There’s something special about a well-designed wine bar. It’s not just a place to enjoy a glassit’s a space that draws people in, sparks conversation, and encourages you to take a moment to slow down. At Jordan Guide Design, we love creating environments that feel intentional and a little indulgent. A wine barwhether it’s tucked into a private residence or built for a full-scale hospitality conceptoffers a unique canvas to do precisely that.

Here’s how we think about designing wine bars that are stylish, functional, and effortlessly atmospheric.

1. Lighting: The First Ingredient in the Mood

Good lighting is non-negotiable. It shapes how a room feels before anyone even notices the furniture.

In a wine bar setting, we layer lighting to soften the edges and pull focus to what mattersconversation, the wine itself, and the experience. Think:

• Dimmable pendants over the bar for drama without glare
• LED strips inside shelves or niches for a subtle glow
• Low, warm ambient lighting (2700K3000K) to flatter every pour
• Art spotlights that double as mood enhancers

Design Note: Want wine bottles to feel like works of art? Add a soft backlightit’s simple, but powerful.

2. Materials That Tell a Story

Forget fleeting trends. A great wine bar should feel grounded, timeless, and tactile. We gravitate toward materials that age well and invite touch:

• Reclaimed wood adds warmth and narrative
• Honed stone, like soapstone or marble, provides durability and elegance
• Hand-applied plaster finishes offer depth and old-world charm
• Brass or iron accents bring contrast without over-polishing the look

The result is a space that feels collectednot showroom-perfect, but lived-in in all the right ways.

3. Storage That Works (and Looks Good)

Storage in a wine bar isn’t just functionalit’s also visually appealing.

Whether we’re designing for a sleek city tasting room or a cozy basement bar, the way bottles and glassware are displayed makes a huge difference. Some go-to approaches:

• Floor-to-ceiling racks as a design centerpiece
• Floating wood shelves for a modern edge
• Cubby-style niches built right into the architecture
• A rotating “featured wine” area with a chalkboard or brass-framed signage

For commercial spaces, refrigerated displays should be integratednot stuck in as an afterthought.

4. Seating That Slows Things Down

Drinking wine is rarely rushedand your seating should reflect that.

• Banquettes are perfect for stretching out and lingering over a second glass
• Curved lounge chairs invite conversation and soften the space
• At home, a small bistro table turns any corner into a tasting zone
• Mix in textures like leather, velvet, or boucle for added warmth

Pro Tip: Layout is everything. We always try to create “conversation clusters”groups of 24 seats that feel both cozy and social.

5. Choosing the Right Palette

Wine bar interiors can lean boldand we love that. Rich tones feel especially appropriate here, and they age well.

• Deep reds and burgundies echo the wine itself and wrap the room in warmth
• Earthy greens and terracottas ground the space and pair beautifully with natural woods
• Charcoal or black adds a sleek, moody backdrop (especially effective with metallics)

The trick is balance. Pair dark walls with lighter textures, warm lighting, or organic accents to create a space that feels inviting, not heavy.

6. The Details That Make It Yours

This is where the space becomes personal. The right accessories transform a wine bar from functional to unforgettable:

• Framed vintage labels or moody abstract artwork
• Oversized ceramic planters with olive or rosemary plants
• A small record player or curated sound system
• Rugs, drapery, or upholstered walls for softness and sound control
• Signature scent via a diffuser or subtle candle

Design is sensory. The more layers you can addvisually and experientiallythe better.

7. Don’t Overlook Acoustics

Nothing kills ambiance faster than poor sound quality. We pay close attention to materials that support acoustics:

• Upholstered furniture helps dampen sharp echoes
• Wall art with acoustic paneling behind it serves double duty
• In commercial settings, we often install fabric-wrapped ceilings or baffles for clarity without killing vibe

You want energy, but you don’t wish to noise fatigue. The sweet spot is conversational without being chaotic.

Final Word

A wine bar should feel like an experiencewhether it’s a corner of your home or the heart of your business. It’s where design and emotion meet: a space to unwind, host, or celebrate.

At Jordan Guide Design, we specialize in spaces that reflect the people who use them. If you’re thinking about creating or redesigning a wine bar, we’d love to collaborate.

Let’s raise a glass to beautiful design.