As an electrical contractors houston experienced in designing lighting systems for many types of public venues in Houston and other cities in Texas, we are often consulted by architects and owners to design multi-zone illumination systems for bars and clubs.
Outside of budget constraints, these projects often boil down to style and color palette. Here is a framework we could use for a new bar to open its doors in downtown Houston, a very “hip” and “Boho chic” area with a vibrant nightlife.
General specifications for the site
Our design explains how we would light booth areas and the main bar area to create “isolated micro-zones” where patrons can feel they are in a private space where they can converse at ease.
The bar area will be L-shaped. The booth areas will also be L-shaped alongside two of the bar walls. On the opposite side of the booth area, there will be a 1000 sq. ft. dance floor with a movable stage that will have their own separate lighting systems.
Our project framework gives some details on how we intend to create the “micro-zone” lighting, the overhead lighting for the bar area, and the lighting systems for the dance floor and the stage area.
Based on the bar owners’ basic instruction set, we propose a color palette based on teal blue, and we explain how this color palette will be laid out throughout the bar.
Micro-zone lighting for booth areas
We will create an intimate and private feel using low-level pendant lighting. Each booth will have its own adjustable pendant lights that are separately switchable to allow the level of light to be controlled individually in each booth. This will create a sense of isolation and allow patrons to adjust the lighting to their preference.
For the fixtures, we will use mini-pendant lights with sleek, contemporary lines, and a bronze or gold finish. These lights will have an industrial aesthetic with exposed bulbs but softened with a warm, amber tint to avoid harshness.
For the uplighting, we plan on installing it from the bottom of the booths or from the floor.We would use compact, discrete fixtures with a similar finish that blend seamlessly into the booth structure. The uplighting can utilize warm white LED bulbs to contrast subtly with the cooler pendant lights, creating depth.
The combination of pendant and uplighting will create a “micro-zone” effect, separating each booth from the others.
Overhead lighting for the bar area
The L-shaped bar will feature a mix of recessed lighting and hanging pendant lights. Recessed lighting provides general ambient lighting, and the hanging lights focus the lighting on the bar counter, drawing attention to the bar itself. This multi-level lighting will provide a well-lit space without being overly harsh or bright.
The pendant lights will be spaced strategically over the bar, and the bulbs will be covered with blue-tinted glass shades, echoing the teal color scheme and casting a calming, cool glow over the bar area. These lights could be controlled separately for better adjustment to the mood and time of day.The pendant lights will be modern in style, with a nod to mid-century design, featuring long, slender structures and teal-tinted glass shades that create an inviting glow. They would preferably have a matching bronze or gold finish to the booth lights for consistency.
For the recessed lighting, we will use LED down-lights with a clean, minimalist look that blends into the ceiling.
Lighting System for the Dance Floor and Stage
The dance floor will have its own dynamic LED lighting system integrated into the ceiling and potentially into the floor. This will allow for changing colors and patterns, creating an energetic and fun atmosphere for dancing. The color teal will be one of the primary colors in the LED palette to match the rest of the bar.
The stage area should have professional stage lighting which includes spotlights, floodlights, and possibly colored LED lights for effect. The LED spotlights and floodlights can be housed in modern casings that look stylish and unimposing. These lights will need to be adjustable, so the stage can be well lit when in use and dim when not in use.
Color Palette
The main color for the bar will be a rich teal blue, which can be introduced in different areas such as the seating upholstery in the booths, the pendant light covers over the bar, and elements of the dance floor lighting. Complementary colors like bronze or gold can be used in the light fixtures, and neutral tones like dark brown or black can be used in other furnishings and bar accessories to provide a contrast.
The combination of teal blue lighting, bronze/gold accents, and a strategic lighting design will create a stylish and inviting environment that supports both intimate conversation and lively entertainment. This design proposal is flexible and can be adjusted as needed to meet your specific preferences and needs.
In the booth areas, the pendant lights will use warm white bulbs, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The uplighting can utilize slightly cooler white bulbs for contrast.
The overhead bar lights will use bulbs with a cooler color temperature, and the teal-tinted shades will cast a tranquil, blue glow over the bar.
The dance floor and stage will primarily use full-spectrum RGB LEDs, allowing for complete control over color. We’ll pre-program a palette of colors focused around teal and complementary colors, creating a dynamic and fun atmosphere without clashing with the overall bar aesthetic.
We believe our design framework will give the venue the overall upscale look that attracts a discerning clientele during week and weekend evenings and nights
Changing the color palette during daylight
Patrons expect a different ambience during the day, so how do we cater to their expectations? All the electric system is designed to allow for dimming and color changes. The owners will set the level of lighting and the colors that they think preferable. Here are some scenarios.
The venue will be open from 11 am, so we will start there.
11 AM to 2 PM
During this time, we suggest amplifying the natural light coming from outside to create a refreshing and welcoming environment.
In the booth areas, we will dim the pendant lights and have the uplighting on full to brighten the space subtly. The color temperature of the LEDs can be modified and set to a cooler, natural daylight color.
The overhead lights at the bar can be partially dimmed to keep the area comfortably lit without being overly bright. The color temperature should be kept cool to match the natural daylight outside.
The dance floor lights would be off or very dim during the day unless there is an event. If they’re on, they should be set to a cool, natural color to match the rest of the lighting.
From 2 PM to 5 PM
As the afternoon progresses, the lighting can transition to create a different environment. The booth area lights can be dimmed further, and the color temperature of the LEDs can be gradually made warmer to create a cozy, inviting feel.
The overhead lights at the bar can also be dimmed, and the color temperature can be changed to a warmer color.
The dance floor lights can start to incorporate more colors as the evening progresses, with a focus on warmer colors and a gradual introduction of the cooler teal color that’s the theme of the bar.
