Lighten Up: Restaurant Lighting Illuminated

When Stefan Cho decided to open his Japanese restaurant, Fiji Garden in Pawcatuck, Conn., he faced a number of challenges in the lighting design. "There were no windows," says Cho, "so I needed to find a way to make the dining room feel more open and inviting. My thought was that indirect lighting would create the atmosphere I was looking for."

With the help of his sister Sue, Cho designed a natural wood framework backed with rice paper and illuminated from behind with low wattage bulbs. Stretching across major portions of the exterior walls, Cho's creation provided the soft illumination they were looking for, and eliminated the "closed box" feel of the space. In addition, Sue designed custom accent lighting -- wire frames covered with authentic Korean fabric illuminated by incandescent bulbs -- to enhance the desired ambience.

"It was absolutely beautiful," says Cho. His joy over the joint creation, however, was short-lived. "A few weeks later when the fire marshal came in to inspect the premises," says Cho, "he told me it was a fire hazard. The lights had to go." In addition, since the accent lights didn't carry a "UL Approved" (Underwriters Laboratory) label, many had to be removed, and others redesigned to satisfy safety concerns.

Illumination plays several very important roles in the design of a restaurant. In the kitchen, illumination must enhance the staff's ability to work safely and maintain sanitary conditions. Lighting in the dining area must create the particular mood or ambience to please customers. Exterior lighting is critical for both security and safety. And while you might have a good idea of the type of lighting you want or need, getting advice from a lighting expert can help you avoid making the kinds of missteps that waste valuable time and money.