Having a space of your own to kick back and enjoy a few drinks with friends and family is the dream of many homeowners. Whether it’s a converted basement, backyard tiki bar, dining room nook, or converted dresser designing a home bar is a fun DIY project that’s sure to provide years of entertainment as well as a gathering place for all kinds of celebrations.
But before you get ahead of yourself and start planning your bespoke cocktail menu, you’ll need to finalize your home bar design.
So, what factors should you consider to ensure that yours is the best home bar around? Let’s take a look!
Wet Bar vs Dry Bar
One of your first steps will be to decide whether you want a wet bar with a functioning sink or a simple dry bar. Although a dry bar is often enough for most people to entertain their guests, if you design a home bar outside or on a different floor to your kitchen, having access to a sink will be handy. That said, a wet bar is a bigger project since it often involves a plumbing element.
Bar Size and Shape
The average home bar is 42 inches high and 24 inches deep. While you can customize your bar to fit the available area, remember that most bar stools are 30 inches tall and that you’ll need around 2 feet of space per bar stool. You should also consider what shape you’d like your bar to be. Again, your space will often determine how inventive you can be but L-shaped, straight, and horseshoe-shaped bars are some of the most popular.
Appliance Installation
During the planning stages, you’ll also need to factor in any fixtures or appliances that your bar will need, such as sinks, refrigerators, kegerators, and ice machines. For most home bar owners, a bar fridge is a must for keeping drinks cool and avoiding the need to run back and forth to the kitchen. And, while kegerators and ice machines might seem like a luxury, if you plan on doing a fair amount of entertaining, both of these can save you money long-term.
Design Elements & Decorations
Once you have your bar and appliances in place, you’ll need to make your mark with home bar decorations and design elements. A great way to gather ideas is by visiting your favorite taverns to get a closer look at what styles and home bar ideas you like. Take time to consider how additions such as a bar stool with back rest or a foot rail would be more comfortable as well as how certain paint colors and aesthetic touches could make your bar feel more unique and personal.
Your Guide to Designing a Home Bar
As this quick guide shows, there are lots of things to bear in mind when designing a home bar.
But, whether you go all out with a fully-functioning home bar or simply repurpose a dresser, there’s no doubt where your guests will be gathering in the future!
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