. The days of a single chandelier are gone, and it wasn’t very convenient. Now, it’s common to install multiple light sources so that both the workspace and dining area are well-lit.

You can also add extra decorative spots – there’s no such thing as too much light. However, keep in mind that the workspace requires brighter lighting – about 100 W/m², while 50 W/m² is sufficient for the dining area.

Ceiling lighting for the kitchen

There are several options: ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, magnetic tracks. Pendant models are very popular.

The manufacturer “Barvanor” offers stylish LED fixtures (including for kitchens) in the STICK and FLUX models.

If you’re interested in track spots, you can choose from the YARN, YODA, TENDER, TRIM, FOND, FINE, GLAZ lines and more – the assortment is huge, offering options for any taste.

By the way, magnetic tracks are one of the best options. They allow you to install almost any number of fixtures, limited only by the length of the track and the power of the power supply unit. Each fixture can have different parameters, light color, and tilt angles, allowing you to adjust them as needed and move them along the track.

Lighting for the kitchen workspace

Quality lighting is essential in areas where food is prepared – above the countertop, stove, etc. This is known as local lighting, illuminating a specific area. Overhead fixtures are often used for this. “Barvanor” offers excellent solutions in the form of recessed LED models UNIQUE, PILL, ONE LIGHT, RINO, and many others, which can be installed into kitchen furniture.

You can also use LED strips for workspace lighting, controlled by a remote or motion sensor.

Lighting the Dining Area

If you or your family eat in the kitchen, it’s worth arranging separate lighting for the dining area. Here, you can choose from pendant models like STICK, RAIN, OSLO JAR, UMBRELLA, BUBBLE, FLUX, and others. The chandelier or lamp should be positioned so that the light falls at the center of the table’s surface.

For more versatility, it’s better to choose a model where the pendant length can be adjusted. If you don’t want one large chandelier, you can opt for several smaller pendant models. We recommend selecting spotlights with frosted glass to reduce glare.

If the dining table is in the corner, try a wall-mounted sconce, such as UP & DOWN. You can also install a magnetic track above the table – a win-win solution.

Lighting Inside Kitchen Furniture

It serves two functions:

• Practical – better visibility of cabinet contents;
• Aesthetic – it’s simply beautiful and stylish.

You can install small lamps or LED strips inside cabinets – they are completely safe, as they barely heat up even during constant operation. So, there’s no need to worry about fire hazards! Also, don’t worry about energy consumption – LEDs are the most energy-efficient light sources.

What Color Should the Light in the Kitchen Be

The best option for kitchen lighting, furniture, work, and dining areas is white (daylight) or warm light. Interestingly, it’s believed that food looks much more appetizing under warm light, so for table lighting, warm light is the 100% better choice.

Another tip: if the kitchen layout allows, maximize natural light penetration. Use translucent curtains for this purpose. If your kitchen is on the shaded side, pay special attention to keeping windows clean – wash them slightly more often than usual.

Useful Tips for Organizing Proper Kitchen Lighting

• Combine artificial light with natural light. Good lighting isn’t just about visibility but also about creating a good mood;
• Don’t overdo the number of light sources: excessive light can be uncomfortable for the eyes and lead to extra electricity costs;
• Forget about one chandelier for the entire kitchen! You need zoning, which means different lights in different places. Lack of light and dark areas are just as irritating as excessive lighting;
• Don’t be afraid to combine – it’s trendy now to mix magnetic tracks, LED strips, ceiling, wall, and pendant lights of various types. With the right approach, it all looks classy and modern;
• Stick to minimalism: small lamps, built-in spotlights, tracks embedded in the ceiling – all of these are almost flush, look neat, and are easy to clean;
• And finally – don’t be afraid to experiment! Your kitchen is your kitchen. If you want the most modern lighting, order a lighting design calculation and get a complete estimate document.

Where to Buy LED Kitchen Lighting

The manufacturer “Barvanor” offers everything for kitchen lighting:

• Magnetic tracks
• Ceiling lights
• Wall lights
• Pendant, recessed lights
• Spots, point lights
• Lights built into furniture and much more.

