The Best Lighting for a Small Shop

Counter Lighting

• The light that hangs directly over the counter should be bright. You can use chandelier lighting if you are looking for a more classic look, as long as the bulb in the chandelier offers bright light. The customer should be able to find anything in his or her purse or bag, including change for the purchase. Avoid using table lamps as they often only provide lighting directly around the lamp. Also, avoid wall lighting that shines out toward the customer, as it can shine directly in to the customer's face, which can be annoying.

Wall Lighting

• Many stores showcase their products in a wall display. Examples include displaying clothing on mannequins that stand up against the wall or shoe stores that display their new shoes on wall shelves. Wall displays require a bright and strong light so customers can easily see the products. The lighting option can be the ceiling lights or small wall lights that hang from the ceiling and shine directly on the products. The lights should not be on the customers. Avoid using table lamps or floor lamps, as they will only light up the products right beside the lamp. Use an elongated ceiling lamp that can cover all of the products on the wall shelf.

Window Display Lighting

• When choosing the lighting for the window displays, choose bright and well-lit lighting options. Use the same lighting type as the wall lighting lamps. When hanging the lights for the window display, hang the lights in the corner of the window and the ceiling, so the light beams shine directly on the products and the display. Hanging the lighting directly above the display can create unnecessary shadows on the products and create a shine on the window itself.

The Stock Room

• If you have a small stock room in your store, it should be well lit for you to find the proper products fast and effectively. Use a ceiling lamp that is flat on the ceiling or that hangs closely to the ceiling. If the lamp hangs too low in the room, you may hit your head when you use ladders to get items off the stock room shelves.