Multiteria

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Creating curb appeal with cafeteria counter lighting

Good lighting, and the right type of lighting, enhances the food, highlights the design and ties the whole look together. Learning the basics of counter lighting curb appeal is as easy as ABC.

Think curb appeal is just for houses on home decorating shows? Think again! You can create your very own cafeteria curb appeal with counter lighting. Lighting may not get as much attention as eye-catching graphics or shiny counters, but the reality is it can make or break your environment. Good lighting, and the right type of lighting, enhances the food, highlights the design and ties the whole look together. Learning the basics of counter lighting curb appeal is as easy as ABC.

A: Attract the customer

Besides being a decorative element, lighting makes food look appetizing. Bad lighting (too dark or an off color) can turn your beautiful menu into blah, bland and bleak and have your customers running for the door. Keep your food looking tasty with lighting that has good color rendering in warm white or neutral white. Make sure the counter is lit in a variety of ways (from top pendants to under counter LEDs) to add interest and light from all sides.
Counter lighting shows off front panels.
Counter lighting shows off front panels.

B: Bring the drama

Lighting adds the drama that takes your dining hall from nice to 5-star level. Give stainless steel or solid stone counters that sheen only seen in magazines with overhead lighting. Highlight your detailed counter fronts with under cabinet lighting to really show off the craftsmanship or make panels pop with backlit LEDs. Put the spotlight on dishes in recessed front shelves to invite people to fill their plate. All of these small touches bring sophistication and excitement to your space.
LED cabinet lighting highlights the the modern recessed plate shelves.
LED cabinet lighting highlights the the modern recessed plate shelves.

C: Complement the design

Are you going for streamlined and modern or fun and edgy? Whatever your design, lighting can complement the look. For a trendy cafe-style environment consider urban-chic industrial pendants. For a modern space with a funky vibe imagine colored LEDs (in blues or pinks) to light your counter front. Just remember to keep the lighting that’s on the food bright and white and use the rest as an opportunity to accessorize!

Back lighting makes the panels pop.
Back lighting makes the panels pop.

Still feeling a little lost when it comes to lighting? Don’t worry, Multiteria’s team can guide you through all of your options (and make even your craziest visions come to life). Take a look at our lighting ideas board on pinterest for inspiration and keep in mind your ABCs!

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