Restaurant Bar Lighting

Why We Love Restaurant Bar Lighting

If your restaurant serves alcohol, you likely have a dedicated bar area where patrons can enjoy their drinks, and you'll need restaurant bar lighting so they can see what they are doing. However, the vibe in the bar is usually different than in the main dining room, so modern lighting for restaurant bar areas should reflect that difference. Modern mini pendants provide just enough light for guests to see, but keep it dim enough to encourage bar patrons to make friends with those sitting around them. Here's what you need to know to create a great lighting concept for your bar.

Why Use Modern Lighting for Your Restaurant's Bar Area

Most bars are divided into two primary areas: the service area and the guest area. Each will require different lighting, and you don't want the two to clash. The bartender will need the brightest restaurant bar lighting in order to see the labels on the bottles and accurately measure cocktail ingredients. Linear suspension lights and other overhead lights are perfect for this purpose. Bar guests, on the other hand, won't want bright lights in their faces, which is why most modern lighting for restaurant bars is on the dimmer side. Try a few modern mini pendants over your bar to provide light that's not overpowering.

Modern Pendant Designs You'll Love

There are many lighting designers who work in the category of modern lighting for restaurant bars. For example, Tech Lighting and SONNEMAN Lighting create restaurant bar lighting that is simple and sleek, making it easy to incorporate their designs in just about any restaurant. Louis Poulsen's style is geometric and crisp, making it a great choice to go with modern decor. Visual Comfort's creations give a nod to the Art Deco style, while Artemide's lights are works of art in and of themselves.

How to Choose the Best Restaurant Bar Lights

If your bar area is small, you won't need much modern lighting for restaurant bars to complete the look. Basic kitchen island lighting, or track lighting, over the bar surface will likely be enough to do the trick. In a larger bar, you might have bistro tables or booths for additional guest seating, and they'll need their own restaurant bar lighting. Try hanging modern mini pendants or cluster pendant lights over each table, and install sconces in the booths to create a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for a date night.

Other Considerations

The furniture in your bar area is just as important as your restaurant bar lighting. In addition to counter and bar stools, you may also want to create a lounge area with couches and plush chairs. Bistro tables are great for creating a more upscale vibe, so look for modern mini pendants in an elegant style to hang above them. Choose decorative items that complement the type of cuisine and overall atmosphere of the restaurant, and look for spotlights or wall lights to show them off. You can even find modern lighting for restaurant bar areas in unique styles that stand out on their own as pieces of decor.