Home Bar Ideas

One of the first things you need to decide when planning a home bar is whether you need a wet bar. A wet bar has a sink and running water so that you can wash glasses with ease.

• What you intend to serve may also influence your decision. Beer, white wines and vodka are best when chilled. A mini fridge, kegerator or wine fridge can help you keep items at just the right temperature directly at the bar.
• Choose a full-size refrigerator with an ice maker, and you’ll always be ready for spirits on the rocks.
• Ready-made bar sets are a simple way to get your bar started. Some can work with a sink, and you can likely use a fridge next to them.
• Finally, think about where you’ll sip. Do you need stools for seating at the bar? Or will you make drinks and serve them elsewhere? How many guests will you have?

Tip: Some bar carts, home bars and beverage coolers have keyed locks. If you have children or teens at home, consider one for security.

Creating a DIY bar is easier than you might think. When creating your bar, remember it doesn’t have to be formal. Use your imagination to create a space all your own.

• A bar cart can allow you to easily get cocktails and more from Point A to Point B. Use a dual-purpose cart as a beverage station. Place wine bottles, glasses and an ice bucket on the shelves. Hang small bar tools and accessories from hooks.
• Build a DIY bar by combining ready-made cabinets with a beverage cooler. Use it next to a wet bar in your basement, man cave or another area. Choose the cabinets and cooler sizes that fit your home decor.

A home bar or wet bar can complement the style of your home or serve as a fun contrast. Let it express your personality, hobbies or interests.

• Use a tile backsplash or bottle caps to make a colorful pattern or design.
• If you collect coins, glue shiny pennies to a board to make a coppery bar top that will add a creative backdrop for your wine glasses, beer glasses and cocktail glasses.
• Add floating shelves above the dresser to create extra storage space. Top off those shelves with your favorite glasses, keepsakes, plants or any other accessories that show off your personality.

Another way to add a bar to a small space is to use a bar table. Look for one that features built-in storage for bottles and glasses. Finish it off with two bar stools, and you have a place to chat with friends and sip your favorite drinks. Visually separate it from the rest of the room by placing an area rug under it. Choose a stain-resistant rug for easy care.

Don’t forget that you can transform any dresser, cabinet or floating shelf with paint. You can go bold and moody with dark blues or black or keep the mood light and airy with white or white adjacent colors.

• To refinish wood, remove the old finish with a chemical stripper or sandpaper.
• Apply a primer and allow it to dry completely.
• Finish with furniture paint in your favorite color.
• Add shiny drawer pulls for a sophisticated look.
• Go contemporary with a stainless-steel refrigerator, stainless steel counter and leather stools.

If you’re short on floor space or want to add some vertical interest to your area, a floating bar is the answer. You can use a combination of floating shelves and cabinetry to make one. Look for pieces and fixtures that fit the overall style.

• Dress up a traditional style bar with atmospheric lighting.
• Use pendant lamps to provide task lighting and enhance the room.
• Decorative accents and lighting will add flair to home bar areas.

Tip: Create your own accent lighting by dropping micro string lights into clean empty bottles.

If you have an old dresser hanging out in the basement or garage, put it to work for you. Use distinctive trays to hold spirits and mixers. Use accessories that complement the style of your dresser. Shiny chrome barware in futuristic shapes looks great with a contemporary furniture. Or choose vintage pieces for a traditional dresser.

A console table or sideboard can easily become a home bar. Place one or two decorative trays side by side on top. Transfer spirits to decorative decanters and arrange them on one tray. Use the other to corral your cocktail shaker and barware. Finish off with a decorative accent like a potted plant or candle holder.

The perfect home bar deserves the ideal cocktail. Take your drinks to the next level with specialty ice cubes that are sure to be the life of the party. Here are a few ideas:

• Spark conversation with eye-catching ice cubes in fun shapes and colors. Use an ice ball press to create perfectly round ice cubes. Add color with fruit juice or natural flavors.
• Impress guests with brilliant, oversized ice cubes. For a crystal-clear look, boil filtered water, cool it down and pour it into a large silicon ice cube tray.
• Give your cocktails a fruity twist. Fill an ice cube tray with sparkling water and slices of oranges, lemons, cherries or other fruit and freeze.
• Go savory with ice cubes infused with herbs like basil, rosemary or spicy slices of chili peppers.
• Make ice cubes with fruit juice and edible flowers for a dramatic burst of fun.

Having a well-stocked bar means more than just buying your favorite beverages. You’ll also want to have some tools and accessories on hand, such as:

• Cocktail shakers
• Bottle openers
• Wine openers
• Foil cutters for wine
• Jiggers for measuring
• Bottle stoppers
• Bottle pourers

Tip: Get ready to tend the bar with ease with a bar tools set that provides all the essentials.