For Egoluce, it is not just about illuminating spaces but about transforming the environment by creating an experience that invites people to stay, socialize and relax

Lighting is one of the most relevant elements in bar design. Good lighting design can transform a simple space into a welcoming and atmospheric place.

Egoluce explains in this article the secrets of lighting for bars, how to create special atmospheres and which lighting solutions to use for maximum effect.

There are three types of light used in combination to design lighting for bars, divided according to their functions:

– Ambient Lighting represents the primary light source and provides diffuse and uniform general illumination necessary for orientation and movement in the bar. It is generally realized with a combination of natural and dimmable artificial light to adjust the light intensity and create different atmospheres during the day.

– Accent Lighting has a decorative function that is useful for emphasizing specific elements of an interior, such as a work of art, a bottle wall, an architectural detail, signs, or outdoor elements. It is ideal for capturing attention and adding focal points of interest.

– Tasks Lighting represents all light sources that support customers and staff performing particular actions, such as kitchen or counter lights that are needed by staff to prepare drinks and food. Functional lights include those that mark corridors or entrances.

The right mix of these types of lighting creates a balanced and welcoming ambience.

The temperature of the light has a relevant impact on the atmosphere. Warm lights (between 2700 and 3000 Kelvin) create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for informal and romantic evenings. In contrast, cool lights (4000 Kelvin and above) are energizing and give a more modern look but need to be sparingly used to avoid an overly aseptic effect. In many cases, the best solution is to use warm lights for ambient lighting and cold light accents on different decorative areas. Every bar has disparate spaces that require tailored lighting to suit each spot’s functions and atmospheres and to achieve a homogeneous and functional result that enhances the customer experience. Materials and furnishings play a fundamental role in the choice of lighting fixtures. The colours and textures influence the light resolution and the result. To obtain excellent results, it is essential to carefully and closely evaluate every detail, leaving nothing to chance. The right source enhances the details since they are the project’s essence.

The entrance of a bar is the first visual contact for customers, so it must be welcoming and striking. Adequately lit bar’s facade and signage become attractive and recognizable. Recessed spotlights, projectors and LED bars can create a grazing light to highlight details such as wall cladding or other architectural elements. Soft lighting in the entrance area can also create an intriguing and inviting effect, setting the mood for the interior. The wardrobe as a service area needs adequate light with devices that make the environment very bright and comfortable for the operator.

The counter is the heart of the bar. Different light styles are used in this environment to enhance the products on display and create an impressive impact. The lighting must be well-designed to create a welcoming and lively atmosphere without sacrificing proper visibility during drinks or food preparation. Suspended or wall lamps can illuminate the counter to origin products’ direct pinpoint illumination and facilitate preparation without dazzling customers. Alternatively, light panels or recessed spotlights can enlighten the entire area from above. To emphasize bottles and other products behind the counter are suggested small LED spotlights recessed into the structure or, for glass shelves, light elements that produce a backlight effect.

The lounge area with tables is the space where customers relax and socialize. The light on the tables is a crucial element, as it can improve or worsen the quality of the room. The lighting must be discreet, intimate, and comfortable but adequate to allow customers to read the menu and visually appreciate food and drink. Pendant lights installed above tables are a solution to create more intimate and diffuse lighting that can highlight dishes without disturbing the people sitting at the table. Table lamps can give a soft light touch to individual tables in the room, making the ambience cosy and pleasant. These movable lamps offer flexibility and can be adjusted as required. Adjustable wall lights and decorative wall sconces can diffuse indirect light and create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere. Often, they also become design elements that add character to the room. A particular solution for lighting the area with tables is track spotlights consisting of electrified tracks with several movable spotlights. That offers significant versatility, as the light arrangements can adapt to changes in table distribution.

Other significant areas of a bar to highlight are those dedicated to displays and showcases where to enhance, with better lighting, the quality of the offered food. For these elements, an attractive solution, in addition to the use of LED light profiles, is small adjustable spotlights that can be mounted inside the showcases to project precise light accents and highlight the products, transforming the showcases from simple containers of products into design elements.

Many bars have an outdoor space that can become central during fine weather, where illumination plays a relevant role in creating a friendly, inviting ambience. Decorative lights, suspended or on the ground, are ideal solutions for pleasant and cosy lighting. Recessed walkable spotlights placed on the ground along the pavement or in flower beds can illuminate plants or pathways, creating a decorative effect that enhances the outdoor space.

Designing lighting for every bar area requires an overall view and close attention to individual details. Each room must be lit up according to its needs and must integrate with the others, giving the bar a strong and recognizable identity. Well-designed lighting can raise the level of a bar, making it a unique and enjoyable place where people return not just to drink and eat, but to have a unique experience.

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