This is how you stage perfect lighting for your bar!

How bright should the room be?

One of the most important considerations is the brightness of the room. A bar should definitely be sufficiently lit so that guests can see what they are doing and feel safe. At the same time, it is important that the lighting is not too bright, as this can significantly affect the mood and flair of the bar.

The amount of lumens needed in a bar depends on various factors, such as the size and lighting concept of the bar, the type of activities taking place in the bar and the atmosphere you want to create.

A well-lit bar may require between 50 and 100 lumens per square meter, while for a subdued atmosphere and mood lighting, only 10 to 30 lumens per square meter may be sufficient.

You can find information on how many lumens a luminaire has in the technical data of each luminaire. Our lighting designers will also be happy to create the right concept for you.

A combination of different types of luminaires such as pendant luminaires , floor lamps and wall lights can help to create a pleasant and uniform brightness that is neither too bright nor too dark.

With s.luce the house brand of Skapetze, you will find a wide selection of lights of this type, all of which are also dimmable. You can find out more about the advantages of dimmable light sources below.

What color temperature should the lighting have?

Another important aspect when designing the lighting of a bar is the color temperature. It refers to the color of the light emitted by a light source. The color temperature is measured in Kelvin.

Warm light with a color temperature of around 2,700 Kelvin can create a cozy atmosphere, while cooler light with a color temperature of around 4,000 Kelvin creates an activating atmosphere.

For bars, it therefore makes sense for the color temperature to be between 2,700K and 3,000K to create a relaxed hangout atmosphere.

You can find even more detailed information on the Kelvin light color here .

How should the lights be positioned?

The placement of luminaires is one of the most important aspects of lighting design and should be well thought out. After all, the light sources should illuminate the room evenly and prevent dark corners that could disturb the atmosphere.

Create light zones: Pendant luminaires, wall and floor lamps in combination

Pendant luminaires above the counter or tables are particularly effective. They create central cones of light that emphasize individual areas and at the same time create a cosy ambience. In addition, wall lights or floor lamps in the corners of the room provide pleasant ambient lighting. The result: a balanced lighting concept that combines functionality and atmosphere.

s.luce Beam: The elegant pendant light with style and function

A stylish option for bar lighting is the pendant luminaire s.luce beam . Arranged in a multi-flame arrangement, it provides pleasant light while remaining discreet and unobtrusive. Its high-quality, timeless look makes it the ideal choice for a dignified, relaxed ambience.

A special highlight is the option of adding color filters made of glass or plastic film - creating colorful, playful lighting accents that immediately catch the eye. The luminaire is available in various colors and can be mounted flexibly: either via a modern track system or with a small, unobtrusive canopy on the ceiling.

Which variant is more suitable depends largely on the spatial situation. For example, if there is only a single power outlet, the track system is recommended as a practical solution with maximum flexibility.

Advice from skapetze®: Personal and professional

If you are still unsure which lighting concept is best suited to your bar, you can contact the lighting professionals at Skapetze at any time. Here you will receive individual advice and support in selecting the ideal lights for your project - personal, professional and tailored to your needs.

s.luce Hive: The creative wall light for a stylish statement

For the wall, we recommend the s.luce Hive - a luminaire with a simple but unusual design. It is a perfect match for bars with an elegant flair and adds a large dose of individuality. 

Its special feature is its flexible design: the reflector plates are available in different sizes and colors and can be combined as desired - even if there is only a single power connection. Invisible cable routing ensures a clean, modern appearance.

With the s.luce Hive, you can create your very own light sculpture on the wall, giving your bar an unmistakable look.

Set lighting accents: Spotlights for targeted attention

Light can do much more than just illuminate the room - it also draws the eye. Spotlights or spotlights are ideal for highlighting certain areas of the bar. They can be placed above the bar area, above works of art or design elements and deliberately make them the center of attention. One example of this is the Santa surface-mounted spotlight surface-mounted spotlight, which is ideal for creating targeted accents and enhancing the visual impact of the surroundings.

Use light from different directions

A successful lighting concept for bars thrives on variety. Combine different light sources - pendant luminaires, wall and floor lamps and spotlights - and use light from different directions. This creates depth, atmosphere and an inviting mood in which your guests feel completely at ease.

