TOP BAR LIGHTING IDEAS FOR NIGHTCLUB AND BAR DESIGN

Cabaret Design Group

What are today’s top bar lighting ideas? As I mentioned before, LED lighting is “King-of-the-hill” in today’s lighting market. The lighting market has seen such wide-sweeping changes over the past couple of years that it’s shocking even to a design professional. If you’re a nightclub or bar owner looking to make lighting changes, I can share some of the latest design ideas that will enable you to save substantially. The photo at right, which depicts LED recessed can lighting by Con-Tech Lighting.

WHO ARE THE MAIN COMPANIES THAT MANUFACTURE LED LIGHTING FOR NIGHTCLUBS AND BARS? 

Change can be good – especially if it saves you money! This is true with Chicago-based Con-Tech Lighting and Los Angeles-based Liton Lighting, the major players in the architectural lighting market here in the U.S. Con-Tech is the frontrunner, now offering an LED-version of virtually every conventional product in their catalog. Offering similar products, Liton appears to be in the midst of completing their product line. I’ll begin by reviewing each of my favorite fixtures for nightclub and bar design:

  • Recessed can lighting is available with the LED format in 4” and 6” housings and a number of decorative trim options. I normally use recessed cans for house lights, bar lighting and wall washers. The difference in the applications is in the decorative trims.
  • Track lighting with the LED format is as flexible as it always has been. I particularly like this form of lighting for displaying artwork, in lobbies and nearly anywhere you want imaginative lighting paths.
  • Pendant lighting (depicted in the photo below), is similar to track lighting and adds extra creativity in group seating arrangements.
  • Another player, Southern California-based Numinus, offers a line of specialty mini LED fixtures.
Photo of Recessed LED Lighting Fixture by Liton Lighting
Photo of Recessed LED Lighting Fixture by Liton Lighting

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF ARCHITECTURAL LED LIGHTING?

In architectural lighting, LED lighting offer many advantages over traditional incandescent lighting. One of the things you’ll like about it is that you’ll never have to replace another bulb again! Unlike traditional architectural lighting, where the bulbs are changed by hand, the LED bulb is an integral part of the trim. Suffice is to say there are many reasons for this, but the bottom line is that the annual cost of running and maintaining LED lighting is less than half of its traditional counterpart.

Of course, if all of this is more than you want to handle, I am available to custom-design your free-standing drink rail. Simply contact us and we’ll provide you with everything you’ll need.

Photo of Con-Tech LED Pendant Lighting
Photo of Con-Tech LED Pendant Lighting

WHAT ARE THE OTHER ADVANTAGES OF LED ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING?

How about this for an over-the-top bar lighting idea – the LED backlit bar! LED architectural lighting is so efficient that we can place it behind a sealed bar front (as shown in the photo below) that we don’t have to worry about servicing it! Consider the following:

  • First, the life of the average LED bulb is 50,000 hours. This means that if you operated it 12 hours every day, year-round, you wouldn’t have to change the trim (remember that the bulb is an integral part of the LED trim) for nearly 11.5 years!
  • Secondly, illumination produced by LED lighting is nearly double that of its incandescent counterpart. The reason for this is because LED lighting is considered point-source lighting, meaning that the lighting it delivers a more highly-concentrated than an incandescent lamp, which utilizes a built-in reflector to amplify the light source.
  • Additionally, LED lighting requires substantially less power to operate, it produces considerably less heat.
  • For nightclubs and bars, LED lighting is the only way to meet or exceed the federal energy requirement of 1Watt / sq.ft.
  • Because of its inherent efficiency, LED lighting currently costs less than half to operate and maintain than conventional lighting. This will continually improve, as the cost of LED lighting is constantly decreasing.
Photo of Backlit LED Bar
LED backlit bar using architectural glass

WHAT ARE SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PURCHASING LED LIGHTING?

Even though the light source is different with LED lighting, there are some things to know about lighting, in general. Here are a few things to know:

  • As I mentioned earlier, every architectural lighting fixture consists of two components: 1). the housing (which sits above the ceiling), and 2). the trim (the part you see). There are generally four types of housings, but the best overall housing, in my opinion, is the remodeling housing. The remodeling housing enables you to locate the exact position of the fixture at the time you install the trim. The reason this is such an advantage is because if you use a “new construction housing,” or any of the other housings (all of which mount between framing members), you are wholly-committed to your position – and even the smallest mistake cannot be reversed without a “remodeling session”. I’ve never met an electrical contractor who doesn’t love remodeling housings.
  • Just as with all forms of conventional lighting, LED lighting is manufactured in a variety of “color” ranges. That is, white light sources are described as “warm, midrange and cool,” and each has its place in a commercial setting. I describe this in greater detail in a previous post regarding locker room lighting and general bar and nightclub lighting design, below.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOME TOP BAR LIGHTING IDEAS

Here are a few of my recommendations for LED lighting for nightclubs and bars:

  • For track and pendant lighting, Con-Tech is my favorite, with numerous fixtures, shades and trims.
  • I like using 4” and 6” recessed cans for the majority of nightclub and bar applications, and Con-Tech is my first choice.
  • For a high-output recessed fixture, consider Liton’s new 1200 lumen 3” and 4” fixtures; the 19W option proclaims a lamp life 15X that of a traditional MR16 lamp. The cut sheet for this product can be downloaded below.
  • For mini-LED lighting, try Numinus’ “Spectracan,” a 2” recessed RGB LED fixture (shown above, right). You can download the cut sheet below.
Photo of Numinus LED Spectracan Mini Recessed Lighting
Photo of Numinus LED Spectracan Mini Recessed Lighting

Need Help with your bar plans?

