Home Bar Ideas for Wine, Craft Beer and Cocktail Lovers
It’s fun to go out to restaurants and hop from bar to bar trying out all different cocktails and mixes. With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the world, we had to bring the drink station into our own homes, which meant brainstorming home bar ideas.
I’ve discovered that setting up a functional bar in your own home will not only save you money, but it can also make hosting much easier and give you a space where you can enjoy a nightcap.
Here are eight functional home bar ideas you can install at your home.
1. Wine Corner
Wine has to be kept in a climate-controlled cellar. This will typically mean that cellars are kept far away from seating areas or lounges. Consider introducing a cozy seating area close by where you and guests can do some sipping.
Guests can peer at the wine through the glass and enjoy a glass of Merlot. Keep the following accessories in the room:
- Wine stopper.
- Corkscrew.
- Ice bucket.
- White and red wine glasses.
- A microfiber cloth to shine glasses.
- Aerator.
- Decanter.
2. Basement Bar
When it comes to a basement bar, the world truly is your oyster. Since it does not have to blend in with the decor of the rest of your upstairs home, you can introduce different design elements.
Whether you want an arcade space with an alcohol display case and bar stools, or recreate an 80s disco with club chairs – you can incorporate it all. Some basement bars have been recreated into sports bars that feature team memorabilia and sports-themed fridges with beer.
3. Standalone or Portable Bar
For homes that do not have bars or space for bars, a standalone bar is the perfect alternative. Without having to undergo an entire renovation, you can add a bar cabinet, cart, or shelf, and place it next to wherever you would like. Keep in mind that these kinds of bars will typically have alcoholic drinks that can be enjoyed at room temperature.
Essential tools to have in or on your portable bar are:
- Spirits like vodka, whiskey, or gin.
- A decanter.
- Shaker.
- Glasses (martini, goblets and rocks).
- Ice bucket.
- Jigger.
4. Cocktail Bar
If you are a cocktail drinker, like me, then having a functioning cocktail bar at your home is a very exciting addition. You can set up a cocktail station by using a bar cart or a console table.
Cocktail bar essentials include:
- Cocktail shaker, strainer and muddler.
- Sodas, like lemon-lime, tonic water and ginger ale.
- Mixers, like bitters, grenadine and simple syrup.
- Ice.
- Cocktail glasses.
- Variation of juices.
- Liqueurs, like orange, Irish cream, Vermouth, amaretto and coffee.
- Liquor, like vodka, gin, tequila, rum and whiskey.
- Garnish, like different citruses, mint leaves, pineapple and whipped cream.
Remember to create your signature house cocktail and serve it to guests from you very own cocktail bar.
5. Wet Bar
A wet bar is, by definition, a bar with a sink in your home. This is for the more serious hosts or drinkers who would like a full-service bar within their own comfort. You can add a few small bar fridges, an ice maker, glass display cabinets and wine glass holders.
Opposite the bar, you can place a heightened counter with bar stools. The setup will give your guests a five-star experience without having to pay the tab at the end of the night.
6. Backsplash Galore
To give your wet bar an interesting aesthetic, add a colorful backsplash. Incorporating a tiled or vibrant backsplash will not overpower the rest of the bar design, but rather elevate the area. Not only is the backsplash beautiful, it is also functional in that it protects the wall from water damage; it is also much easier to clean than a painted wall.
Some backsplashes you can choose from:
- Porcelain tiles.
- Peel-and-stick tile.
- Ceramic tiles.
- Stone tiles.
- Glass tiles.
- Chalkboard paint.
- Thermoplastic.
- Stainless steel.
- Wallpaper.
- Wood.
7. Camouflage Your Bar Fridges
A fun way to cover up your bar’s fridges is to add the same print that is on your cabinets onto your fridge. This will give your bar a unified look. If you do not want to commit to a paint, you can try a removable wallpaper.
8. Elevated Shelves
When you have limited space and cannot build an entire wet bar, then there are ways you can still install a functional bar in your home. Hang a few small shelves and a wine rack, and make the most out of the room available. You can even add wine bottle holders to expand storage space and your alcohol range.
Add the following:
- Your favorite spirits.
- Glass types that you use the most.
- Jigger.
- Bottle opener.
Keep ice, beer and garnish in the nearest fridge.
In conclusion, there are many different functional and interesting ways you can elevate your bar. Whether you want to add barstools or a wine corner, invest in a portable bar cart, or install a wet bar, you can customize it perfectly to your own taste.