Restaurant Bar Design Ideas Whenever a customer walks into a food place or a bar, the type of ambiance, interior, and bar design plays a significant role in determining a customer’s entry. Aesthetic Appeal: Good bar design combines form and function with nice countertops, cool lighting, and comfortable seating. Add character with custom elements, such as backlit liquor displays, industrial-style shelving, or vintage decor.
Optimizing space is vital so that bartenders can work seamlessly and guests can still feel welcomed. Regardless of whether the design is the contemporary, rustic or luxurious bar, the use of quality materials and an efficient arrangement take the design up a notch. These Restaurant Bar Design Ideas create a space that offers warmth and beauty while helping yield satisfied and engaged customers.
Restaurant Bar Design Ideas
- Industrial chic bar — Exposed brick walls, metal bar stools, and Edison bulb lighting
- Speakeasy-Inspired Bar — Hidden entrance, dim lighting,g and vintage decor for that 1920s feel.
- All-Glass Bar Counter – Transparent bar counter with LED lighting underneath
- Marble & Gold Luxury Bar – Luxe white marble countertops with gold accents.
- Tropical Tiki Bar — Bamboo decor, thatched roofing, and island-themed cocktails.
- Outdoor Rooftop Bar — Open-air setup with skyline views and cozy seating
- Minimalist Modern Bar – Black and white colors with very subtle LED lights.
- Liquor Display (Bar) Backlit Bottle – Soft LED lighting shining through liquor bottles for effect.
- Wine Lounge Bar – Wine racks made out of wood, cozy seating & curated wine.
- Neon Retro Bar –An establishment decked in bright neon lights and adorned with funky furniture and a 1980s theme.
- Bar with Wooden Reclaimed Top – Vintage stools and industrial pendants.
- Floating Ceiling Bar – Hanging glass racks for liquor bottles over the bar.
- Gatsby Glam Bar — Art Deco-inspired with dramatic geometric patterns and velvet bar stools.
- Whiskey BBar Bar Bar — Whiskey barrels are reused as tables or a bar counter.
- Interactive Digital Menu Bar – Touchscreen beverage menus for seamless ordering.
- Fireplace Lounge Bar fireplace by the bar area for a cozy environment
- Mirror-Backed Bar – Huge mirrors just behind the bar to create the space and reflect lights.
- Aquarium Bar – A bar counter with an embedded aquarium for a different look.
- Graffiti Art Bar — Street art murals and urban-style bar décor.
- Unofficial Vintage Library Bar – Filled bookshelves, leather lounges, and antique decor.
- Bistro-Style Bar — French café-inspired with chic chandeliers and traditional tiles.
- Boho-Chic Bar – Eclectic furniture, macramé details, and vibrant colors.
- Sunken Bar Area —A bar area sunk below ground with seating around it for a different layout.
- Convertible Open-Air Bar – Walls that slide open to allow for indoor and outdoor space.
- Cigar Lounge Bar — Dark wood, leather chairs,s and a humidor for cigar purists.
- Smart Bar — Automated cocktail dispensers and smart lighting.
- Color Bar – Monochrome with everything in the color color scheme.
- Floating Island Bar – A centrally located bar that can be accessed from all sides.
- Bright – Underlit Ice Bar — A frosty chill-plastered bar counter with light reflected into its icy surface
- Artisan Craft Cocktail Bar — Customized furniture, locally made art, and a specialty drink menu.
Steps to Design Restaurant Bar
1. Industrial Chic Bar
- For a raw, urban feel, turn to exposed brick walls and metal accents.
- Use Edison bulb lighting for a warm, vintage glow.
- Opt for industrial-style bar stools in dark wood or metal finishes.
2. Speakeasy-Inspired Bar
- Film a secret entrance or hidden door to recreate old-school speakeasies.
- Go for intimate lighting, with dim, moody washes and vintage fixtures.
- Dress with velvet upholstery, vintage decor, and dark wood touches.
3. All-Glass Bar Counter
- For contemporary touch install a sleek glass bar counter.
- Underneath, install LED strip lighting for an aura effect.
- You can combine it with high-gloss bar stools and very minimalist decor to achieve a futuristic look.
4. Marble & Gold Luxury Bar
- Choose white marble countertops for a high-end, sophisticated appearance.
- Add gold-laced bar stools, shelving, and fixtures.
- Finish it off with crystal glassware and soft lighting for something luxe.
5. Tropical Tiki Bar
- For an island vibe, go for bamboo paneling, palm leaf decor, and thatched roofing.
- Adorn with tiki figures, tropical prints, and rattan furniture.
- Serve exotic cocktails in custom glassware and with fruit garnishes.
6. Outdoor Rooftop Bar
- Install a covered bar counter with lounge-type seating.
- Set the scene with twinkly fairy lights or lanterns — the muted lighting is perfect for a cozy feel.
- Easily offer panoramic views with glass railings or open designs.
7. Minimalist Modern Bar
- Keep it black and white with strong lines.
- Consider using discreet LED lighting for a modern and clean look.
- Minimal decor, with geometric furniture and glossy finishes.
8. Backlit Liquor Display Bar
- Putting up glass shelving with built-in LED backlights
- Create shelves of liquor bottles by color and label.
- Utilize dimmable lights to manipulate the dynamic at different times of the day.
9. Wine Lounge Bar
- An elegant yet cozy look, design wooden wine racks.
- Banish naked overheads in favor of plush seating and intimate lighting for a casual ambiance.
- Provide a selection of wine menus with taste and pair suggestions.
10. Neon Retro Bar
- Explore the neon aesthetic with bright signage and color-filled lighting for a 1980s-inspired look.
- Vintage arcade machines, funky furniture, and checkerboard floors serve as decoration.
- Hitch nostalgia-themed cocktails and play classic retro music.
As the creative force behind DesignsDIY.com, Gabriella (Viverito) Carlson is living her passion in the ever-evolving world of interior design. With an eye for detail and a heart for design, Gabriella believes that true success lies in expressing her creative nature through meaningful client relationships and collaborative team efforts.