Small Bar

Small Bar in Chicago, redesigned by Siren Betty Design, celebrates the soul of a neighborhood classic through layered materials, vintage lighting, and rich texture. The refreshed interiors honor the bar’s history while introducing warmth, character, and color, creating a familiar yet elevated environment for locals and newcomers alike.

In reimagining this beloved Chicago institution, the goal was to preserve its easy charm while infusing new life through detail and craft. Siren Betty Design layered in materials, textures, and tones that reflect the bar’s long-standing neighborhood spirit. Millwork frames vintage accents that speak to history, while light fixtures from multiple eras, including Tiffany-style glass from the 1910s, Art Deco geometry from the 1920s, and mod influences from the 1960s, add narrative and nostalgia. Textured walls and patterned wallpaper lend depth and familiarity, balanced by pops of red, green, and maroon. The result is a space that feels both timeless and current, where longtime patrons feel at home and first-time guests experience the enduring appeal of Small Bar.

Photos by Garrett Sweet and Wade McElroy