Choosing LED lights for cafés

There are various cafés out there that can benefit from LED lighting. Coffee shops, diners and even dog-friendly cafés are just some of the small eateries you can visit for a quick bite. If you own a café, your main priorities will be customer experience and making profit, but you don't want to sacrifice one for the other. This is where LED lights can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explain the best types of LED lighting suitable for a café, why lighting is so important, and where you can place LED lights in café settings. We’ll also outline what to consider before choosing LEDs for your café, and why the options at WeLoveLEDs can help you achieve the perfect atmosphere.

What type of lighting is suitable for a café?

Halogen bulbs and traditional incandescent lights are sometimes used in cafés, but they’re far from ideal. More and more businesses are looking for ways to save money on energy bills, and LED lights are a perfect choice. LEDs are incredibly cost-effective and energy-efficient, wasting 75% less energy than halogen and incandescent alternatives.

They’re also safer for cafés, since they don’t get as hot, and can last for around 50,000 hours—giving you better value for money. LED fittings are flexible, with options like flex lighting and LED strips offering the ability to install around bends and in tight spaces. Many options can also be cut to size to suit your layout.

What are the best types of LED lights for a café?

There are several types of LED lights that work well in a café setting. LED modules come in different sizes and are often used for illuminating signs, but can also work as ceiling lights to provide general lighting throughout your space. For any outdoor signage, larger modules are worth considering.

LED flex lighting is perfect for decorative and accent lighting, allowing you to highlight certain parts of your café, like the counter or menu boards. Flex lighting can also be bent or cut into shape to create bright, eye-catching LED signs and comes in a range of colours, with optional dimming features for extra ambience.

LED strip lighting is ideal for task lighting and can fit into smaller spaces, making it a great choice for table lighting or for adding extra light to displays.

Why is lighting important in a café?

Poorly lit cafés and restaurants can negatively affect the customer experience. Lighting helps set the mood and atmosphere, and even impacts appetite. Too much or too little light can be off-putting for customers and could hurt business.

The amount of artificial light you need will also depend on how much natural light your café gets. The right lighting can complement your décor and bring balance to the space.

To find out more about how our LED lights can benefit your café, get in touch with us today.

Where can LED lights be placed in a café?

Ceiling lights are the most important for general lighting in cafés, as they’ll need to stay on for long periods. LED modules make a great ceiling light option. LED strip lights or flex lights are also ideal for counters, making it easier to see menus and displays. You might also use strip lighting around menu boards or windows, and flex lighting to highlight seating areas or architectural features.

Things to consider before choosing LED lights for a café

  • Size: The size of your café affects the size and number of lights you’ll need. Measure your space to avoid overbuying or wasting product.
  • Budget: LEDs are usually cost-effective, but always price up what you need to stay within your budget.
  • Tone and aesthetic: Decide what mood you want to create—colour-changing, warm white, cool white, or dimmable options all affect the atmosphere.
  • Natural light: The amount of daylight your café gets should inform how much artificial lighting you’ll need.

LED lights from WeLoveLEDs

We have a huge collection of LED lights at WeLoveLEDs, ideal for all sorts of commercial spaces and home interiors. Choose from flex making kits if you want to create custom signage, and consider remote-control dimmers and colour-changers to add something unique to your lighting scheme.

Get in touch with our team to learn more.