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5* Rating on Google

Open: Mon - Fri: 7:00am - 4:00pm

Call us: 01509 266355

Ultimate Guide to Lighting a Bar

Lighting a bar correctly creates an atmosphere that draws people in, keeps them engaged, and encourages repeat business. A well-executed bar lighting design can transform even the simplest venue into a buzzing new place in your area. Nobody wants to walk into a bar and feel as though they’re in the limelight as soon as they walk in. That's where strategic bar lighting design and products that can be tuned to the mood you want to create come in.

With years of expertise in lighting, we’ll show you through some of the newest technologies, bar lighting ideas and inspiration to help you create the perfect lighting for your bar.

The Impact of Lighting A Bar

It’s important to understand why lighting is so critical in a bar setting as it can really change the look and feel of your space. Here are some key features of impactful lighting you should think about when designing your space:

  • Lighting Sets the Mood: Lighting directly influences a patron’s mood and perception. Soft, warm tones create a relaxed vibe, while dynamic colours bring energy.

  • It Drives Revenue: Strategic lighting can encourage guests to stay longer and therefore, spend more.

  • Supports Branding: Lighting is part of your venue’s identity. The right scheme can totally change your brand and make your bar instantly recognisable against tough competition within the hospitality industry.

  • Ensures Efficiency: Good visibility behind the bar increases productivity and safety for your staff.

Ambient Bar Lighting

The main source of light in your bar should be ambient lighting. This is the main light that fills the room and sets the mood as soon as customers walk in. There are different kinds of ambient lighting, such as spotlights, bigger bulbs in one location, or panel lighting throughout your bar.

To get the most out of ambient lighting, you should think about:

  • Use dimmable LED downlights, such as our 5W COB Tilt Down Light, to create adjustable mood lighting. This range also features a remote control CCT colour-changing option for greater flexibility.

  • For a comfortable, intimate effect, pick warm colour temperatures between 2700K and 3000K. Warm white light makes the space feel more comfortable and friendly, which makes visitors want to stay longer.

  • INUI’s LED Panel Lights  give even coverage in bigger spaces without being too bright as they are thin and spread light evenly. A popular choice for businesses due to the compatibility with open plan bars or lounge seating.

Ambient lighting should never be too bright as its role is to complement the rest of your design. INUI’s full LED range includes lights with tunable colour temperatures, which allow you to tailor the warmth of your lighting to match your venue’s design. 

For instance, if your bar doesn't get much sunshine during the day, brighter lighting can make more sense. But in the evening, your guests might like a more private, cosy atmosphere.

Task Bar Lighting: 

Behind the bar, your team needs clear, bright light to mix drinks, manage cash, and serve customers efficiently. This is where task lighting is useful.

  • Installing LED strip lighting under shelves and cabinets to illuminate prep surfaces can be done discreetly. INUI’s LED Strip Kits are ideal for this as they are water-resistant, durable, and easy to install.

  • Use higher colour temperatures that are around 4000K–5000K to make things easier to see without changing the way drinks or menus look, which is important for a busy night.

  • Position your lighting in a way that they don’t cast shadows on work surfaces. This keeps things safe and quick during hectic hours.

Customers are usually the first concern to keep happy, but your staff are the life and soul of keeping a bar running smoothly. Ensuring they have the space and correct lighting to allow them to carry out their role efficiently is essential.

Accent Bar Lighting

Accent lighting brings your space to life. It highlights architectural details, focal areas, and branding elements that make your bar stand out. Accent lighting is great if you have lots of decorative elements throughout the bar like artwork or historic pieces throughout your space.

Some Bar Lighting Ideas for Accents:

  • Use RGB colour-changing LED strips under the bar counter or behind the bottle shelves to create dynamic, eye-catching effects.

  • Highlight feature walls, logos, or artwork with adjustable spotlights such as INUI’s LED Track Spot.

  • You could install LED uplights around columns or architectural elements around the space to give your interior depth and texture.

It's good to be creative with accent lighting. Think about where you want to bring attention and use light to guide the customer’s eye.

Exterior and Entrance Lighting For Your Bar

The way your bar looks from the outside is just as important as what’s inside. Your entrance is the first impression guests get, so it should feel welcoming. Well-planned exterior lighting helps people find you easily, sets the tone before they step through the door, and keeps everyone safe.

Wall Mounted LED Bulkhead Lights are a good place to start for entrances and signs. They are weatherproof, energy-efficient, and are made to keep key areas bright and welcoming. You may also want to think about pathway or step lighting to help guests find their way safely, especially if you have uneven surfaces outside. If your bar offers outdoor seating or a smoking area, think about adding a warm, ambient glow to make these spaces more inviting when its dark.

Tailor the Experience With Zoning and Control

Zoning allows you to set different lighting levels in different areas, which is great for lighting a bar. For example, the bar counter can be bright and lively while the seating areas remain softly lit. You can also change the mood for different times of the day. For cocktails after work, it’s brighter; for late night weekends, its warmer and dimmer.

You can also save electricity by turning off or lowering the lights in areas that aren't being used. INUI’s smart-compatible LED drivers and dimmable units make it easy to introduce this flexibility that gives you seamless control over your bar’s atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Using LEDs throughout your bar is not only visually effective but also cost-effective and sustainable.

Advantages of LED:

  • Up to 80% lower energy consumption compared to traditional lighting.

  • Long lifespan reduces maintenance and replacement costs.

  • Cooler running temperatures improve comfort and reduce air conditioning needs.

  • All INUI LEDs are RoHS and CE certified, supporting eco-friendly design without compromising performance.

Ready to switch up your venue?

INUI has been in the commercial LED lighting industry for over 10 years and offer high-performace solutions specifically in the hospitality industry. We help you make an impressive space for guests and give your staff the tools they need to do their jobs, from lighting a bar to providing technical support.

Explore INUI’s full collection of LED lighting for bars and hospitality spaces at www.inui.co.uk, or get in touch with our team for expert advice on your next project.