What should be considered when lighting a store?
As we delve into the fascinating world of store lighting, it's crucial to recognize that this process goes far beyond just selecting attractive fixtures.
Retail store lighting plays a fundamental role in how customers perceive and experience a retail space. However, often, due to a lack of specific knowledge or for other reasons, essential technical aspects are overlooked. To properly light a store, it's imperative to understand and correctly apply concepts such as:
- The lumens or intensity of the fixtures, which determine how much light a light source emits.
- The luminous efficacy expressed in lumens per watt (lm/w) is a crucial indicator of energy efficiency in store lighting.
- Equally important are the Color Rendering Index (CRI), which affects how we see colors under different light sources,
- And the color temperature, which influences the atmosphere and ambiance of the retail space.
Furthermore, the implementation of LED points can offer versatile and efficient solutions, adapting to the specific needs of each area of the store
Lumens
When it comes to lighting a store, one of the most fundamental concepts is that of lumens, a key word that is often mentioned but not always fully understood.
Lumens are a unit of measurement that quantifies the total amount of visible light emitted by a source, such as an LED bulb. In terms of LED lighting, understanding lumens is crucial because it determines how bright a space will appear.
Unlike watts, which measure the amount of energy a light fixture uses, lumens measure the amount of light that is actually produced.
Let's consider an example: a 800-lumen bulb will emit brighter light than a 500-lumen bulb, regardless of its energy consumption. This is especially important in retail, where proper lighting can highlight products, create attractive environments, and guide customers through the store. Imagine a jewelry store: using high-brightness LEDs in display cases can make the jewelry shine more and attract the customer's attention, while softer lighting in other areas can create a welcoming atmosphere.
Luminous Efficacy
This term refers to the amount of light produced per watt of energy consumed by the light source. Essentially, it's an indicator of the energy efficiency of the lighting fixtures and a fundamental aspect in any lighting project.
High efficiency in luminous efficacy means that more light is obtained with less energy, which is especially valuable in commercial environments where lighting is a significant part of energy consumption. For example, an LED fixture with a performance of 100 lm/W is much more efficient than an incandescent bulb that offers only 15 lm/W. This implies that, for the same amount of light, the LED option consumes significantly less energy.
In the context of lighting a store, selecting fixtures with high luminous efficacy not only reduces electricity costs but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation. Moreover, with a longer lifespan and less need for maintenance, high-performance lighting fixtures represent a smart long-term investment for any retail business.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
CRI is a measure that indicates how accurately a light source displays the colors of objects in comparison to a natural light source like the sun. A high CRI means that the colors of the products are shown more truly and vibrantly.
A high CRI is particularly important in stores where the color and appearance of products are key to the customer's experience. For example, in a clothing store, a high CRI can make the colors of the fabrics look more vivid and attractive, which can influence the customer's purchasing decision. Similarly, in a food store, lighting with a high CRI can make fresh products appear more appetizing.
Generally, a color rendering index of 80 or more is considered suitable for most retail lighting applications, while a CRI of 90 to 100 is ideal for situations where color accuracy is critical. However, it is important to balance CRI with other factors such as energy efficiency and luminous efficacy, as light sources with a very high CRI can sometimes have lower luminous efficiency.
Color Temperature
Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and describes the chromatic appearance of the light emitted by a light source, ranging from warm tones (reddish) to cool tones (bluish).
Choosing the right color temperature can significantly influence how customers perceive products and the atmosphere of the store. For example, a light with a low color temperature (around 2700K to 3000K), which emits a warmer, yellowish tone, can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for clothing stores or bookstores. On the other hand, a high color temperature (above 5000K), which provides a cooler, bluish light, is often preferred in jewelry or electronics stores, where a brighter and sharper light can help highlight the quality and details of products.
It's important to note that color temperature not only affects visual perception but can also influence buying behavior. Warmer lighting can invite customers to relax and spend more time in the store, while cooler and brighter lighting can increase concentration and attention to product details.
If you are considering making a change in your store's lighting, do not hesitate to contact us through our website, our social networks, or our email: contact@supertwin.es.
