Guide to Architectural Metal for Bars & Hospitality

By Dave Buchanan | 20 March, 2025

architectural metal for bars and hospitality spaces

Architectural metal plays a crucial role in bar design, combining functionality with aesthetics to create inviting spaces. From bar foot rails to drink rails, service rails, and shelving, these elements enhance both the guest experience and the efficiency of staff operations. Understanding the benefits, materials, and best practices can help interior designers, architects, and hospitality professionals create standout bar and hospitality projects.

What is architectural metal in bar design?

When it comes to bar and hospitality designs, architectural metal can be used to either improve the comfort level of patrons, add to the visual appeal of the bar area, provide added durability to bar fixtures, or improve the organization or layout of bar areas.

Essential architectural metal components for bar and hospitality design

Bar Foot Rail

bar foot rail systems

Bar foot rail is the horizontal tubing installed at the base of a bar or seating area. It provides a comfortable place for patrons to rest their feet while standing at the bar or sitting on bar stools. In addition to adding an element of comfort, bar rail systems also enhance the overall aesthetic of the bar, giving it a polished and inviting look.

The standard size for bar rail tubing is 2” OD (outside diameter) for commercial use and high-traffic home bar areas. 1.5” OD tubing can be used for residential installation or decorative purposes. Bar rail systems are constructed from either brass or stainless steel and have a polished or brushed satin finish. Stainless steel tubing can also be powder-coated or electroplated to make bar foot rail stand out in different colors and metallic finishes. Additionally, bar foot rail can be constructed from 1.5” square tubing or black iron pipe.

A typical bar foot rail installation consists of straight sections of tubing supported by bar rail brackets that mount to the bar face or the surface below the bar. For angular or curved bar designs, two runs of bar rail tubing can be connected around corners with an elbow fitting, or tubing can be bent and rolled into curved sections to match the bar’s profile.

Drink Rail

stainless steel bar drink rail systems

An essential accessory for protecting bar tops, drink rail gets inserted into the area behind the bar where drinks are poured and mixed. It protects the wooden surface of the bar while collecting liquids that can be cleaned up later or emptied through a built-in drain. Adding drink rail to a bar area can also enhance its visual appearance.

Drink rail is constructed from 18-gauge stainless steel and is available in five different profiles to fit different bar areas. Like bar foot rail, drink rail is available in straight sections, with components to connect sections around corners, or it can be bent for curved bars. Stainless steel drink rail can also be finished to match the finish of bar foot rail or other bar fixtures.

Bar Shelving

bistro-style brass pipe bar shelving

Back bars are a highly visible location in hospitality spaces. Adding bar shelving to these areas is not only a way to maximize the space from an organizational standpoint, but it can also enhance the aesthetic of that area. Brass architectural metal tubing and fittings can be used to construct beautiful bistro-style brass pipe shelving to store and display glassware, liquor bottles, or other decorative items.

Additional Bar Design Elements

Service rail: Service bar rail helps control the flow of patrons around the bar area to carve out an area for servers and wait staff to retrieve drinks. These curved sections of metal tubing mount to the bar top and the bar face and can be finished to match the bar foot rail and other fixtures to enhance visual appeal further.

Glass racks: Hanging glass racks are another way to organize bar areas, making it easier for staff to do their jobs while adding visual detail. These glass racks are constructed from finished steel and can be mounted easily under counters, shelves, and cabinets. Glasses neatly hang from their base, which prevents them from banging together while sitting on shelves or collecting dust and debris in the bowl for a more hygienic way to store stemware.

Purse and coat hooks: These are often overlooked features that enhance any bar design. These hooks give guests a convenient place to hang their belongings, making their visit more comfortable and enjoyable. Available in finishes that match perfectly with our bar foot rail and other architectural metal products, they ensure a cohesive and polished look. This simple addition elevates a bar’s functionality while keeping its aesthetics on point.⁠

Tipping rail: Also known as gallery rail, tipping rail is a thin brass decorative rail installed along the edge of shelves. It also prevents items like glassware and bottles from falling. This is set up with the brass rail supported by center and end posts to construct the tipping rail.

Materials and finishes for architectural metal

Selecting the appropriate metal finish is crucial in bar design, as it influences both the aesthetic appeal and durability of the space. Different finishes offer varying levels of sheen, texture, and maintenance requirements, allowing designers to tailor the look and functionality to their specific needs.

Architectural Metal Materials

architectural metal products

The two standard materials for architectural metal components used in bar and hospitality projects are brass and stainless steel.

