Design Aesthetics: Bar Design & Lighting

There is nothing like being able to time out and enjoy your own company. A personal bar, whether it's located in your sitting room, family room or basement, has got to be one of the sweetest, personal treasures. You can entertain friends or be solitary. Here's useful information about the general style and shape of your bar. But also, more importantly, information about lighting to create an ambiance tailored to your personality.

There are no limits to a basement bar design. You could even design a unique one yourself. You just need a sink, gutter or shelving for bottles, counter space and a refrigerator. What makes a basement bar enjoyable aside from the drinks is the good conversation with your friends.

Check out our Billiard Room page for further information.

Bar Design

• Straight-Bar: As its name implies, this basement bar design is the simplest of all. It looks similar to a front desk in hotel lobbies. The difference is its features and functionality. Like a typical bar, it has a little space for the sink on top, a foot rest on the stool side, a gutter area where you mix the drinks, an arm rail, and a space for the cooler or refrigerator. The width for this type of bar can vary from 6 feet (or less) and up to 10 or maybe more. Make sure that when designing, you have measured properly.
  
  
• L-Shaped Bar: This is a basement bar design that is shaped like the letter L. Its functional features are the same as the standard straight bar. Simply put, it's shape is different. Your friends will enjoy sitting closer. Again the measurements vary depending on the size of your basement but usually the lengths are symmetrical.
  
  
• Kegger Bar: This bar is very popularly used. Its design is shaped like two L-shaped bars joint with the straight type in the middle. Viewing from the top, it usually looks like a one-third of a square is cut and used. This basement bar design accommodates a perfect space for the refrigerator and a beer keg. Hence its name.
  
  
• Monster Bar: This is a very huge bar that can accommodate plenty of seats, a big space for the drinking area, equipped with a keg and beer gutter and all other basic bar features. This bar design is a combination of the L-shaped and the Kegger but a lot bigger. A monster bar can also be designed in the shape of a letter U.
  
  
• Portable Bar: If you plan to bring your basement bar elsewhere in you home, this type could be what you want. The portable bar can be disassembled. This is what makes it unique. Probably the latest innovation in the basement bar design industry.

Complimentary Lighting Design:

• Over the Bar: Pendants, puck lights, and architectural tracks are typically used for contemporary bar designs. Patrons and owners, alike, prefer the focused spotlight and alternating layers of light and dark washes. Ceiling Fans are also used in bars and restaurants in tropical environments. The Islander Fan is a popular style. They're also great for circulating fresh air in a busy environment.
  
  
• On the Bar: A table lamp to accent the space.
  
  
• Under the Bar: Puck lights, Rope lights and LED strips are becoming common methods of lighting counter tops.
  
  
• Liquor Display: Recessed lighting placed above the display area or under-cabinet LDE strips and puck lights placed below each shelf are a common means of highlighting the bar's liquor display areas.
  
  
• Wall Lighting: Wall sconces create washes of light while leaving certain areas dim, preferable for creating intimate spaces.
  
  
• Wall Lighting: Big Windows because people go out during the day too.

Additional Areas:

• Billiard Table: Pendants and specific overhead billiard light fixtures are used to hang over the billiard table.
  
  
• Dart Board: Recessed fixtures, ceiling mounts and even track lighting can highlight the gaming area.