All of this can be ordered on the official website with delivery to your region. You can also purchase kitchen lighting by phone at +38(099) 963-72-24. Discounts are available for regular customers.

Where does a lighting control system begin?

The first step is project development.
Once the organization of lighting is resolved, a processor is selected, which serves as the brain of the entire system.

Sometimes the processor can be replaced by a set of other control devices. The flexibility and capabilities of the system depend on these devices (or the processor).

After choosing the control element, the next step involves the execution components. These include relays, dimmers, switches, and other devices. These components are installed according to the project, resulting in an automated lighting control system, often referred to as “smart lighting.”

What can “smart lighting” do?

Its functions include the following:

• Turning lights on/off in a room – if no motion is detected in a room for a specified time, the system automatically turns off the lights. Similarly, it turns them on when motion sensors are triggered.
• Dimming – adjusting the brightness (intensity) of the lighting, allowing you to set it to your preference.
• Presence mode activation – in “automatic” mode, lighting turns on and off based on people’s presence and the ambient light level.
• Setting up various lighting scenarios – if the preprogrammed combinations don’t suit you, you can configure your own.
• Turning lights on/off based on time of day or clock settings – you can configure the system to turn lights on depending on the intensity of natural light or specific times of the day.
• Adjusting light brightness for specific times of the day – for instance, you can set the same fixture to emit different intensities: bright in the evening, dim at night.
• Turning off all lighting in the house with just one button in a mobile app or a wall switch.
• Integration with a “smart home” system.

How to Control “Smart Lighting”

There are several ways to control lighting. The simplest and most affordable is using switches, each assigned a specific function. A more advanced option is a touch panel on the wall, which works similarly but offers a more modern and convenient solution.

You can also control lighting using a remote control, allowing you to move freely around your home and manage lighting zones.

Tuya Smart

The most convenient way, however, is through a smartphone or tablet. Here, the Tuya Smart app stands out as a smart home management solution where you can easily integrate “smart lighting.”

This allows you to manage all “smart” systems via your smartphone. Moreover, with this app, you can control not only lighting but also sockets, appliances, and more, as it provides access to 13 categories (not types!) of electrical devices.

Most Popular Lighting Control Systems

1-10V

The 1-10V protocol is one of the first lighting control systems, known for its simplicity and ease of use.

DALI

The next step in lighting control is DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), one of the most widely used systems.

It uses digital signals for more precise and flexible control via a DALI controller, which can be a computer-based system with software or a brightness regulator.

A DALI system consists of the following components:

• Controller
• Bus power supply
• Input devices – sensors, buttons
• Control elements connected in a network

Each DALI LED driver and light source is assigned a unique address to operate according to a specific scenario.

A driver regulates the current supplied to an LED or group of LEDs, preventing overload. The system supports up to 64 control devices and the same number of monitoring devices.

Zigbee

Among the popular lighting control systems, Zigbee is also worth mentioning.

Even if one node fails, the system continues to work. The system supports up to 65,000 nodes. You can integrate devices from different manufacturers into one network, provided they support the Zigbee protocol. You can control everything right from your phone!

Advantages of Using Lighting Control Systems

Why many choose “smart lighting”:

• Ease of use – control lighting conveniently via a smartphone, tablet, switches, or remote control.
• Comfort – set various scenarios for different device groups to create a cozy atmosphere in your home, apartment, or office.
• Energy efficiency – integrate motion sensors to ensure your lighting operates optimally, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
• Home security – if the house is unoccupied for an extended time, you can set lighting scenarios to simulate presence, deterring intruders.

How to Order a Lighting Control System

“Barvanor” is a domestic manufacturer of track lighting and LED fixtures that also specializes in 1-10V, DALI, and Zigbee systems for residential and commercial spaces.

You can place an order on the company’s website by submitting an online request. If you’re interested in this offer, click the “Get Price List” button to view the prices!

What tasks should lighting accomplish in a café?

Café, restaurant, bar — it doesn’t matter.
We are talking about a place where people can relax, drink, and eat.

