Three Places Where Fluorescent Lighting Beats Track Lighting Every Time

There is no secret that commercial lighting is something of a science in itself. For most businesses, there is a strong desire to project an image that reflects the cutting edge, modern and sophisticated traits that tend to impress us all, but the most effective options are usually those that simply make customers most comfortable. This can be done by catering to customer expectation rather than dazzling them with something new.

What this means is that the track lighting systems that seem to represent the ultimate in lighting style sometimes tend to be completely unsuitable, not because of safety or efficiency issues but because of what the customer expects. Even the discreet recessed downlights that sprinkle the ceiling of so many office receptions, salons and even modern cafes, do not quite fit. In such cases, it is the stylistically bland and ultra functional fluorescent tube lighting systems that are best. Here are three places where the bland fends off the stylish with aplomb.

There is something more animated about a record store than track lighting and recessed lighting can provide. While the common office may make use of the simple white fluorescent lights, the range of colours that fluorescent tubes come in means that a lot more effects can be accomplished. Since music is generally associated with a creative, active and even hyperactive lifestyle, filled with rock and roll concerts and disco nights, the bright coloured lights are somewhat apt.

Fluorescent lights are commonly used as a trim where walls and ceilings meet, and are also used to envelop a specific special offer section or to simply promote the name of the store behind the cashier desk. These add character and provide a sense of energy in a store, while not consuming too much energy themselves. This helps to keep lighting costs down.

Restaurants come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of differing menus and lighting to match the image that the owners wish to project. For a classic American diner, it is hard not to associate it with the fluorescent lighting that so encapsulated the images of 1950s America. That was the golden era of US culinary culture, with the rapid growth of fast food, hotdogs, hamburgers and milk shakes.

The stereotypical image of the American diner is the black and white tiled floors, the red seating, white tables and attitude filled notices that add humorous informality to the whole eating experience. While individual tables are generally lit by regular bulb lighting, the light efficiency of fluorescent tubes means that the open kitchen area is sufficiently lit to ensure fast and accurate food preparation.

It also offers a more cost efficient option, lighting a larger area and consuming a lower amount of energy to do so. The coloured fluorescent option is also prevalent, in much the same way as in record stores. They are used to highlight items of interest, promote the name of the diner itself and sometimes as a ceiling trim.

For any shopper, the bargain basement is a must. It is here that sophisticated layouts have little importance. What matters is that the best bargains are found, usually before anyone else can get their hands on them. For many, the whole process is a series of rummaging through clothes on large tables, and shelves whose stock are quickly dishevelled. It is actually what is expected in a basement facility and, in fact, the psychologically involved means any investment in higher end features can convince bargain hunters that the best deals cannot be had there.

A far more practical than stylistic approach to lighting is necessary. While track lights might very well be nicely placed here, it still fails to match the scene. So, hanging fluorescent tube lighting is the most effective, providing ample bright light for shoppers to rummage in.

When it comes to commercial lighting concerns, there is a wide number of issues that need to be addressed. Some are practical and some are stylistic in nature, but an aspect that always plays a part in the decision making is giving the customer what they want and expect. Even if track lights, recessed downlights or fluorescent tubes are chosen, this aspect is certain to have been an influence.