Archive — 11.15.02




	O N L I N E

Nine ways to get more out of lighting

By AmyJo Brown
Staff Writer

Archives — Nov. 15, 2002

1. Put the accent light sources close to the merchandise. Doing so offers greater lighting contrast between the accent and ambient light. This strategy attracts the customer’s eye more effectively, and is more energy-efficient.

2. For ambient lighting, use efficient, diffuse sources, such as fluorescent. Fluorescent sources provide the best value, giving good color rendering and highly efficient lighting with the longest life.

3. For accent lighting, use narrow beam spotlights such as halogen PARs or low-voltage MR-16s for the most impact. (Low-voltage lamps have smaller filaments, which enables tighter focus of the beam. They are also the most energy-efficient choice for accent lighting.)

4. Use the fewest types of lamps to get the desired effect, reducing relamping mistakes and maintenance headaches.

5. Illuminate the aisles with spill light from the accented merchandising areas or displays.

6. Lower levels of ambient lighting require fewer watts of accent lighting. The accent lighting is then able to better highlight the product.

7. Use the lightest colors on the interior surfaces of shelving. Dark colors soak up the light, while lighter colors reflect it.

8. Use organized patterns of light fixtures. Chaotic patterns may confuse, agitate or fatigue the customers. For example, if you have light illuminating products on only one side of your store, customers will be drawn to that area and ignore the other side.

9. Use high color rendering lamps for both ambient and task lighting. The higher the color rendering, the truer the color will look.

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