How to Create the Perfect Pub Lighting Setup

When designing the lighting for a pub or bar, getting the right mix of lighting is essential. The perfect combination of pub lights—including ceiling lights, wall lights, and floor lamps—creates a flexible space that adapts to different moods and customer needs. Whether it’s a cozy corner for quiet drinks, a lively bar area, or a statement-making centerpiece, the right blend of pub lighting ensures your venue looks and feels just right.

In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of layering different types of bar lighting, choosing the right style for your space, and understanding how colour temperature affects the atmosphere.

1. Layering Your Pub Lighting for Flexibility

A well-lit pub or bar doesn’t rely on just one type of lighting. Instead, a carefully planned combination of bar wall lights, ceiling lighting, and accent lights ensures that the space remains both functional and inviting.

Ceiling Lights: Setting the Overall Ambience

Ceiling lighting provides the general illumination that sets the tone for the entire pub. Whether you choose industrial-style pendants, chandeliers, or recessed lighting, the key is to ensure the brightness level matches the purpose of the space. 

Orange Retro Tube Light, £915

In dining or lounge areas, soft, diffused ceiling lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere, while in busier bar areas, brighter overhead lights keep things vibrant and engaging.

Industrial Green Conical Ceiling Lamp, £58

Brass Cage Pendant Light, £320

Wall Lights: Enhancing Atmosphere and Comfort

Bar wall lights play a crucial role in adding warmth and depth to a space. Wall sconces, bulkhead lights, and industrial-style wall sconces can create pools of light that make seating areas feel intimate and inviting. Placing bar wall lights strategically can also highlight architectural features, textured walls, or artwork, adding character and charm to your interior. Wall lights also serve a purpose in areas where you can't hang ceiling fixtures - maybe due to low ceilings.

Caged Wall Tube Light by Aqua Signal, £1020

Vintage Brass Ships Wall Light, £225

Aluminium Bulkhead Light, £180

Using metal conduit to run cables along the walls is ideal where you need additional wall lights. Metal lighting in general is a smart choice for high traffic areas, especially where is might be in reach. They are highly robust lights often with tempered glass to protect the lamp holder, so will stand the test of time.

Oceanic Bronze Wall Light, £225

Floor & Table Lamps: Creating Cozy Zones

Not all lighting needs to be overhead. Floor lamps and table lamps are perfect for pub corners, booths, and lounge areas, providing a softer glow that encourages guests to relax and stay longer. Vintage-style floor lamps or industrial task lamps can add character while also serving a practical purpose.

Viking Industrial Floor Lamp, £375

Perhaps you want to create a feature or destination zone in your pub or bar, why not consider something out of the ordinary like a vintage searchlight? This will get the customers talking and make your pub memorable. 

Bespoke Suez Canal Searchlight, £4200

The key takeaway? A successful pub lighting setup uses a mix of lighting combinations, ensuring the right level of brightness for different areas and the flexibility to change the mood throughout the day.

2. Choosing the Right Style of Pub Lights

Once you’ve decided on the structure of your bar lighting, the next step is selecting a style that complements your venue’s aesthetic.

• Industrial Pub Lights: Think metal pendants, reclaimed factory lighting, and bulkhead wall lights. These fixtures add a raw, authentic feel, perfect for pubs with an urban or warehouse-inspired interior.
• Rustic Bar Lights: If your pub has a country-style or vintage feel, warm brass fittings, caged wall lights, and antique-style bulbs can enhance the cozy aesthetic.
• Modern Bar Lighting: Sleek, minimalist pendant lights and LED strip lighting create a clean, contemporary feel. If your bar has a sophisticated cocktail lounge vibe, modern lighting choices can enhance that polished look.

Choosing the right style of pub lighting not only improves functionality but also reinforces your brand identity, making your venue memorable for customers.

3. Understanding Colour Temperature for the Right Ambience

The colour temperature of your bar lights can completely change the atmosphere of your space. Too white, and the room can feel stark and uninviting. Too warm, and it may feel overly dim or outdated.

• Warm White (2700K–3000K): Creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere ideal for relaxed seating areas, dining spaces, and classic pubs.
• Neutral White (3500K–4000K): Offers a balance between warmth and clarity, making it ideal for bar areas and social spaces where visibility is important.
• Cool White (5000K+): Gives a brighter, sharper look, often used in modern or industrial-style venues that want a vibrant, energetic feel.

Using a combination of different colour temperatures within the same venue can help define separate spaces—for example, a warm glow for seating areas and a slightly cooler tone for the main bar. Dimmer switches are also an excellent way to adjust lighting levels to match the time of day or special events.

Why Choose Us for Your Pub and Bar Lighting?

At Loomlight, we are specialists in vintage and industrial lighting, supplying high-quality, high volume, restored fixtures that bring timeless style to any venue. Our expertise in sourcing and restoring reclaimed light fixtures ensures that every piece we offer is modernised for modern interiors and is supplied with CE Certified components.

We work with pub and bar owners, interior designers, and architects to source and supply lighting for the hospitality industry that are not only functional but also elevate the aesthetic of a space. Whether you're looking for authentic vintage lighting or industrial-style pub lights, we can help you create a stunning and flexible lighting design.

Get the Perfect Pub Lighting for Your Venue

If you’re looking for bar lighting that combines style, functionality, and longevity, we’d love to help. Browse our collection of pub lights today or get in touch with our team for expert advice.