How to Light Your Business: Expert Tips for Commercial Spaces
Lighting can completely transform a commercial space — from offices and retail stores to restaurants and salons. But it’s not just about picking pretty fixtures. The right lighting plan, combined with smart electrical design, improves productivity, enhances customer experience, and saves on energy costs. In this ultimate guide for Vancouver business owners, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to light your commercial space perfectly.
Step 1: Assess Natural Light & Operating Hours
Map out how sunlight moves through your space at different times of day.
Use natural light to highlight key areas and avoid glare on workstations, displays, or anywhere that is going to be directly in customers faces.
Identify spots that will need extra lighting, like corners or hallways.
Step 2: Plan Fixture Placement Carefully
Consider the floor plan: desks, seating, work areas, counters, and displays.
Avoid placing lights where they shine directly into people’s faces. We recently worked on a massage clinic where we installed swivel potlights designed to be pointed away from patients eyes during treatment.
Ensure an even balance — no overlit or underlit zones.
Swivel potlights at Active Origin RMT installed by Kraken Electric
Step 3: Layer Your Lighting for Function and Style
Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Examples: under-cabinet lights, wall sconces, recessed lighting, and spotlighting artwork or products.
Layering adds depth, reduces shadows, and creates a polished look.
Step 4: Set the Right Mood
Determine the vibe: bright and energetic, cozy and warm, or sleek and modern.
Use color temperature to affect perception and complement décor.
Layered lighting allows flexibility to adjust mood for different times or events.
Step 5: Consult Your Electrician for Efficiency & Safety
Ask about LED lighting, dimmers, timers, and smart controls.
Plan circuits to handle current and future electrical loads.
Early planning avoids costly retrofits and keeps your space compliant with electrical codes.
Lighting is more than decoration - it’s a tool that can enhance your commercial space, improve efficiency, and even save money. If you want a professional, energy-efficient lighting plan tailored to your business, contact Kraken Electric, your trusted commercial electricians in Vancouver.