Using Digital Signage and Lighting to Enhance the Ambience of Your Bar
Creating the right ambience of your bar is essential for any bar owner. If people don’t like the vibe they will usually simply move on and drink elsewhere. The same is true for a bar.
There are lots of components that go into creating a welcoming and comfortable space for your customers.
For example, comfortable seating, well-placed and attractive tables, a stylish bar, and the right style of décor. But that is not enough to create the right ambience.
Without the right finishing touches, even the most well-appointed bar or club will look bare and uninviting.
How to use digital signage and lighting to enhance the ambience of your bar
1. Look at digital screens as a form of lighting
2. Get the balance between light and dark right
3. Install flexible light fixtures
4. Use lighting to create focal points
5. Using digital screens as light sources and as decorative features
6. Doubling up and using your digital screens for marketing as well
7. The future of digital signage for nightclubs and bars
8. The power of colour psychology in bar design
1. Look at digital screens as a form of lighting
For atmosphere, you need the right type of lighting. Surprisingly, that can include strategically placed digital screens. In a relatively dark bar or club, the light they cast off is highly noticeable.
So, when deciding what type of lighting you want and where you are going to place it, take into account your digital screens too.
Look at your screens as decorative items, you will see why we say both of these things, later in the article.
First, we are quickly going to review how to use lighting to create or enhance the ambience of your bar.
2. Get the balance between light and dark right
Many bar and club owners make the mistake of making their premises too dark.
People like to have a quiet corner to go to, but they also like to see and be seen.
Lighting creates warmth, which is by its very nature welcoming. It makes people want to come in and stay later. But it has to be the right type of lighting.
3. Install flexible light fixtures
You should have the ability to light up all areas, should you wish to do so. Ideally, you want to be able to control how bright or dark each part of your bar is.
You can do that using dimmable light fixtures, or by setting things up so a percentage of the lights can be turned off leaving an area partially lit.
The ability to do this is good for creating cosy pockets of space in an otherwise lively bar.
Somewhere for couples to enjoy a quiet chat and a bit of romance until they fancy getting up onto the dancefloor and having fun in a different way.
4. Use lighting to create focal points
Lighting is a great way to create a focal point. Most bars and clubs choose to light up their bar area more than the rest.
This draws the eye, enables everyone to see what is on offer and tempts people to get up and order a drink. Remember it is human nature to be drawn towards the light.
So the bar area should be more brightly lit than the rest of the room.
You can read more about this, here.
Mix it up:
Contrasting lighting is a great way to delineate areas in a bar or club. This can be done using different types of fixtures, varying the brightness and colour.
If you are not sure what type of lighting you want for your bar or club, you can get some inspiration from this article.
5. Using digital screens as light sources and as decorative features
As we mentioned earlier, digital screens throw off a lot of light, so they need to form a part of your lighting plan. They also have the potential to be used as a decorative feature.
For example, as a picture. The fact that you can display any image you create on them means that you can potentially change that element of your bars ‘décor every day or night.
Grouping them together makes things even more interesting. Creating a screen wall that shows a slideshow, short influencer or music videos instantly makes a space feel more vibrant, which is ideal for creating a party atmosphere.
The ambience of your bar needs to change throughout the day to fit in better with the types of people you have coming in at certain times.
No bar´s lunchtime clientele is anything like their Friday night crowd. Even if the age demographic does not change much, the way people behave and what type of experience they are looking for does.
At lunchtime, people want a meal, maybe one drink and the chance to have a chat with their colleagues or friends while they eat or drink.
So, having your screen wall showing the psychedelic dancing patterns you use at night is a waste of electricity. In daylight, they don´t look that impressive, plus people are just not in the state of mind to enjoy them.
They would probably think it is weird. It is a good idea to create a range of images and short videos that you can switch between depending on the time of day.
Screening music videos or a slideshow of different promos is far more likely to interest daytime customers. Some bars subscribe to streaming services that are used during daylight hours, which usually works out well.
6. Doubling up and using your digital screens for marketing as well
This article has been mainly about using digital screens to create ambience. But don´t forget to also use them for marketing, at appropriate times.
Studies show that people notice and engage with posters that are shown on screens far more than they do paper ones. So, it would be a shame not to use this to your advantage.
Even if you have to buy a couple of new screens to be able to do so. Usually, they will prove to be a worthwhile investment.
The great thing about digital screen advertising is that you can change what is being promoted in an instant.
For example, if a hen party comes in turning your G&T advert off and switching it to a cocktail offer makes a lot of sense. When it comes to advertising, timing is everything.
As much as possible, what is on offer needs to fit in with what the people in your bar or club are most interested in drinking or eating at that particular moment.
7. The future of digital signage for nightclubs and bars
How digital signs for nightclubs, bars and restaurants are put to use is sure to continue to evolve.
Digital media is set to play an increasingly important role in creating the right atmosphere, enabling the venue to stand out from the rest.
As well as for marketing and keeping customers safe and happy. For example, to display safety messages or other information in a noisy bar or club.
Something that many venues did to remind people of the CoVid regulations as they came in.
The more they are used, the more innovative bar, pub, club, and restaurant owners are becoming.
Gone are the days when digital menus were the only thing display screens were used for in bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
8. The power of colour psychology in bar design
Color psychology is a fascinating field that explores the impact of different colors on human emotions and behaviors.
By understanding the psychological associations of various colors, bar owners can strategically use color to create a specific ambiance and enhance the overall experience for their patrons.
For instance, warm colors like red and orange can stimulate appetite and create a sense of energy and excitement.
These colors are ideal for bars that want to encourage social interaction and a lively atmosphere.
On the other hand, cool colors like blue and green can have a calming effect and promote relaxation.
These colors are well-suited for bars that prioritize a more tranquil and intimate setting.
Furthermore, the brightness and saturation of colors can also influence the mood.
Vibrant, high-saturation colors can create a bold and energetic vibe, while softer, pastel hues can evoke a more delicate and sophisticated atmosphere.
By carefully selecting the color palette for your bar’s interior design, you can create a space that not only looks visually appealing but also subconsciously affects the emotions and behaviors of your customers.
Summing up
In today’s competitive bar scene, creating a unique and memorable experience for patrons is paramount.
By strategically utilizing digital signage and lighting, bar owners can elevate their establishments to new heights.
By treating digital screens as dynamic lighting elements, carefully balancing light and dark, and installing flexible lighting fixtures, you can craft an ambiance that resonates with your target audience.
Moreover, using digital screens as both light sources and decorative features allows for endless creative possibilities.
These screens can be used to showcase captivating visuals, enhance the overall aesthetic, and even serve as functional marketing tools.
As technology continues to advance, the future of digital signage in bars and nightclubs holds immense potential.
By embracing innovative solutions and staying ahead of the curve, you can ensure that your bar remains at the forefront of the industry.
