So many things go into opening a bar, but perhaps none is more important than its design, layout, and lightning. You can have the best drinks in the world, but what is all of that worth without a memorable experience that makes your guests come back?
Various studies show that a bar’s lighting influences guest experience a great deal. The right type of lighting can help set the mood in a bar, whether it’s a vibrant and energetic atmosphere or a relaxed and intimate setting.
We’ve prepared this short guide to help you create a right impression on your guests the moment they walk through the door. So, let’s get started.
An overview of the different types of lighting fixtures available
Ambient lighting is used for providing overall illumination to your entire bar and its seating area. Downlights are usually the best option for overall illumination, since they offer wide coverage. The fact that downlights are available in different designs and are easy to install also helps.
If you’re not a great fan of recessed lighting, pendant lights can be a smart option for ambient lighting. Aside from providing overall illumination, pendant lights can enhance the bar’s look and feel.
Accent lighting is an ideal choice for directing attention to specific features, such as the liquor shelves, bar counter, architectural features, decorative elements. Accent lighting adds focal points, depth, and drama to any bar space by drawing attention to the most important elements.
Task lighting is used for providing focused illumination in certain work areas like the drink preparation area, cash register, and bartending station. It provides servers and bartenders with adequate lighting to carry out their duties effectively and accurately, allowing them to read labels, measure ingredients, process transactions, and keep their workspace clean and organized.
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Pro Tip: Many bars serve multiple functions. For instance, a dining space could serve evening meals, morning breakfast, and provide a place for guests to enjoy drinks. Integrate lighting with dimmable features that can be adjusted throughout the day to suit the required level of brightness. |
Bar Lighting Tips and Tricks
Tip#1 – Over the bar
It is important that you properly illuminate over-the-bar space. The right kind of lighting here can set the tone for your entire bar. We recommend decorative pendant lights, which are practical yet eye-catching.
Tip#2 – Dining area
Depending on the overall layout of bar, a cluster light over the table in darker areas may help create an exciting and intimate dining experience.
Tip #3 – Garden area
In warm summer evenings, the garden area is where everyone flocks. If your pub has a garden, make sure you illuminate it with decorative outdoor lights. A well lit garden area will make your customers want to keep coming back.
Tip #4 – Use LED strips under the bar countertop
To enhance the aesthetics of your bar and create a visually striking, almost suspended countertop effect, install LED strips beneath the edge where the counter meets the base. This addition can infuse your outdoor bar with an exceptional vibrancy.
The other advantage of using LED strips under the bar countertop is that it can elevate the bar area into something that’s entirely luxurious and upmarket.
Tip #5 – Use Neon signs (or coloured LED strip lights) to spell the bar’s name
For an appealing outdoor bar lighting solution, consider custom-made neon signs featuring your bar's logo or the name of a themed night you're hosting.
If custom neon signs doesn’t fit in your budget, a creative and cost-effective alternative could be using coloured LED strip lights for spelling your brand’s name.
Conclusion
The tips shared above can help you create a welcoming atmosphere and enjoyable experience in your bar. Explore our lighting solutions, which are both affordable and designed to meet the varied needs of different spaces.