Designing a bar can be time-consuming and frustrating. Contact us today for your free consultation!
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RICK UZUBELL

President of Cabaret Design Group, Rick holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, and is a F&B consultant and well-known bar design expert with years of experience serving hotels, restaurants, sports bars and destination bars. He has developed a command of bar design solutions involving ergonomics, equipment, systems and finishes that bridges the "Gray Zone" between interior designers and architects. He's also a champion of ADA design in commercial bar applications. Through his unique architectural engineering approach he calls "Integrated Bar Design," Rick solves complex bar design challenges beyond the expertise of typical design professionals. His proudest achievements include curved bar design solutions using the modular bar die system and steel as a core design element. As a commercial bar design specialist, Rick has cutting-edge knowledge of draft beer systems, liquor systems, keg room design and batch cocktail systems. He will add significant value to any commercial bar design project. Rick is a proud member of the F&B consortium known as the "Magnificent 7". Additionally, he has authored nearly 100 articles and 80 YouTube videos on the topic of bar design, and these can be found on his Cabaret Design Group website and @bardesigners YouTube channel. Today, Rick's influence extends across the U.S., Canada, and various offshore applications.
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Sam Winer, audio and video specialist for security-integrated food and beverage consulting

Sam Winer

AV + Security Specialist | President,
WinStar Video Security

Sam Winer leads WinStar Video Security with over 20 years of experience designing and installing advanced surveillance, audio, and communications systems for restaurants, bars, and QSR chains. His firm delivers HD, AI-powered security systems, immersive AV experiences, and cellular signal boosting that meets the demands of modern hospitality venues.

From single-unit lounges to high-volume chains, Sam’s work focuses on guest experience, loss prevention, and operational reliability. He’s known for helping operators select the right systems — then install and maintain them for long-term performance.

Sam is a trusted integrator for projects that require technical precision and rock-solid uptime — whether building from scratch, upgrading legacy systems, or opening at scale.

James Farley, structural engineer supporting food and beverage design for commercial hospitality builds

James Farley, PE, SE

Structural Engineer | Owner,
MC Squared, Inc.

James Farley is a licensed structural engineer with deep experience designing commercial buildings across the U.S. He is the owner and principal at MC Squared, Inc., where he leads structural design for a wide range of mid-rise hospitality, retail, and mixed-use projects.

James specializes in turning complex architectural visions into sound, code-compliant structures. His work spans steel, wood, concrete, and hybrid systems — and he’s known for his speed, clarity, and ability to collaborate closely with design teams to support aesthetics without compromising performance.

Licensed in multiple states, including Washington and Arkansas, James plays a vital role in bar and restaurant projects that demand both technical integrity and visual impact.

Garrett Lennon, foodservice design consultant for healthcare, higher ed, and hospitality projects

Garrett Lennon

Design Consultant | President,
JLR Design Group

Garrett Lennon brings over 20 years of experience across foodservice operations, kitchen design, and consulting. As President and Principal of JLR Design Group, he leads projects in hospitality, healthcare, higher education, and institutional environments — where functionality, compliance, and guest satisfaction must align.

With a background in both management and engineering, Garrett excels at bridging frontline realities with technical performance. His team is known for translating operational needs into layouts that perform day after day, year after year.

Whether supporting a hospital kitchen upgrade, a campus dining overhaul, or a high-volume hospitality venue, Garrett focuses on designs that last — clean, compliant, and centered on the user experience.

Dylan Halaszynski, food hall design expert and compliance-driven food and beverage consultant

Dylan Halaszynski

Food Hall Specialist | Founder,
Bayard FSD

Dylan Halaszynski launched Bayard Food Service Design with a singular goal: to bring sharp technical fluency to the complex world of nontraditional foodservice models. His work focuses on unique formats like food halls, shared prep kitchens, and market-style dining — where code compliance and creative layouts must coexist.

With a background in construction management and boutique consulting, Dylan’s superpower is translating regulatory code into efficient, scalable spaces. He’s worked closely with Departments of Health across multiple U.S. jurisdictions and is known for identifying and solving challenges that would stall less experienced teams.

As an FCSI professional, Dylan pairs technical credibility with a next-gen mindset. He’s a go-to strategist for clients exploring urban revitalization projects, hospitality incubators, and unconventional culinary concepts — helping them move quickly, stay compliant, and stand out.

