
private bar, tunbridge wells
Designing a private bar is always about more than just illumination—it’s about crafting an atmosphere that invites you in and holds you there. When we were given the brief for this project, the client asked for a subtle, classic scheme that would also celebrate the drama of the bar’s double-height ceiling. It was a challenge we embraced from the very first sketch.


Design
Outcome
To achieve this, we kept the lighting focused and intentional. Key functional and visual areas were carefully lit, allowing other parts of the space to remain understated and atmospheric. A concealed linear lighting detail traced the upper edges of the room, drawing the eye upward and enhancing the sense of height. This hidden glow not only emphasised the architectural volume but also made the space feel larger and more open.
The bar’s slanted walls introduced a practical challenge: how to fit lighting neatly while maintaining the clean lines of the design. We chose fittings which allowed for the most directionality, allowing light to fall wherever desired. The result was a warm, luxurious sheen on the rich wood finishes, subtly elevating the craftsmanship without overwhelming the ambience.
In the end, the lighting became a quiet but powerful storyteller in the space. It guided the eye, highlighted materials, and framed the architecture, all while maintaining the intimacy a private bar deserves. For us, the success lay in making the lighting feel almost invisible—present only in the way it shaped mood, space, and experience.