Bar Interior Design

The design of a bar interior can make or break a customer’s experience, with expertly designed bars offering a great atmosphere, a place to socialise and an array of drinks. As an interior design firm, we understand the importance of creating both a functional and visually appealing space, and we have some great tips to ensure your bar is set for success.

The importance of a great interior design for your bar

Great interior design can be the only difference between a highly successful bar and a struggling bar, with the best designs improving customer satisfaction, encouraging repeat business, and increasing profits. First impressions really are everything in the bar industry, and well-designed bars instantly create a sense of ambiance which sets the tone for your customers evening.

Everything from the colour scheme and materials through to the furniture choices and décor should be carefully considered to create a finish which appeals to the target clientele. For example, a late-night bar which appeals to a younger audience may offer more standing space with room to dance, whereas a bar that is looking to create a more relaxed environment may be designed around comfortable seating areas which attract customers throughout the day.

It is also important to consider the functionality of the interior, as staff need to be able to serve and clear tables quickly whilst also ensuring customers can move around the space easily. Planning the space is an important part of our interior design process and we take the time to get to know the exact vision of the bar owner and the space available, which allows us to create the ideal layout based on ideas such as open spaces, standing areas and relaxed seating.

The principles of bar interior design

With every project we carefully consider the key interior design principles to ensure we create cohesive spaces, with each principle playing an important role in the design process:

Balance – A well-balanced interior design should create a sense of equilibrium and stability by distributing the visual weight of the space. Within a bar, this can be achieved by placing key items of furniture and décor either symmetrically for a sense of formality, or asymmetrically for a more dynamic and relaxed feel.

Rhythm – The repetition of elements within the space can be used to create a sense of movement and flow, such as carefully placing pendant lighting fixtures above the bar. This will naturally guide customers to the focus of the space by creating a sense of rhythm alongside the seating arrangements.

Proportion & Scale – This important principle considers the relationship between objects within the space, and within bars this is usually reflected in the size of the furniture. For example, large, oversized furniture can make a small bar feel cramped, whereas small items of furniture and artwork will make a large space feel empty. Every item that is chosen for the interior from bar stools and lighting fixtures through to artwork will be carefully considered to ensure the scale complements the overall design.

Lighting & Contrast – Lighting plays a critical role in creating the atmosphere in a bar, with warm, welcoming interiors encouraging customers to relax and stay longer. Different forms of lighting can be used to create different moods and to highlight key areas such as the bar itself and seating areas, with brighter lighting adding an energetic feel and cosy, warm lighting providing spots to relax. If there are any key design features such as artwork or architectural features, we can also add lighting to accentuate these interesting features.

Emphasis – Many commercial interiors have a key focal point, with bars and pubs often using the bar itself as the item to be emphasised for visual interest. There are many ways to emphasise this key focal point, such as statement pieces of artwork, bold colours, or unique seating arrangements.

Popular interior design trends to consider for your bar

Interior design trends are always evolving, with new ideas emerging for bars and pubs that often prove to be very popular. The following are just some examples of interior design trends that you may decide to consider:

Industrial style – Many bar owners are inspired by rustic, urban interiors with the industrial feel of raw, unfinished materials such as brick, concrete and metal often creating striking interiors.

Natural materials – Wood, stone and plants can be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere within casual bars, and this trend is becoming increasing popular with customers searching for sustainably designed interiors. Emphasising environmentally friendly materials is a great way to attract clientele whilst also creating a beautiful interior.

Vintage & Retro – Many customers will be attracted to the nostalgic feel of a vintage interior, with the best designs creating a unique experience by combining memorable items such as lighting fixtures, artwork, and décor to create a bar that is full of personality and character.

Bold finishes – Many bars are looking to create a lively, energetic feel which can be achieved through bold and vibrant finishes. From geometric shapes and bright colours through to deep tones and metallic finishes, it is possible to mix many styles to create a vibrant and unique feel.

These are just a few examples of popular trends; however, we always strive to create interior design styles which appeal to our client’s vision and their target customers. By staying up to date with the latest trends and incorporating key design principles, we are able to design bar interiors which reflect the personality of the business and create a memorable experience for customers.

Boxx Design – Raising a glass to exception interior design

As experienced interior designers, we understand the key aspects of bar design, and by carefully planning aspects such as the layout, lighting, colour scheme and furniture, we guarantee to create an interior which sets your business apart. We take pride in working closely with our clients and can offer an array of services from architecture and interior design through to branding throughout the UK. To find out more about the bar interior design process or to discuss your project in more detail, please contact our experienced team today.