What Is the Best Lighting for a Commercial Space?

Let’s get this out of the way—there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lighting a commercial space. Whether you’re managing an open-plan office downtown, fitting out a storefront in Kitsilano, or overseeing an industrial build in Burnaby, the right lighting setup depends on how the space is used, who’s using it, and what experience you want to create.

So, what is the best lighting for a commercial space? It comes down to a few key factors: the type of work happening, your energy goals, ceiling height, layout, and—no surprise here—budget.

Let’s break it down like we would on-site with a new client.

Lighting Needs Vary by Commercial Use

Start by asking how much light is enough. According to Canada's lighting level guidelines, lighting requirements differ by task. A warehouse sorting station needs more task lighting than a lounge in a waiting area. Retail environments benefit from accent lighting to draw attention to products, plus ambient lighting to set the tone. Office spaces call for uniform lighting that reduces glare and eye strain—especially in front of screens. Warehouses or industrial buildings with higher ceilings will often need high bay lights for broad light coverage and durability.

At Fitz Electric, we take all the factors to consider into the equation when it comes to energy efficient lighting design;  how the space flows, what activities happen where, and whether lighting controls are needed to adjust brightness throughout the day.

Why LED Lighting Dominates Commercial Spaces

If you're still relying on traditional lighting options, like fluorescent lighting, you’re likely paying too much in energy bills—and replacing lamps more often than you'd like. LED lights are an excellent choice for commercial settings because they use less power, last longer, offer better color rendering index (important for spaces like showrooms or clinics), and work well with smart lighting controls.

And with BC Hydro offering incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, it’s often a no-brainer. When you factor in energy savings and lower maintenance costs, upgrading to LED isn't just about better light—it’s about a better bottom line.

Consider Layout, Ceiling Height, and Aesthetics

We see it all the time: a beautiful space ruined by a bad lighting layout. Whether it’s mismatched decorative lighting in a hotel lobby or overhead lighting that casts shadows in all the wrong places, poor planning leads to poor performance. You need adequate lighting to enhance your architectural features, not fight against them.

Here in Vancouver, natural light plays a big role too. Depending on your daylight hours, we may recommend more indirect lighting to balance glare or suggest dimmable lighting that shifts as the sun moves. Got drop ceilings? That opens up different lighting fixture options than, say, a vaulted industrial space. Need to highlight specific areas like reception desks or product displays? That’s where accent and task lighting work together.

This is where working with experienced electrical contractors makes a real difference. We don’t just install—we design with purpose.

The Most Efficient Commercial Lighting? Smart + Strategic

So, what is the most efficient commercial lighting? Technically, it’s LEDs paired with smart control systems—like occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, and timed zones. But the most efficient lighting setup is one that’s properly planned. When you choose the right type of lighting for the task, install fixtures with the right light output, and use modern lighting controls, you need fewer lights, consume less energy, and get better results.

If you're looking to upgrade, contact us. We’ll walk you through your options and provide a plan that actually fits your space and commercial lighting needs.

Final Thoughts from the Field

If you're still wondering, “what is the best lighting for a commercial place?” Here's the honest answer: The best lighting is the kind that works with your business—not against it. It should support safety, reduce eye strain, make your space more inviting, and lower your energy consumption while doing it.

And if that sounds like a lot to figure out? Our team has worked across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland—from high-rise tenant improvements to large-scale institutional builds. Check out our projects if you want to see what we’re about.

Good lighting isn’t just technical. It’s strategic. And we’re here to help you get it right.