Kevin Moll, hospitality advisor and multi-unit food and beverage consultant

Kevin Moll

Hospitality Advisor | President,
Restaurant Consulting Services

Kevin Moll is a 39-year hospitality veteran, known for his unmatched insight into startup strategy, turnaround planning, and talent acquisition. As President of Restaurant Consulting Services, Inc. and its sister company Restaurant Recruiting Pros, he delivers full-spectrum solutions — from concept to culture.

His operational experience spans World’s Fair-scale foodservice, multi-unit ownership, and high-performance recruiting. He’s been featured on ABC’s Nightline, authored two books, and founded “Mystery Shoppers,” a global brand trusted by operators worldwide.

Kevin blends street-smart practicality with boardroom-level advisory, making him an invaluable partner to entrepreneurs, executives, and investors alike. Whether launching a new brand or revitalizing an underperforming venue, his work bridges hospitality intuition with data-driven execution — unlocking growth where others see obstacles.

Lu Schildmeyer, restaurant and bar design specialist with deep expertise in foodservice facility consulting

Lu Schildmeyer

FCSI Designer | Founder,
LU S Design Associates

Lu Schildmeyer has shaped more than 2,800 hospitality environments across the U.S. and Canada — including over 700 restaurants and 600 bars. With nearly four decades of experience in foodservice facility design, custom stainless steel millwork, and health code compliance, Lu is a trusted specialist for operators who demand technical precision and operational fluidity.

His work spans every segment of the hospitality industry — from boutique bistros to high-volume entertainment venues — where performance, durability, and code alignment must all coexist. Known for practical layouts and forward-thinking BOH integration, Lu brings peace of mind to architects, developers, and chefs who want their kitchens to run as smoothly as their dining rooms.

As an FCSI member, Lu blends aesthetic coordination with engineer-grade accuracy. His shop drawings are regarded as gold standard in foodservice environments, and his ability to anticipate permitting, clearance, and sanitation requirements has saved clients time, risk, and rework at every stage of the build.

Craig Pendleton, food and beverage consultant with a focus on tribal gaming and high-performance dining operations

Craig Pendleton

F & B Consultant | Founder,
National Foodservice Consulting

With more than 50 years in the food and beverage industry, Craig Pendleton brings unmatched operational insight to every project he touches. From national brands to independent operators, his advisory work is grounded in deep experience and a no-nonsense approach to profitability, workflow, and guest experience.

Over the past three decades, Craig has helped launch more than 100 successful venues — including restaurants, casinos, and specialty dining concepts across the U.S. His consulting engagements focus on marrying smart design with real-world management, often bridging the gap between creative vision and operational execution.

Craig’s expertise is especially valued in Tribal gaming environments, where sovereignty, cultural fluency, and long-term sustainability must align. He approaches these partnerships with respect, precision, and a commitment to self-determination — creating foodservice strategies that support community goals while optimizing guest satisfaction and fiscal results.

Colin Addley, global construction strategist and food and beverage consultant for hospitality development

COLIN ADDLEY, MCIOB

Construction Strategist | Founder,
ADDMORE Services

Colin Addley is a Chartered Builder (MCIOB) with over 40 years of experience leading complex construction projects across six continents. His expertise spans construction management, quantity surveying, and international development strategy — particularly in hospitality, resorts, and commercial spaces.

As the founder of ADDMORE Services, Colin works with a global network of professionals he’s personally vetted — including quantity surveyors, site engineers, project managers, and planners — all of whom operate with the same rigor and high-performance mindset. He’s directed projects in the UK, UAE, South Africa, Germany, and North America, earning a reputation for precise execution on fast-moving, high-stakes initiatives.

Whether it’s developing a new food hall in Johannesburg, overseeing a hospitality rollout in the Gulf States, or helping U.S. brands expand overseas, Colin brings logistical clarity and on-the-ground insight to every venture. His work consistently blends old-school project discipline with contemporary collaboration — making him a powerhouse for any project that spans borders, teams, or time zones.

Rick Uzubell, bar design expert and food and beverage consultant specializing in integrated bar systems

Rick Uzubell

Bar Design Expert | Founder,
Cabaret Design Group

Rick Uzubell is a recognized authority in commercial bar design — especially in the elusive “Gray Zone” where architecture, code, and performance intersect. As the creator of Integrated Bar Design, he solves complex spatial and system challenges beyond the reach of typical design professionals.

His signature touches — curved bars, modular steel systems, and ADA-first layouts — have shaped elite projects across the U.S., Canada, and offshore markets. With nearly 100 published articles and over 80 YouTube videos, Rick is a prolific voice for smarter, more profitable bar environments.

Rick’s method blends aesthetic flow with compliance-forward spatial logic — resolving the often-overlooked tensions between building codes, bar efficiency, and guest engagement. His modular steel systems have become a calling card for operators who want high-volume throughput without sacrificing service quality or ADA inclusion.

Beyond design, Rick is a thought leader and educator in the hospitality space. His articles and videos have helped thousands of restaurateurs, architects, and consultants rethink the way bars are built — and how they perform.