There’s so much more to a bar than just the drinks it serves; and as such, a given drinking establishment’s success is reliant on a wide variety of factors. One of the most instant determiners of whether a potential customer will stay, or take their custom elsewhere, is the design of the bar’s interior. The comfort and/or novelty of such a design will also play a large part in the ongoing popularity of the bar; the best continue to keep customer engaged and loyal for years to come.
We’ve scoured the internet for some of the finest, most exciting bar designs around, to provide you with inspiration; as well as a demonstration of how far you can go with a good idea. We’ve included some of our favourites below:
OZONE
Billed as the highest bar in the world, OZONE sits on top of the International Commerce Centre, and is not content to sit on its laurels in that regard; featuring a striking, unique interior design. The colour palette chosen for OZONE, a blend of rich golds, white marble and sleek blacks, serves as an excellent complement to the heavily angular, geometric design work. OZONE is simultaneously futuristic and relaxing, with every element of its design furthering this sensation, from angular black and gold seating, to the cold marble tables.
Mr. Fogg’s of Mayfair
Every aspect of Mr Fogg’s of Mayfair is designed to evoke Victorian England, from the seating utilised, to the drinks served, to the penny farthings hanging from the ceiling. Indeed, this establishment serves as a shining example of what can be achieved with a consistently implemented theme.
Much can be extrapolated from such attention to detail, and not just in regards to a Victorian theme; a variety of thematic ideas can be expressed via the canny use of props and the correct furnishings; from rustic charm to classic American diner. All that’s needed is imagination, and the confidence to follow through on the initial concept.
Topolski bar
Another example of a simple idea, well executed. The Topolski gallery-café-bar-venue is a tribute to its namesake, Polish artist Feliks Topolski, and serves (as its full title suggests) as a gallery of his work, as well as a fine drinking establishment. As a result, the design of the bar is kept relatively simple, allowing for the artwork on display to be the star of the show, as it very much should be!
This focussed approach to internal design results in a very relaxed, yet still exciting feeling; safe in the knowledge that the art, food and drink on offer are ample to satisfy the needs of customers. This approach is a great one for aspiring venue owners, ensuring that the bank doesn’t need to be broken on furnishings, while still providing customers with a novel experience.
Nothing happens for a reason
Despite being dismantled after a limited display run within Turku’s Logomo Café in 2011, the ‘Nothing happens for a reason’ art installation and bar/café show just what can be achieved with a simple design, and a lot of dedication! Something as unique as the ‘Nothing happens for a reason’ installation can be created with just white and black paint (and a splash of orange), and a not-inconsiderable amount of skill; yet brought in many customers due its unique composition, with every element of the bar, furniture to walls, serving the same singular design.
H.R. Giger Museum Bar
Perhaps a bit more striking than most bar owners are looking for; the suggestive, biomechanical designs of H.R. Giger provide a truly unique drinking environment. While certainly an extreme example, the H.R. Giger Museum Bar leaves a lasting impression, and shows just what you can achieve with an uncompromising design aesthetic.
With a design choice this unique, every element of the bar is aimed at furthering its effect, from the soft, predominantly natural lighting, to the unique fridge doors. With the budget to do so, this kind of single-minded, well executed aesthetic is hard to beat!