How to Light Your Mezzanine Floor

From providing extra storage in warehouses to office space in busy industrial sites, mezzanines have a lot to offer. Their growing popularity comes from their ability to add an entire level without the cost and disruption of major renovations.

However, proper lighting is essential to make your mezzanine both safe and functional. Whether you're aiming for a well-lit workspace or to add some ambience, this guide will help you choose the right lighting to enhance your mezzanine space.

Why Does Mezzanine Lighting Matter?

Good lighting is essential to making a mezzanine functional and welcoming. Inadequate or poorly positioned lighting can pose a health and safety issue for workers, so it's critical to get it right. A dimly lit workspace can lead to accidents like slips and falls and increase the risk of muscular issues because people need to lean to see into darker areas. Inadequate task lighting due to barriers like overhead shelving can also lead to eye strain.

However, the brightness of the light can also pose a problem. Light reflection, or glare, from computers, walls and even sources of natural light can cause headaches. Therefore, adjustable lighting—such as dimmable overhead lights or desk lamps—can enhance functionality and reduce health risks.

Different Types of Mezzanine Lighting

The type of lighting you choose for your mezzanine will largely depend on its purpose. For example, natural light from a skylight may be adequate for mezzanine storage space, whereas office space requires a minimum level of brightness to safely perform visual tasks, according to Australian Government guidelines.

Task Lighting

Task lighting illuminates a specific area where a task is performed. To maximise visibility, the positioning of the focused light source must be considered alongside the level of illumination.

Recessed lights placed directly over the workspace are an example of task lighting. Desk lamps and track lighting are other ways to provide task lighting in a mezzanine.

Ambient Lighting

While task lighting concentrates light in a particular area, ambient lighting is the base layer of lighting that provides overall illumination. Choosing fixtures with translucent shades is a great way to diffuse light to fill the room.

As ambient lighting is typically low-intensity light, artificial lighting can be complemented by natural light if your mezzanine floor space allows for it. Natural daylight has been shown to boost employees' mood and energy.

The lux level, or level of light intensity, for ambient lighting is important to provide a functional and comfortable workspace. However, the colour temperature is also important for general visibility and mood. Cooler light provided by LED lighting solutions will enhance your employees' focus and, as they are energy efficient, they will also reduce utility bills. Warmer lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for staff break rooms.

Accent Lighting

While task and ambient lighting are practical features that keep employees, contractors and customers safe and comfortable, accent lighting may also play a part in your mezzanine design, even in a warehouse setting.

Accent lighting like wall-mounted lights and spotlights can highlight architectural features, decor and design elements, adding a decorative touch to the space. Display cabinet lighting can highlight products, while other types of accent lighting, like a bold, industrial-style pendant, can characterise different zones within an open-plan mezzanine level.

Other Considerations for Mezzanine Lighting

Mezzanine lighting is about more than just brightness. They must meet workplace health and safety and compliance standards, offer flexibility to be adjusted as needed, and they should improve the aesthetic appeal of your site.

• The warehouse ceiling height and layout constraints can impact lighting quality, so ensure fixtures are the correct size for your space.
• Fire regulations may require you to have emergency lighting and exit signs on your mezzanine level. Speak to a professional with expertise in mezzanine spaces to ensure you meet all fire safety requirements under the National Construction Code.
• Don't forget to consider the maintenance requirements of your lighting system. LED lights offer energy efficiency and have a longer lifespan, requiring fewer replacements than traditional bulbs.
• Consider using lighting control systems for greater flexibility. Installing a dimmer switch allows employees to adjust brightness as required, while smart lighting and motion-sensor lights can save energy.
• Always have electrical work conducted by a licensed electrician. A professional electrician has the knowledge and experience to ensure your wiring is up to standard and installation is safe. Some businesses can even help you create lighting designs for optimal placement.

Light Your Mezzanine the Right Way

Mezzanines have a large range of benefits, but to function optimally, getting the lighting right is key. For more information about mezzanine lighting, contact the leaders in the supply and installation of mezzanine floors, Advanced Warehouse Structures. We specialise in custom mezzanines designed to meet the specific needs of your business.

Let us help your company grow with a free mezzanine floor design and quote. Call us today on 1300 955 825 to take your business to the next level.