Recessed lighting offers ambient light that is focused on the bar instead of the surrounding area. If you install dimmable recessed lighting, you give yourself more flexibility in terms of how intimate the bar feels.

Select lights with trim that matches your room’s decor, but keep in mind that if you want to make the lighting subtle and limited to the bar area, neutral colors are best. In terms of design, recessed lights offer several possibilities.

Install a few small recessed light fixtures in the ceiling over your liquor display. This highlights the area, and the light reflected in the many colors of liquor and their bottles adds warmth and interest to the space. Under shelves and cabinets, recessed lighting strips can be hidden from view but provide visibility when you need it, without lighting up the whole space.

Recessed lights installed into the bar itself, either along the base or beneath the counter top, are an interesting way to illuminate your bar area.