Home Bar Design Ideas

Everyone has their favorite spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a shot of whiskey. For some people, that spot is right in the comfort of their own home bar. A mini bar can act as a central hub for entertainment, and it can easily bring with it the fun atmosphere of a tavern or cocktail lounge. When browsing photos of home bars, ask yourself the following questions to make sure you create exactly what you want and need:

First, pick a location. Generally, people will build a basement bar or corner bar in an area near the kitchen or dining room. If you are limited in terms of available indoor space, an outdoor bar is an excellent option, especially during warmer seasons. Once you have secured a location, decide on what functionality you want to include in your space, such as sinks, storage and refrigeration.

Including a sink in the functionality of your new watering hole makes it a wet bar. Sinks are convenient if you choose a location far from your kitchen. Don’t need running water? You might think about going with a portable bar, which will enable you to conveniently turn any space in your house into a barroom or cantina. For portable options, try a fun cart.

Choose furniture that will coordinate well with the rest of your home’s decor. Seating and storage are essential, so look for bar stools and a liquor cabinet. If you are creating a freestanding station instead of using existing counter tops, you will need a bar table, which are taller and shallower than regular dining tables. Check that your stool and table height work together before you finalize any designs.

Accessorizing is the fun part of designing your space. Find a theme that you want to incorporate, think about what you might see at your favorite pub or alehouse. There are infinite styles of barware to choose from, but don’t stress too much about finding the right pieces, as these are easy to change out. Bottle openers, decanters, ice buckets, cocktail shakers and glassware are a few of the functional accessories to remember to pick up. Coasters, neon lights or signage will help you achieve the look you want, whether it’s a futuristic lounge or a historical saloon.

Last, but not least, don’t forget to stock up on your beverage of choice!