ARCHITECTURAL GLASS FOR BAR AND NIGHTCLUB DESIGN

Photo of Backlit LED Bar

Architectural glass is always a material I enjoy using in design and clients are often inquiring about high-value solutions when redesigning their clubs.

As quickly as technology grows, the list of alternative materials grows as well. It’s true that many of us are bottom-line driven, looking for the “value-solution”. However, investing a bit more upfront will sometimes save you more money later when you consider durable materials which don’t need to be replaced as frequently. Today I’ll discuss the features to consider when purchasing architectural glass for your night club or bar, including features, applications and pricing. 

WHAT IS ARCHITECTURAL GLASS?

When it comes to material selection for durable surfaces, a popular choice of mine is architectural glass. While you may wonder exactly what this is, you see it every day in decorative shower doors and as part of commercial buildings, such as mirrored window assemblies. Architectural glass comes in many forms and is classified by secondary operations such as heat-treating (annealing, tempering, etc.) and laminating. The technical discussion of architectural glass becomes complicated very quickly, but for the sake of this discussion I’m going to focus on the type with which I frequently work in club design: laminated glass. Laminated glass is the process of joining two or more layers of glass together with one or more layers of PVB1 under heat and pressure. Typically, the individual panels of a laminated glass assembly are annealed or tempered, depending on the application.

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PHOTO OF REFLECTIVE ARCHITECTURAL GLASS

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON APPLICATIONS FOR ARCHITECTURAL GLASS IN NIGHTCLUB AND BAR DESIGN?

 

The world of laminated architectural glass is a world unto itself when we consider the myriad of combinations, which I will explain later. The applications are plentiful, limited only by the imagination. I commonly use architectural glass in the following applications:

  • Bar Facades

Talk about “WOW-factor!” What I’m talking about are the illuminated bars you see in high-end nightclubs. Depending on the nature of the laminated assembly and position and nature of the light source, the possibilities are virtually endless. We use this in our LED bar, shown in the photo below.

  • Storefront

Often times I use laminated glass in the lobbies of nightclubs. This application, which utilizes an additional interlayer (such as a fine, sparkling wire mesh) provides an interesting visual effect to patrons both inside the club and inside the lobby as it randomly reflects light on one side while creating a hazy screen on the other.

  • Custom Balustrades

Similar to the glass used in storefront applications, balustrade panels consisting of tempered laminated glass with an interlayer consisting of a digital print

Backlit architectural glass for bar fronts
PHOTO OF BACKLIT ARCHITECTURAL GLASS FOR BAR FRONT

WHAT CUSTOM OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

The virtually-endless configurations of laminated glass panels is a designer’s delight:

  • The glass itself is available in numerous colors and textures.
  • As mentioned above, the interlayer[3] can also include digital images, wood veneers, textiles, Japanese paper, aluminum meshes, natural stones and lenticular and holographic patterns.
  • Laminated glass pricing (material only) begins at about $40 per square foot, depending on quantity.

STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN ORDERING ARCHITECTURAL GLASS

A word of caution is in order. As with all finishes, architectural glass should be ordered after all ‘rough-in’ work has been completed, i.e., at the same time you would commonly order other finish materials, after the rough inspection. The companies that fabricate architectural glass work through an approval process which includes shop drawings that must be signed-off at the time of placing the order. Suffice it to say that it is imperative to double-check your field dimensions before signing-off.

At an investment of at least $40/sq.ft., your budget may be challenged, but the investment isn’t as significant as one may think when considering aesthetics and longevity. 

Of course, everyone has a budget which sometimes necessitates making short-term tradeoffs. Be careful when weighing all the alternatives, as prudent night club design is really measured over the long-haul.


Related Posts:

Top 5 Wall Covering Ideas & Tips for Bar & Nightclub Design

 


1. PVB (polyvinyl butyral), is a clear bonding agent called an “interlayer”, applied between adjacent layers of glass; when tempered laminated glass breaks the PVB interlayer prevents the bonded layers of glass from breaking apart and remaining largely intact.

2. It is always advisable to have a couple of spare replacement panels on-hand.

3. In addition to the PVB bonding agent.

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RICK UZUBELL

Rick Uzubell – President, Cabaret Design Group Rick Uzubell is the President of Cabaret Design Group and one of the most respected voices in commercial bar design today. A Purdue-trained mechanical engineer turned hospitality consultant, Rick has spent years shaping hotels, restaurants, sports bars, and destination venues with a design philosophy he calls Integrated Bar Design—a method that bridges the gray zone between architects and interior designers. His expertise runs deep: ergonomics, equipment planning, ADA compliance, and finishes that marry durability with elegance. Rick is best known for solving complex challenges others can’t touch—from curved bars crafted with modular steel cores to next-gen systems for draft beer, keg rooms, liquor dispensing, and batched cocktails. Each solution balances artistry with engineering precision, saving operators money while elevating guest experience. Beyond his projects, Rick has built a global reputation as both educator and thought leader. He is a founding member of the hospitality consortium known as the Magnificent 7, and the author of more than 100 published articles and 80 YouTube videos on bar design. His work and insights are followed across the U.S., Canada, and international markets, making him a trusted guide for owners who want to get their bar design right the first time.
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Sam Winer, audio and video specialist for security-integrated food and beverage consulting

Sam Winer

AV + Security Specialist | President,
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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,
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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.