Here’s Why Bars Always Have A Mirror Behind The Liquor Shelf

There are a lot of things you can expect when you mosey into a bar after a tough day at work ready to order up a Moscow mule and let the stress of your boss’s impatience slowly drain off you. Obviously you’ll see a smiling (or scowling) bartender ready to serve you, other patrons enjoying some suds, usually a dartboard or pool table, and a whole boatload of liquor bottles staring you in the face. But, if you look behind those liquor bottles, you don’t see a wall. No, you see a reflection of yourself staring back. You’ve probably overlooked this decor, as it doesn’t immediately stand out, but pay attention at the next bar you visit. There will almost certainly be a mirror behind the liquor shelf. 

Videos by Sporked

You probably never thought about the reasons why mirrors seem to be standard decoration in every bar, but there are several. And no, one of them isn’t for staring in shame at yourself while guzzling beer and thinking about the job you hate (you can do that in your bathroom mirror at home just fine). 

Mirrors Play More Roles In A Bar Than You Think

Mirrors are perfect for playing tricks on the eye and this certainly works in a bar’s favor. First off, mirrors are perfect at making small, cramped spaces appear twice as big, so even if a bar doesn’t have an abundance of square footage, adding a mirror makes the place seem far more sprawling than it actually is. No one wants to drink beer in a place that feels as roomy as a closet, after all. But, not only does the mirror expand the appearance of the bar’s space, but it also helps make the liquor bottles on the shelves appear fuller. The reflection makes the liquor shelves literally look twice as stocked, and that simple trick can easily attract more drink orders.

But, there’s a third big reason that may not be as obvious. During a big rush, a bartender needs to have eyes everywhere, and it’s not always easy when they’re making drinks, taking orders, and constantly turning their backs to the crowd to grab ingredients. A mirror is like having another set of eyes on the back of their head. Now they can see if any new patrons approached the bar while they were turned, as well as catching any potentially unruly behavior occurring. Giving the bartender a full view of their workspace makes for a better experience for both employees and customers.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

Now that you know the reasoning behind bar mirrors, the next time you head to a happy hour, you can pose as a know-it-all among your friends. And if you’re someone who’s built a bar in your garage, now you have an easy way of making your home setup look as professional as your favorite watering hole.