When it comes to bar counter design, understanding the key role it plays in the overall success of any club, lounge or bar is a major contributing factor to the level of input that goes into crafting it. Picking up from where we left off with DESIGNING CLUBS AND BARS, we see that coming up with the general theme and identifying the target audience of the bar, will not only set it apart from the rest, but also ensure that there’s a steady inflow of customers and revellers. That said, let’s now look into the various contributions needed for an effective bar counter design.
#1 Aesthetics
It goes without saying that Aesthetics is not just the icing on the cake, but the feature that ties the bar counter design together. When done right, it will attract the attention of your many customers and cement the establishment as the go-to place. Aesthetics is not limited to how it looks but its functionality as well; whether it allows for customer and staff interaction with the mixologists, enables one to admire and appreciate the various drinks on display, and comfortably accommodates the works taking place within it.
#2 Cabinetry
A bar counter and Cabinetry go hand in hand. Cabinetry is not only needed to store away excess drinks and glassware but is also necessary to display the array of drinks offered at the club. Proper reinforcement is needed for the suspended upper shelves and cabinets as the combined weight of the drinks can easily make the cabinets give way. Base cabinets should be fitted with provisions in place for the requisite equipment so as to enable the space to flow and work better. A countertop for the back and front bars is also needed to increase the working surface area, and by extension, make the space more functional.
#3 Ceiling Detail
The Ceiling Detail should be far from boring; since the bar counter is stationed in a specific section, the ceiling design should also be alluring. From suspended screens to cladded panels, all fitted with inbuilt lighting, anything goes. The only condition that needs to be met is that the floor to ceiling height should be accommodating. This will make for a more comfortable working environment as the last thing you need is to have your staff constantly bumping into it as they go about their duties. When done right, the ceiling detail can also double up as a display feature and/or further help to brand the establishment.
#4 Cladding
Cladding, because of its diverse nature, can be applied to not only the ceiling but also to the back bar wall and/or bar counter walls. It comes highly recommended because of its easy application and the turnaround time during installation; a space can go from drab to fab in a matter of minutes. The myriad options of cladding panels and materials available means that there are various pocket friendly solutions to pick from, all coming in varying textures, patterns and reliefs. You are literally spoilt for choice.
#5 Lighting
Lighting in this case is not limited to the ceiling detail but also to the back and front bar and counter walls. So as to create the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, both task and ambient lighting needs to be in place, with the former ensuring the mixologists have adequate lighting to carry out their works, while the latter ensures the bar counter design evokes the right mood and feelings. As expected, lighting serves a great role in enhancing the look of the aforementioned features.
#6 Services
Last but definitely not least comes the Services which refers to the mechanical and electrical lines. In bar counter designs, though relatively obscured, plumbing and electrical points need to be in place to ensure all the equipment can work efficiently and thus function properly. Without any power and/or water, running the back bar will be nearly impossible.
With all these considerations in place, your bar counter design is good-to-go and can now operate smoothly. That said, happy designing and…
Till next time…Baraka Tele