The primary task of lighting is its direct function, i.e., illuminating the space.
But another key task is to divide the space into zones. To summarize, the tasks of lighting in a café, restaurant, or bar can be outlined as follows:

• Attracting customers — this is the role of signage, façade and outdoor lighting, and entry lighting. Don’t forget to light up thresholds, stairs, and steps.
• Creating a comfortable atmosphere in the hall — achieved by combining general, ambient, and local lighting fixtures.
• Altering the interior — throughout the day, the use of lighting control systems (e.g., DALI or ZigBee) can change the look without moving furniture or decor.
• Ensuring proper working conditions for staff in the kitchen, bar, and other workspaces.
• Zoning — highlighting areas like tables, lounges, karaoke zones, dance floors, VIP sections, and bars with lighting (e.g., track lighting).

What should not be in bar lighting?

For a classic bar, café, or restaurant — a place where people come to relax, chat, and spend time — bright lights are entirely inappropriate.

Bright lighting suits fast-food places, snack bars, and quick-service restaurants where customers need to grab their food and leave quickly.

For bars, cafés, or restaurants, softer, intimate lighting is ideal. For example, you can use “Barvanor” recessed spotlights from the UNIQUE, PILL, or REVOLVE MINI lines.

What lighting fixtures are suitable for restaurants?

For such establishments, wall-mounted (recessed or suspended), ceiling, floor, and table lamps, as well as track systems (magnetic rails with spotlights), are commonly used.

If you prefer a large chandelier, it should be a single piece,
for example, the UMBRELLA 1200 or 1000 mm model.

Don’t like chandeliers?
Then try another modern option — hidden recessed spotlights, grouped together to create the effect of a large light source.
The light sources themselves are concealed with diffusing profiles.

Recessed spotlights can be used in any quantity, as long as they’re appropriate.

Lighting bars and restaurants: rules and tips

• Lighting should highlight dishes and drinks attractively.
• The bar should be well-lit to immediately catch the eye of someone entering from the street.
• The atmosphere created by lighting is much more important than architectural design.
• Each table should have its own light source.
• Lighting should have a dimming function for intensity adjustment.
• Multifunctional venues benefit from track systems.
• Plan lighting activation and deactivation to avoid opening or closing in darkness.
• Place dimmers and switches away from tables to avoid disturbing guests.
• If natural light enters the venue, conduct a lighting calculation to understand how to combine natural and artificial lighting.
• Consider the number of reflective surfaces in your design.
• The best color temperature for restaurant lighting is neutral white (3200−4000 K).
• Plan multiple lighting scenarios, utilizing lighting control systems.
• A bright light source is necessary for cleaning and organizing before opening or after closing.

Winning lighting ideas

In establishments where people eat and relax, lighting levels matter.
This means lighting each table individually rather than providing uniform light across the room, creating an “island” effect in the hall.

Walls can also be softly lit. For this, we recommend subtle “Barvanor” UP & DOWN model wall lamps.

In lounge areas, soft lighting is best, with recessed spotlights.
Entrances and decorative elements should also be lit with dimmer light than the main lighting.

Diffused lighting works well in restaurants and bars, achieved with lampshades and fixtures set in recesses.

For a romantic atmosphere, use adjustable colored lighting, which can create different moods by changing color and intensity.

Mix light and dark zones. Generally, guest areas are darker, while bars and open kitchens are brighter. You can also play with light and dark zones on guest tables by brightening the center and dimming the edges.

Where to buy lighting for restaurants, cafés, and bars

In this article, we mentioned “Barvanor” — a Ukrainian manufacturer of track lighting and LED fixtures for homes, offices, and restaurants, cafés, bars, and other establishments.

From basic, ambient, decorative, or zonal lighting, you can order everything on the company’s website, along with lighting calculations and control systems.

Explore prices and the lighting catalog on the “Barvanor” website.

To purchase tracks, fixtures, or other products, leave a request or call +38(099) 963-72-24.
Delivery is available to Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and other cities in Ukraine.