Brass has been used in bars for over 200 years to add a touch of class, whether in foot rails, shelving, or decorative applications such as top rails and handrails. Adding to its appeal is its ability to develop a patina when exposed to the elements over time. Designers and others desire this look to create an aged or vintage aesthetic. Those looking to avoid brass patina have options, including applying a protective clear coat to maintain the material’s sheen and luster.

More recently, stainless steel has become an affordable and durable option for architectural metal in bar areas. Its bare surface can be exposed with a polished or brushed finish, or an exterior finish can be applied, which affords designers nearly unlimited options when it comes to colors or metallic finishes.

Common Metal Finishes in Bar Design

Brushed and polished metal

Polished metal finishes are achieved by buffing the metal to a high shine, resulting in a reflective surface. This process can create either the timeless look of polished brass or the sleek and modern look of stainless steel, enhancing the brightness of the bar area. However, it requires regular cleaning to maintain its luster and is more prone to showing fingerprints and smudges.

Brushed finishes are created by brushing the metal with an abrasive to produce a satin-like texture with fine lines. This finish provides a subdued, matte look that adds sophistication to any bar design. Additionally, brushed finishes are more forgiving of scratches and fingerprints, making them easier to maintain over time.

Powder coating and electroplating

Powder coating involves applying a dry powder to the metal surface, which is then cured under heat to form a protective layer. Powder-coated finishes are available in a wide range of colors, offering extensive customization options. They are also highly durable and resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading, requiring minimal upkeep.

Electroplating is a process that uses electrical current to deposit a thin layer of metal onto the surface of another metal. This technique can achieve various finishes, including pewter, copper, and antique-appearing metals, providing a premium look. Electroplated finishes offer enhanced corrosion resistance but may require periodic cleaning to maintain their appearance.

Choosing the right metal finish means balancing style and durability. The finish should match the bar's design while holding up to daily use. By selecting the right materials and finishes, designers can create a beautiful bar space that is both functional and easy to maintain.

Learn more:

Architectural metal installation made easy

Installing bar foot rail and drink rail is a straightforward process that enhances both the look and functionality of a bar. Proper planning ensures a seamless installation, preventing common mistakes like incorrect measurements or improperly aligned components. Whether you're installing a foot rail for guest comfort or adding a drink rail to protect bar tops and improve service efficiency, following best practices is key. For detailed step-by-step instructions, refer to our comprehensive guides:

Design tools for architectural metal projects

Kegworks has a collection of resources to help designers, architects, and millworkers use our architectural metal, whether specifying it in designs or ordering it for installation. Use these to help plan your architectural metal projects with confidence.

3D Visualizer: Our 3D design tool lets you envision your project with lifelike realism. Choose from bar foot rail, drink rail, or service rail and see it in various finishes and settings.
Product Spec Sheets: Detailed drawings of our bar rail and drink rail components to help with your designs.
Revit Files: We carry Revit files of our architectural metal components to help you create drawings, designs, and models. Contact your Kegworks representative to request Revit files for your next project.

Customization Options for Kegworks Architectural Metal

custom radius bar foot rail

With our experienced fabrication team and network of resources, Kegworks is the leader in the fabrication and finishing of metals for hospitality spaces. We offer a variety of custom solutions for architectural metal, including bar foot rail and drink rail systems.

Custom Radius: Our fabricators use specialized machinery to roll and bend bar foot rail tubing and drink rail to exact specifications for curved bar layouts.
Custom Finish: Kegworks can match virtually any tone through powder coating or electroplating metallic finishes when it comes to finishing metals. We can also finish brass or stainless steel with a clear coat or other protective coating to prevent damage from moisture and the elements.
Custom Fabrication: Besides working with drink rail and bar rail systems, we can help fabricate custom metal projects ranging from custom bar rail brackets to one-of-a-kind items. Just provide us with the drawings and specifications, and we’ll take it from there.

With our commitment to quality and precision, Kegworks ensures that every custom metal project meets the highest standards. No matter the scope of your project, we provide expert support and efficient production to help you achieve the perfect final result. Request a custom quote to start a conversation with our sales team.

Architectural metal is more than just an aesthetic choice. It’s an essential element of functional and inviting bar spaces. Whether designing a high-end restaurant, a hotel bar, or a stadium lounge, Kegworks provides the expertise, materials, and customization options you need to achieve your vision. Contact us today to discuss your project and explore our range of premium bar components.

Dave Buchanan

Dave Buchanan has been the Content Writer for Kegworks since June 2019. He has a fondness for craft beer that developed while working for a local beer distributor. Dave also worked for an area sports talk radio station for several years, and continues his broadcasting work as a motorsports announcer and indoor lacrosse reporter.

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Guide to Architectural Metal for Bars & Hospitality

What is architectural metal in bar design?