A well-designed bar is more than a focal point for your restaurant—it’s a functional centerpiece that enhances the customer experience and supports efficient operations. Whether you’re designing a cocktail haven, a casual pub, or a high-end dining room, here’s what to keep in mind when creating a bar that balances style, comfort, and durability.
Material: Durable and Cleanable Surfaces
Bars are high-traffic areas prone to spills, stains, and constant cleaning. Choosing materials that withstand wear and tear is vital. Bar tops should be made of materials like quartz, marble, or sealed wood, which are not only resistant to staining and harsh cleaning chemicals but also pleasant to the touch. A high polish surface is always preferable to a surface with matte texture, like concrete, which can grind at the bottom of glassware. Surfaces should balance aesthetics with functionality, ensuring they look stunning while being easy to maintain.
On the working side of the bar base wall, black fiberglass reinforced paneling (RFP) is a must. These panels can handle bumps, scrapes, and moisture. The panels should terminate at a cove base for seamless cleaning. Below the bar top, non-slip tile with appropriate roughness is essential for safety, providing bartenders with a reliable footing even during the busiest shifts.
Comfort: Ergonomics and Features
Comfort is key for customers enjoying time at the bar. The edge of the bar facing patrons should have a rounded or shaped profile to avoid discomfort on elbows and forearms. A bar height of 3’-6” with a top width of 3’-0” (or 2’-8” if space is limited) provides the ideal proportions for seating and interaction on bar stools.
Footrails should be placed 8" above the floor and 8" away from the bar—but only if bar stools lack integral footrests. These details encourage relaxed seating postures and prevent patrons from awkwardly dangling their feet.
Convenience: Small Details with Big Impacts
Small touches make a big difference in the user experience. Installing purse hooks every 24" below the bar ensures customers have a secure place to keep their belongings. It’s a simple yet appreciated addition that enhances convenience and cleanliness around the bar area. In addition to purse hooks, USB outlets for phone charging provide customers with a place to charge their phone. USB outlets may even keep a customer around for another drink or two while they wait to charge their phone!
Lighting: Functional and Inviting
Lighting sets the mood for the customer and ensures bartenders can work efficiently. On the working side of the bar, install LED strip lighting at 2700K to illuminate work surfaces and wells discreetly. On top of the bar, lighting fixture can add style. But be wary when selecting- fixtures should be hardwired, compact, and equipped with shades to eliminate glare and not all off-the-shelf fixtures can be hardwired. The warm tone of 2700K lighting creates a welcoming ambiance while maintaining functionality.
Efficiency: Safety and Lighting
Behind the bar, every inch of space matters. Non-slip tile ensure safety, and a well-lit workstation keeps the operation smooth and professional. Proper planning of the bartender’s workflow, combined with the features mentioned above, ensures that service is fast, safe, and efficient.
The Centerpiece
A thoughtfully designed bar combines durability, comfort, and style. Materials that hold up under pressure, ergonomic features for patrons, and practical lighting solutions create a space that’s both functional and inviting. When you collaborate with an experienced restaurant designer, you’re investing in a bar that serves as the heart of your establishment—a place where patrons gather, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere you’ve crafted. Are you ready to design a bar that elevates your restaurant experience? Patch Design is here to make it happen.
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