Posted by Yongtao Yu
on February 25, 2026
Restaurant Lighting Upgrade Checklist (2026): How Many Bulbs, Which Kelvin & How to Cut Operating Costs
TL;DR – Small Café (20–40 Seats) Lighting Setup
- Main dining area: 2700K for warm, inviting comfort
- Accent / bar / mood lighting: 2000K for premium ambiance
- Kitchen / prep area: 5000K for task clarity
- Typical 20–40 seat café needs: 18–30 bulbs total
- Upgrading to LED can reduce replacement costs by 70–80%
Step 1 – Estimate How Many Bulbs You Need
For a typical 20–40 seat café or small restaurant, lighting usually includes:
- 6–10 pendant bulbs (above tables or bar)
- 4–8 wall sconces or decorative fixtures
- 4–6 accent bulbs (display shelves / feature walls)
- 4–8 back-of-house bulbs (kitchen, storage, prep)
Total estimated bulbs: 18–30 units
Pro tip: Replace by zone instead of randomly. This keeps color temperature consistent and avoids a “patchwork” lighting look.
Step 2 – Choose the Right Kelvin by Zone
| Zone | Recommended Kelvin | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Main Dining Area | 2700K | Warm, comfortable, enhances food presentation |
| Bar / Accent / Evening Mood | 2000K | Candle-like glow, ideal for premium atmosphere |
| Kitchen / Prep / Storage | 5000K | Crisp visibility for safety and efficiency |
Best Practice: Keep customer-facing areas consistent (mostly 2700K), then layer 2000K for accent and mood lighting.
Step 3 – Select the Right Bulb Shape for Your Style
- ST19 Edison – Best for vintage, industrial, farmhouse cafés with exposed pendants
- G25 Globe – Best for modern, minimal, designer fixtures
- B11 Candelabra – Best for chandeliers and decorative sconces
- A19 Standard – Best for hidden fixtures and general lighting
Recommended Setup – Based on Restaurant Style
Vintage / Industrial Café
Use 2000K ST19 for bar/pendant mood lighting and 2700K for general seating.
Shop ST19 2000K Vintage Edison
Shop ST19 2500K Option
Modern Café or Bistro
Use 2700K for main area and G25 2000K as accent globe lighting.
Back-of-House & Task Zones
Use 5000K for prep and storage areas for clarity and safety.
Step 4 – Understand Long-Term Cost Savings
| Feature | Incandescent | LED Filament |
|---|---|---|
| Average Lifespan | ~4,000 hours | 15,000+ hours |
| Replacement Frequency | Frequent | 4–8× Less Often |
| Heat Output | High | Low |
| 3-Year Total Cost | Higher (bulbs + labor) | Lower overall |
Restaurants often underestimate labor costs. Replacing bulbs in high ceilings or during service hours is disruptive and expensive.
Professional Buying Checklist (Before You Order)
- ✓ Choose one Kelvin per zone
- ✓ Confirm dimmer compatibility
- ✓ Order 5–10% extra for consistent future replacement
- ✓ Keep dining and accent zones visually aligned
Bulk Orders & Custom Pricing for Restaurants
If you're planning a full lighting upgrade or ordering larger quantities, our team offers:
- Custom bulk pricing for restaurants & cafés
- Assistance with bulb count & layout planning
- Consistent color matching across large orders
For bulk inquiries or special pricing, please contact us directly through our website.
Why Hospitality Buyers Choose LafoHome
- Buy 2 Get 1 FREE – mix packs allowed
- 5-Year Extended Warranty (website exclusive)
- Consistent color temperature across batches
- High CRI options for food presentation
- Designed for real-world hospitality environments
Final Takeaway
If you operate a 20–40 seat café, a balanced lighting setup typically includes:
- 2700K for main guest areas
- 2000K for ambiance zones
- 5000K for prep and task lighting
This layered approach improves food presentation, enhances customer comfort, and reduces long-term operating costs.
Reviewed by LafoHome Lighting Specialists
Updated 2026