Where else is light used in bars?

Light also plays a functional role - especially when there is a real show in the bar area:

• A targeted lighting of the bar ensures that guests can clearly see the bartender's spectacular moves - including flying cocktail shakers.

• The drinks themselves also benefit from the light: Lighting behind the bottles creates a fascinating play of light, as the light is reflected by the colored liquids.

Indirect lighting for an atmospheric ambience

Indirect lighting is a subtle but effective approach:

• Walls and ceilings can be used to accentuate the atmosphere.

• The light appears softer and more pleasant - and creates exactly the atmosphere you want for long bar evenings.

Unusual lighting ideas for the wow effect

Light can and should surprise in bars! Here are a few creative examples:

• Illuminated seating cubes or tables as eye-catchers

• LED strips in the shape of cocktail glasses - original and individual

• Brightly colored bottle coolers with party factor

Such highlights will be remembered by guests and contribute to the unique identity of your bar.

Photogenic spots = free advertising

Light installations with recognition value have a side effect that should not be underestimated:

• Guests take photos or videos with eye-catching light decorations in the background.

• These are shared on social networks - and your bar gains reach and awareness.

• This viral effect is a real marketing booster, especially in bars and clubs.

Extra tip from Skapetze: Use social media strategically

One last tip from the Skapetze-marketing department for more visibility:

• Create a social media account for your bar .

• Develop one own hashtag that guests can use in their posts.

• This creates a community - and you benefit from free increase in reach through your visitors .

Light as an experience

Light can do much more than illuminate rooms. In bars, it becomes an experience, a stylistic device, a marketing tool. With creative ideas and the right technology, your bar becomes an unforgettable place - and the highlight of every photo.

How can bar lighting be as flexible as possible?

Flexibility should also be taken into account when it comes to lighting.

The lighting should be designed in such a way that the premises can be adapted to different occasions. Dimmer and color change options make it possible to control both the brightness and the color of the light.

What type of lights should be used?

Different types of lights have different effects on the atmosphere of the room.

For example LED lights create a modern and contemporary atmosphere, while incandescent lamps create a more cozy or even nostalgic atmosphere.

It is important to choose lights that complement the design of the bar. complement the design of the bar. If the bar has a particular theme or style, the lighting system should match this. A rock bar with an edgy interior design, for example, can benefit from unusual luminaires, while a bar with a classic design chandeliers or wall lamps fit better. You can find both at s.luce and in the Skapetze-online store .

Conclusion & Quick check on modern bar lighting

1. Choose the right color temperature: When buying light bulbs, you should make sure that they have a warm white or yellowish color temperature to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Cold, blue light, on the other hand, can be rather uncomfortable and unwelcoming.

1. Accent lightingAccent lighting: Use targeted lighting accents to highlight certain areas in the bar, such as the bar itself, shelves with bottles or decorative objects. Spotlights or spotlights that direct the light directly onto the object are particularly suitable for this purpose.

1. Use a dimmer: You can use a dimmer to individually adjust the brightness of the light and thus vary the mood in the bar. In the evening or at special events, dimmed lighting can create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.

1. Illuminated glass shelves: Illuminated shelves are an effective way of highlighting glasses and bottles in the bar. These are available in various designs, from simple LED strips to elaborate shelving systems with a color-changing function.

1. Varying light colorsColored light sources or color filters can be used to create different lighting moods. This can be a great way to emphasize the atmosphere, especially at special events or themed evenings.

1. Indirect lightingIndirect lighting can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. LED strips mounted behind shelves or counters, for example, are suitable for this.

1. Make sure the light is glare-freeAvoid dazzling light sources that shine in guests' eyes. Lampshades or diffusers that gently diffuse the light are suitable for this.

If you are still undecided about the best lighting for your bar, please come and talk to us in our lighting studio visit us. There our lighting professionals advise you and work with you to create a customized lighting concept for your bar. The whole thing also works virtually or over the phone - just get in touch with us and we'll find a solution together.

If you already have concrete ideas about what your lighting should look like, you can realize them with us - our in-house workshop makes it possible.