Asking for a friend … what’s up with the stadium lighting in St. Louis’ most beautiful interior spaces?
“My friend” was pondering this recently in the Cathedral Basilica, which underwent a deep cleaning in 2023. As part of the project, the church added more than 100 new lights. 100!! And we’re not talking little LED bulbs. No, these are spotlight-quality fixtures. The beloved historic church promised visitors would see new details in the mosaics—and maybe you can, but mostly what “my friend” saw brighter than ever before was his fellow mass-goers in the pews. He was grateful for a full head of hair to shield him from the glow.
Too-bright lighting is noticeable in restaurants too. “My friend” isn’t advocating for a setting so low-lit that you need your phone flashlight to read the menu. But it’s refreshing when architects and designers consider that lower levels of lighting are more flattering for people and places alike.
There’s a coffee shop that “my friend” loves, loves, loves for its dark walls, chocolately brown leather seating, and even a beautiful mural-style ceiling. But again, in the center of said ceiling are a trio of unshaded incandescent bulbs bright enough to be seen from outer space.
Now, it’s true that bright light in the early morning is said to help us wake up. But so does caffeine, and that’s what “my friend” comes to the coffee shop for. If he wanted sunlight, he would be outside.
Paradoxically, research has found that too-bright light contributes to visual blurriness, whereas dim background lighting combined with focal lighting on tables increased perceptions of attractiveness of the restaurant—and, presumably, of those dining within it. Low lighting also positively impacts customers’ perception of straightforward tastes like sweet, salty, and sour in dishes because it stimulates the senses.
“My friend” is all about minimalist lighting design trends—including hidden lighting—to add a bright, elegant glow without intruding. Not only does it make spaces feel larger, it creates a sophisticated ambiance, especially when used to define the configurations of the room without visual disruptions.
In the meantime, he’ll be the one wearing sunglasses indoors.
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