Author - Solais Lighting Group

A Quick Guide to Architectural Lighting

What is Architectural Lighting? Architectural lighting refers to the design and implementation of lighting systems for both interior and exterior building spaces. The main aim of architectural lighting is to shape how occupants experience and understand a space, as well as provide a functional lighting solution that is efficient and aesthetically pleasing. In this blog, we will explore the key concepts behind architectural lighting, its best uses in commercial spaces, and how it can enhance the visual appeal of your building. The...


retail lighting examples

Best Practices for Interior Retail Lighting

In today's competitive retail industry, lighting is an essential element that can enhance the overall shopping experience for customers. Proper retail lighting can not only highlight products but also set the mood and ambiance of the space, influencing customer behavior and increasing brand recognition. In this blog post, we'll discuss six key factors for effective interior retail lighting. Focus on Balance in Your Store Lighting Using a combination of different lighting techniques and balancing them to create a cohesive look is key...


hotel lighting

7 Tips to Improve Your Hotel Lighting

Hotel lighting has the power to transform the entire atmosphere of a space. Adopting a strategic approach to hospitality lighting places the focus on ensuring guest enjoyment and creating a memorable brand experience. This can be accomplished by designing a welcoming environment or enhancing the luxurious ambience of common areas. In this blog post, we’ll go through some essential tips and best practices for hotel lighting. Hospitality Lighting Should be Designed with the Guest in Mind Guests are the heart and soul...


Restaurant Lighting Trends

What Are the Current Trends for Restaurant Lighting in 2023?

Restaurant lighting plays a crucial role in the design of dining establishments. It has the power to evoke a particular mood, highlight specific areas, and even affect how customers perceive the food. The right combination of lighting fixtures can help craft a comfortable and unforgettable experience for diners. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits and ideal uses for five different fixtures commonly used in restaurant lighting: pendant lighting, track lighting, chandeliers, menu lighting, and spot lighting. Hanging Pendant Lights in...


A Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing and Installing LED Parking Lot Light Fixtures

At a time when organizations of all sizes are looking to trim costs while maximizing performance and efficiency, light-emitting diode (LED) lights are the only viable option for those looking to install or upgrade parking-lot lighting. Years ago, HID and high pressure sodium fixtures were options, but today those lighting solutions are obsolete.  Here are questions to answer when designing your parking lot lighting. Which fixtures will you purchase? What quantity will you need? Where will they be placed on the...


What Is a Lighting Designer?

A lighting designer knows how to brighten a room, whether in an office, a restaurant, music venue, or any type of facility. There's a lot that goes into the decision, and while it may seem simple, there's a reason there are experts who specialize in this area (especially for commercial projects). When you’re picking out a lighting fixture for a space, you’re thinking about a number of factors:  Where should you place it?  What do you need to illuminate?  How...


What You Should Know about Commercial Grade LED Parking Lot Lights

When it comes to lighting a parking lot, in 2023 LEDs are the obvious choice for architects, engineers, purchasing agents, and executives. High pressure sodium lights frequently fail, which is why they are no longer a favorite option for lighting designers. In contrast, LED lights from a reputable manufacturer have a long life span (up to 10 times longer than other lighting types). LED fixtures provide an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for outdoor lighting. Let’s take a deeper dive into...


3 Examples of the Best Restaurant Lighting Design Concepts

Restaurant lighting design is what brings your interior design to life. You have an image of your perfect dining room. That vision includes tables, pressed napkins, pristine tablecloths, and the ideal place settings, all coming together to make the ultimate dining experience and capture  the essence of your venue. How is that mood defined? By the light you shine on it. What is the best lighting layout or design for a restaurant? The best lighting design depends on many factors to consider...


What Does a Lighting Designer Do?

We tend to take our lights for granted: We flip a switch and enjoy instant illumination. Great lighting does this and more, creating an inviting atmosphere, making us feel safe, and directing our attention to points of interest. Depending on whether you are designing lighting for a restaurant, the hospitality industry, residential, or commercial environments, great lighting can enhance the structure, reinforce brand identity, and illuminate key areas to their best advantage. Ideally, we want these effects to require minimal energy,...


led parking lot lights at night

LED Lights for Parking Lots: Bright, Safe, and Cost-Effective

Monitoring a recent two-year stretch, the U.S. Department of Energy found that installations of light-emitting diode (LED) products doubled across all applications—including parking lots. Parking lots pose unique lighting challenges: they tend to have vast surface areas, offer little or no protection from the elements, and require lighting from dusk to dawn. Whether you’re seeking lighting for a wide-open outdoor lot or an indoor garage with ramps, entrances, and exits, you want your lot to be safe without spending a fortune...