How High Should Lights Hang Over a Bar Countertop?

Lighting in a bar is a tricky subject. Depending on the bar, and the amount of natural light, the type of lighting and how you are using it affect your environment and will also help determine your customer base. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Types of lighting

The appropriate height of your lighting largely depends upon which type you're using. The most common type of hanging lighting in bars and restaurants is called pendant lighting, and it is considered the most appropriate for hanging above a bar.

Average height

Pendant lighting typically hangs 60 to 80 inches above the ground, depending on the height of your table or counter. Typically pendant lighting hangs about 60 inches above a dining room table and about 72 inches above a bar counter.

Eye level

You want the lights to hang roughly at eye level. Choosing a higher level will ensure that they still hang at eye level for taller guests.

Counter height

If your counters seem much higher than typical counters, you might opt to hang them even higher than 80 inches. The height of your ceilings can also affect your decision, but 72 inches appears to be the average height for pendant lighting over countertops.

Other lighting

You probably don't want chandelier lighting hanging over the bar at all, but lantern lighting can be hung at any level or even be placed on the bar itself.