Old-School Meets New-School: Blending Cigar Lounge Aesthetics with Modern Bar Design

2026-03-23 - 13:11

Looking to build a bar space that exudes classic style while still feeling fresh and on trend? The cigar lounge style is booming like never before. Thick leather couches, moody lighting and dark wood are mixing with modern bar builds to create spaces patrons can’t get enough of. Plus... Customers who visit these venues are spending more and staying longer. It’s not just about aesthetics, owners are seeing tremendous value from blowing this trend out. Let’s dive into: The reason cigars are back and trending in modern bar design Why offering flavored little cigars is part of the equation 5 essential design elements when building your space Lighting tips and tricks to make your venue shine Why The Classic Cigar Lounge Look Is Trending Again There’s a reason people keep talking about cigar lounges. Recent survey data from industry publication RDD Magazine highlighted that “nostalgic” was the number one response from restaurant/bar design experts when asked what direction bars are moving toward in 2025. And by nostalgic... not outdated or dirty, but classic style mixed with premium finishes. 58% of pros said nostalgia was the top trend versus modern, minimalist, industrial or sustainable. That’s big... Customers love cozy atmospheres and feeling like they can unwind and escape from their busy lives. Vintage inspired cocktails are trending across the industry for this very reason. Dark wood tables, leather booths and brass accents mixed with top shelf spirits are the formula customers are seeking out. Designing your space to tap into this demand is a surefire way to increase your bottom line. The key is mixing old world charm with modern day efficiency. Nobody wants to sit at a bar that feels stuck in time. Customers also expect modern day conveniences when they walk through your door. Merging the two concepts is where successful builds will land. Blending Flavored Little Cigars Into A Modern Bar Concept A cigar bar isn’t just about drinking and decor. Ambiance and culture are part of the package. Flavored little cigars are quickly becoming popular among patrons who enjoy the occasional cigar without the time or hassle. The small format makes them perfect for pairing with a craft cocktail and enjoying throughout the night. Build your cigar menu with options like prime time cigars that offer unique flavor profiles that both new and experienced cigar smokers will enjoy. Flavored little cigars can be conveniently ordered online and delivered straight to your doorstep. Flavored cigars = design considerations. If flavored little cigars will be offered at your venue don’t forget about design elements like ventilation, consumption zones and display options. 5x Key Design Elements That Merge Old and New Consistently rolling these five design elements into your space will help you find the perfect mix of modern and old school. Mix rich materials like dark wood with modern finishes like matte black bar stools or metal light fixtures. Use leather booth seating, but stick to modern profiles that aren’t too bulky. Invest in a statement bar counter that guests will remember. Dark wood or natural stone topped bars with modern accents like under-bar LED lights can fill the room with ambiance. Don’t clutter your walls. Choose one or two statement pieces of art or vintage memorabilia and leave it at that. Designated zones are your friend. Modern bars are about creating different sections within the same space. Turn your venue into a multi zone experience with a high energy bar zone, low key lounge area and of course a cigar zone. Simple concepts like these are effective because they don’t ask customers to choose. Traditionalists will be happy with how the space pays homage to cigar lounge history, while modern patrons will appreciate how functional the space feels. Lighting, Atmosphere and The Little Things That Swing Big Would you consider your venue’s lighting on point or more on the tacky side? Many bars mess this up. Imagine walking into a space with dark, moody lighting ONLY to order your drink and realize the bar area is bright as day due to overhead fluorescent lights. That’s a HUGE contrast. There should be layers to your lighting design. Have multiple lighting options that can create different vibes. Warm dimmable lights over tables, LED strips under the bar, low hanging accent lights for seating areas and maybe even a statement light fixture as part of your decor. Not only will this help transition your venue from day to night, but layered lighting will add depth to the overall space. Also... think about the little things. Ventilation should be at the top of your list when thinking of cigars and bar design. You don’t want smoke from flavored little cigars or traditional cigars hanging in the air all night. Clean air keeps everyone comfortable and happy, not to mention it protects your brandy from absorbing cigar smoke aromas. According to IBISWorld data, cigar lounge revenue has increased by 5.2% year over year and is predicted to reach $1.2 billion in annual revenue by 2025. As more venues enter the market investing in air purification will be key. Sound is another detail that is frequently overlooked by bar owners. Things like upholstered booths, thick drapes and soft menu covers can help limit noise transfer and bounce throughout the space. A quiet bar/restaurant is a popular bar/restaurant. Closing Thoughts Your space doesn’t have to be 100% one style or another. There are customers out there looking for modern builds and customers who are craving that vintage vibe. Mixing the two together is a winning formula that creates brand new opportunities for both cigarette and flavored little cigars. Flavored little cigars mixed with classic design details create a space that will have your guests spending more and staying longer. Let’s review: Built around dark woods, leather and brass details. Modernize your space with updated shapes/silhouettes and minimalistic approaches. Blended cigar options = blended build opportunities. Invest in your bar’s lighting and ventilation. Don’t forget the small details. Thoughtful decor and sound will go a long way. Whether you’re aiming to build a cigar lounge, cocktail bar or hybrid space that does both. There’s room for cigar inspired design in your venue. Bonus Bar Dos and Don’ts Below are a few extra tips to help level up your bar space and design: DO: Add seating at the bar. Patrons like to sit at bars. Period. Have the essentials (cell phone chargers, menus, etc.) Remember customers want to feel comfortable, allow them to unplug by forgetting the small things they can access at home Offer diverse food options that pair well with your bar program Stay consistent with branding through decor and build choices DON’T: Make your customer wait too long for service Forget about the windows Implement loud music that forces guests to yell across the table Limit seating options Focus on filling your space with stuff, leave room to breathe