Everyone’s got an ideal type. Horseshoe shaped, L-shaped, Square shaped...we’re talking about bar types right? Bars are just like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. Strategically, there’s no real science as to what kind of bar is best for your unique commercial interior, other than what will actually fit into the space. If you’re beginning a completely new build project, you have the great luxury of building around your bar to make a statement if you choose. If you are moving into an already existing space with a bar that needs to be replaced or trying to cut construction costs, you still have some good options too. While anything is possible, there are a few core bar shapes that designers most commonly utilize.

Straight

Straight bars are a traditional, linear shape with one to no returns to the wall.

Cost: Typically, the most cost effective bar shape as there are no angles.

Advantages:

Possible double entry and exit points for the bartender.
Can fit into any space.
No seams (from connecting corners) equal a cleaner bar surface.

Disadvantages:

Encourages less social interaction due to no corners-patrons all face the same way.

Mathews Brewing Company | Lake Worth, FL

L-Shaped

Also linear shaped, with one corner end that usually returns to a wall. One of the most common bar shapes.

Cost: Still low cost as there is only one angle, but not the cheapest.

Advantages:

Can fit into most every space.
Offers one intimate corner where two patrons can face each other.

Disadvantages:

None that we can think of, though there may be for a certain situation. This is probably one of our favorite and most versatile bar shapes, offering a little bit of the best of all the other basic bar shapes.

Horseshoe/ U-Shaped

This is a medium to large sized bar in a Horseshoe or U-shape, as the name suggests.

Cost: Moderate. Any kind of curved angle is always going to cost a bit more than a straight edge. Straight edges can reduce costs but since there is more bar footage, there is more bar to build.

Advantages:

Smooth bartender management.
Patrons can get a complete view of the bar and all the action.
If you’re on a curved corner, two patrons can almost face each other.

Disadvantages:

Requires ample space.

Square

This all encompassing bar is one continual shape, either square or rounded.

Cost: Moderate to high. There are three to four corners to connect and it usually takes up the most space, meaning more bar to build.

Advantages:

Takes up the most space. If the intention is to fill up all the space though, this is the best choice.
Offers the most seating.
Offers three to four intimate corners where two patrons can face each other.

Disadvantages:

Takes up the most space. If you’re not looking to commit all of your interior space to all bar, this may not be the best choice.

Choosing a bar shape is a pretty important step and a good beginning, but there are so many other design elements to consider along with the bar shape. While you’re deciding the bar shape, a couple of other technical elements to keep in mind are:

Equipment: How much equipment will you be housing inside the bar frame? Also, consider liquor storage and whether you will be having a back bar or liquor cage system to accommodate your inventory if you’re not storing within the bar frame.
Space: The general rule for spacing is that every 2 feet is one person. Less than that can make patrons feeling cramped. If you’ve got Horseshoe or Square bar taste but Straight or L-shaped square footage, your choices become slightly more limited.
Island: Does your bar area require an island for storage or POS systems? Straight and L-shaped bars don’t lend themselves to island allowance but Horseshoe and Square bars do.
Bar Seats: Are you only allotted so many seats at your bar due to capacity or other establishment byline? This can mean Horseshoe and Square bar dreams are out of the realm of possibility.

Inside Corners: If you’re a real innovator and want a custom shape that doesn’t exist, be mindful of inside corners. These are tricky because the adequate 2 foot spacing becomes a larger gap for that corner and you lose a bit of space. Also, this seat makes it more difficult for patrons to interact with anyone on either side of them as they will essentially be behind the inside corner and facing away.

No matter the stage you’re at in the build out phase, we’ve definitely got some great ideas and technical insights to make your bar area dreams come true. All bars are our type and we’d love to help you design and build the perfect social setting for your patrons. Contact us to discuss your project and how we can make your commercial interior stand out from the rest.

What's Your (Bar) Type?

Straight

L-Shaped

Horseshoe/ U-Shaped

Square

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