LED LIGHTING TIPS FOR BAR AND NIGHTCLUB DESIGN

Cabaret Design Group

In an earlier post about architectural LED lighting (refer below), we discussed that many nightclubs today dedicate a great deal of financial resources to lighting. Lighting accentuates the club’s façade, guides people into the club, entertains them with theatrical lighting and video display panels. Lighting also enables patrons to adequately see stairways and creates the club’s ambiance with architectural lighting.

We also acknowledged that LED is emerging as the frontrunner for the foreseeable future. It has extremely long lamp life and low operational cost. With the cost being continually reduced, LED lighting has found its way into every corner of nearly every type of lighting in casinos, nightclubs and bars. Obviously, there are many considerations and much to know.

CREATIVE LED LIGHTING DESIGN FOR EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS

It’s always important to have signage that is legible and attracts the eye.

We’ve all seen nightclubs whose façades are merely nothing more than a “door-in-a-wall.” How appealing is that? An illuminated sign, such as the one shown to the right (compliments of TPR Enterprises, LTD (TPR)), will always catch the eye – adding color always helps. The upper portion of this sign is an RGB[1] linear fixture, while the lower portion (“bar,” “club,” and “grill”) is in a cool white. The opportunity to introduce color-changing often leads lighting designers to go overboard, leading them to flash it like a rainbow. In this particular instance, the club owner simply set the color each night (via a programmable controller) to represent a certain event: light blue was designated for dining hours, pink was ladies’ night, etc. This concept can also be used for high-powered LED wall-washers on the club’s exterior.

LED lighting has also found its way to exterior wall washers. The photo below, right depicts the TPR high-power RGB wall washer, which is capable of projecting light (in a vertical fashion) up the facade of a 10 story building. 

Photo of Exterior LED Wall Washer Lighting
Photo of Exterior LED Wall Washer Lighting

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS WITH EXTERIOR LIGHTING

When using a color-changing system, it is important to understand the basics of how lighting works. Color-changing lighting works best on surfaces that have a light color finish. According to TPR’s Paul Benton, “I can’t count the times people have asked me to design an RGB system and when I receive the drawings, the wall in question is composed of red brick; this simply will not work, so remember that it’s always better to have a light (off-white or beige) surface and allow the lighting to paint it for you.”

Photo of Prada LED Side-Lit Channel Sign
Photo of Prada LED Side-Lit Channel Sign

SOME PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR LED LIGHTING IN EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS 

Don’t Go Overboard!

Don’t be afraid to mix white light on task surfaces with surrounding colors, but be careful where you use colored lighting. Paul Benton tells this story: “I worked on a restaurant in LA that used nothing but color-changing flood lights in the dining area. The very first customer ordered salmon and as the lighting changed colors, his fish went from red-to-brown-to-black and he simply wouldn’t eat it! This could have been alleviated with pendant lighting over the table, shedding white light on the surface.”

ONLY PUT LIGHTING WHERE YOU NEED IT

With respect to LED’s, as I said in my earlier post, contrast is the key. There is nothibg wrong with leaving areas dark while illuminating other areas – specifically, areas that you want to highlight. You will notice in the adjacent photo that there is not a great deal of extraneous lighting. The product used in this application is TPR’s “Westflex” family of extremely low voltage LED strip lights. This is available in warm white, cool white and color-changing (RGB) for both indoor or IP67 washable exterior applications. These strips can be cut in 2” increments.

Photo of LED Contrast Lighting
Photo of LED Contrast Lighting

Be Creative

LED’s and other forms of lighting can be used in conjunction with a variety of products, such as sculpted glass, architectural fabric, frosted glass, acrylics, etc. The photo shown at right features LED strips behind frosted glass.

Photo of LED Strip Lighting in Architectural Ceiling
Photo of LED Strip Lighting in Architectural Ceiling

Use a Variety of Lighting

Mix it up with white light and colors and various form factors of the lights themselves. For instance, use linear lighting to accent linear features in the club (soffits, under bar tops, drink rails, etc.), flexible strips for circular tables and floods / spots where you need them the most.

 

1. RGB is an acronym for “red,” “green,” and “blue,” the most common colored lights used to form white light, and the method of mixing them is known as multi-color white LED’s. Ostensibly, this is what is used to produce the color-changing LED lighting we use today.

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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,
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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,
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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.