The Impact of Lighting Psychology in Retail and Leisure Spaces

Lighting plays a critical role in shaping the atmosphere of shops, retail and leisure spaces. It does far more than illuminate a room – it creates an environment that can influence how people feel, behave and spend their money.

From the warm, welcoming glow of a boutique shop to the bright, crisp lights of a tech store, lighting choices can subtly guide customer’s emotions and decision-making processes.

Believe it or not, the right lighting can encourage longer visits, highlight key products and even affect purchasing decisions. A well-lit space can make customers feel comfortable and engaged, whilst poor lighting might have the opposite effect, leading to disinterest. Understanding the psychological effects of lighting allows businesses to design spaces that not only meet functional, practical needs, but also evoke the desired emotional response.

Influencing Actions and Choices

Lighting has a profound impact on customer behaviour in shops. Often different lighting set ups are tailored to achieve specific goals, such as welcoming people, drawing attention or encouraging relaxation.

Clothing boutiques or high-end retail stores tend to create a sense of comfort and intimacy. They will use warm hues of soft, subtle lighting, designed to make people linger and peruse their items. Changing room lighting will be as flattering as possible, to encourage purchases. In complete contrast, the lighting found in supermarkets or technology stores is bright, white and clear. Designed to create an energetic and efficient atmosphere. This set up highlights product details and fosters a sense of clarity for quick decision making.

When it comes to leisure spaces – the lighting will very much depend on the brand and desired experience. A commercial gyms’ lighting will likely differ to a spa/health club’s lighting, as although they are in a similar leisure space, the desired outcome and emotions are very different. Cooler, blue-toned, bright lighting can create a sense of focus and alertness, whereas warmer, yellow-toned lighting fosters feelings of comfort and relaxation. The same goes for restaurants, a Mediterranean tapas bar will have warm, dimmer lighting to create an atmosphere, whereas a fast-food restaurant will op for brightly lit spaces to subtly encourage people to eat and go.

Studies have shown that lighting with varying intensities and colours can even evoke emotions that align with a brand's image, helping customers feel a connection to the space.

Accent lighting is often used in retail to draw attention to specific items or guide the path they want customers to take to ensure they move through the store in the correct order, maximising their buying probability. Creating contrasts between light and shadow, businesses can guide a customer’s gaze and highlight items or areas they wish to promote.

A Quick Guide to Retail Lighting Psyche

1. Warm Lighting: Cosy, comforting, inviting – works well for high-end shops, boutiques, home décor stores, cafes and spas / beauty salons. Think; Selfridges, Champneys, Costa.

2. Cool Lighting: Bluish tones promote focus, energy, alertness. This type of lighting is frequently used in technology stores, supermarkets, discount clothes shops. Think; Apple, Curry’s, Tesco, Primark.

3. Natural Lighting: Open, refreshing, natural and in tune with the outdoors. This lighting can reduce stress, boost mood and create an effective shopping experience. Think; Body Shop, David Lloyd, Waitrose.

4. Accent Lighting: Strategic lighting to draw attention to areas or products through the use of spotlights, different colours or LED lights. Think; Footlocker, Zara, Hollister or new car showrooms.

5. Task Lighting: Designed to illuminate specific functional areas. This type of lighting is used in places like IKEA to guide people through the desired walkways or in fitting rooms and till areas to create slightly different atmospheres.

The Importance of Lighting Design

Lighting is a powerful element of your shop or commercial space fitout. It can shape the experience, reflect your brand and ultimately impact your success.

By using a specialist electrical contractor you can ensure that your power and lighting design is carefully considered early on in the design process.

Talk to us at MDN UK Ltd, for expert guidance on your refurbishment project or new store fitout. Over the last 20-years we have earned a stellar reputation for delivering excellent retail electrical solutions – from boutique shops to some of the world’s leading fashion retailers.