Why Bars Have Mirrors Behind The Liquor (It's More Than Just Appearance)

A trendy nightclub, a classic pub, or even a dive bar (which are different from regular bars), aside from the fact that they serve alcoholic drinks of varying complexity, tend to differ in a variety of ways, from the clientele they hope to attract to the volume of the music played. And while the decor within can also vary widely — there isn't much need for strobe lights in a dive bar, after all — they may share one unifying detail: a mirror behind the bar's liquor shelving. Have you ever wondered why your favorite place to grab a summery bourbon John Collins reflects your own image back to you as you sit and sip on your barstool? While there is no definitive reason, there are theories, and the strongest of these is that it helps the bartender keep an eye on what's going on while their back is turned.

Think about it: It's fairly inevitable that as your mixologist selects the bottles from the shelves behind them, they have to turn their back to their patrons, and everything that they're doing. A mirror behind the bar gives them the ability to quickly survey what's going on; did the person who just ordered disappear into the crowd, or is that new person who took their place ready to be cut off? The bartender's watchful vision is thus extended and expanded thanks to the trusty mirror.

As you can see, the mirrors behind liquor shelves in bars and clubs go beyond mere aesthetics and are quite practical. But another reason why watering holes tend to place them where they do actually combines the two purposes. It is a common practice in interior design to use mirrors to make the space look bigger, which could be why some bars employ them behind the bottles. It can also make the liquor selection look a lot fuller, since your vision will perceive doubles of the digestif Jägermiester in its distinctive green bottle or that top shelf Grey Goose vodka. This, in turn, subtly signifies to customers that there is plenty of room for them and all their friends, and the well isn't going to run dry any time soon.

Bars also sometimes receive smaller promotional mirrors from beer companies that they'll hang around the space. Aside from the fact that they also reflect light and can help make the room look larger, it's also free advertising for both businesses. You might notice a beam of light on the wall to which your eye is drawn, then see a logo for a beer or liquor company. Now, you're suddenly thinking about it, perhaps associating a happy or funny memory with it, and you might even get up and order it next. It's an eye-catching win for all parties involved.