Home bar ideas small spaces: 21 Small Home Bar Ideas

21 Small Home Bar Ideas

Whether or not you miss crowded bars, it’s safe to say that being able to fix yourself a drink at home, whether it’s an alcoholic beverage or not, has become increasingly important. You don’t need to have a full-blown bar setup—custom counter builds, stools, the works—to have a stylish and functional home bar. This is good news for those of us who simply don’t have the space for all that jazz…We simply won’t let a tiny blueprint space cramp our style and break up the party! Ahead, discover creative small-space solutions from some of our favorite designers to have the home (mini)bar of your happy hour dreams, no matter your square-footage restrictions.

Just a Tray

James Merrell

Pretty bottles don’t need to be stashed away! Keep your collection out in the open on a tray in your dining room or living room atop a dresser or cabinet. Another pro tip? Maximize the perceived size of your space with a mirror above the buffet, as designer Ellen Kavanaugh did in this whimsical Florida home.

Book Shelves

Read McKendree

Elizabeth Cooper Interior Design chose an unexpectedly striking color combination: cool blue and gray tones and rich chocolate browns. The de Gurnay wallpaper brings the entryway to life and also makes it feel like a sophisticated study, thanks to the library-inspired book cabinet-turned minibar.

Mini Wine Storage Nooks

Mike Van Tassell

To hide the slanted ceiling of the stairwell below, designer Beth Diana Smith fashioned a wine holder that fits an ample supply in tiny square footage.

Converted Nook

James Merrell

For this Palm Beach living room, designer John Fondas turned a shallow closet into an out-of-the-way bar nook by removing the doors and building in cabinets. Tortoise wallpaper by Schumacher gives it a Caribbean feel.

Behind Dutch Doors

Francesco Lagnese

A dutch door in this living room designed by Jessie Carrier and Mara Miller conceals a small but fully functioning wet bar. The farmhouse veneer allows it to blend right in, and, style aside, the bisected door enables easy reach-in access.

Slim Display

Jen Morley Burner

High Street Homes utilized a narrow, ceiling-height brass shelving unit from the luxury custom fabricator Amuneal to connect this kitchen and bar, keeping them visually joined but functionally separated.

Secretary Desk

Brian Doben

We aren’t all in a position to dedicate a whole closet to booze storage, or, sometimes not even a whole long media cabinet or armoire. So shrink things down with a smaller secretary desk. It’s easy to tuck everything away when it’s not in use or when you need to open up a walkway in a narrow hall or corner. We’re digging the surprising yellow gloss inside this one in a living room by Philip Gorrivan.

Dining Adjacent Buffet

Nick Glimenakis

The open loft space called for an exposed home bar instead of an entirely separate room, so designer Jae Joo added a bespoke corner unit to function as both a mixing station and a buffet for dinner parties.

Skirted Pantry Shelves

Julian Wass

Designed by Gary McBournie, this dapper walk-in pantry is also serving double duty as a home bar. To add instant hidden storage, enclose your shelves with a fabric skirt.

Pull Out Drawer

CHRISTIAN GARIBALDI

Even a well-organized drawer can become a home bar. To prevent all your bottles, cans, and other pantry items from toppling over in their respective drawers, purchase some drawer organizers that help keep them all in place. Heidi Piron Design and Cabinetry installed flexible dividers here to keep liquor bottles from clanking together, but separators will be handy for anything in your pantry drawers, really.

Repurposed Nightstand

JESSIE PREZA

Fitz Pullins used a small cabinet to prop up barware and hold glasses in this dining room. This is a great alternative for anyone who doesn’t want to splurge on a new bar cart and can repurpose an exister dresser or nightstand.

Upgraded Wine Rack

Laure Joliet

This freestanding storage piece hits the small-space home bar jackpot. It’s slim enough to slide into a corner without blocking any prime usable space, and the minimalist design ensures that it doesn’t take up too much visual real estate either. That way, we can focus on the superb lines of this sofa in a living room by ETC.etera.

Plumbed Wet Bar

Jared Kuzia

The prep sink and under-counter refrigerator drawer in this bar. by designer Vani Sayeed allow for seamless serving and quick clean up. Pull-put trays also enable extra counter space in an instant.

Kitchen Zone

Sara Tramp Ligorria

If you’re going to make room for a home bar in the kitchen, make sure to put it in a good spot. In this space designed by Emily Henderson, the home bar zone is close to the dining area, making it easier to run back and forth when you’re entertaining.

Behind Sliding Doors

Stephen Kent Johnson

Designed by Studio Shamshiri, this home bar is like a little speakeasy. The sliding doors open to a spacious serving bar. This way, you can keep it closed up and save space when you’re not entertaining.

Optimized Armoire

Nicole Hollis Studio

NICOLEHOLLIS transformed a navy lacquered armoire into a surprisingly roomy bar cabinet. When closed, it blends right into the sophisticated living room. But when the clock strikes five and the doors swing open, it feels like a full-fledged bar. Those extra interior door storage compartments are especially crafty.

Wall Unit

Douglas Friedman

This home bar accomplishes everything a stand-alone home bar in a room of its own would, but it doesn’t take up nearly as much space. From the mesh enclosures to other compartmentalized nooks and upside-down stemware storage, this bar has it all.

Just a Bar Cart

Simon Brown

A rounded rattan bar trolley gets us every time. The colorful accents draw attention to the cool curves of this cart in a parlor by Beata Heuman. Very Mrs. Dalloway meets The Parker Palm Springs.

Hidden Media Storage

Nicolehollis

How clever is this flip-top-cabinet-meets-bar? Designed by NICOLEHOLLIS, this modern living room is always ready to party. With a piece like this, you won’t have to run back and forth to the kitchen to make cocktails for your guests, but you can also hide the booze when need be.

Colorful Coat Closet

Stephen Karlisch

Tuck your little home bar behind a closet door and line the back with a wallpaper that pops or mirrored tiles and colorful cabinets (designed Jean Liu opted for a deep teal). And remember: No space, no matter how small, is too small for a wine fridge.

Double Storage Duty

Read McKendree

This bar unit is actually really just one fully stocked tray. If you look closely, this homeowner actually uses the bottom cabinet for shoe storage! If your space is small and you only have one media unit to make things work, here’s proof that it’s doable.

Hadley Mendelsohn
Senior Editor
Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful’s senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

36 Mini Bar Ideas to Create a Useful Small Home Bar

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

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Updated on 03/01/22

The Spruce / Ashley Poskin

Who doesn’t enjoy a laid-back happy hour at home every now and then? While going out to a favorite bar or restaurant is always a treat, there’s nothing better than curating a supply of cocktail-making essentials to keep at home, too. That way, all of the ingredients you need to make your favorite drink are at the ready if you just don’t feel like getting dolled up, it’s cold and rainy outside, or you’re looking to save some money.

Perhaps you have yet to set up a bar station at home because you fear it will require an extensive amount of supplies and storage space. While we’ve seen some pretty extraordinary at-home bar setups that span an entire countertop, the good news is that you don’t need much extra space on hand in order to create a bar station of your own. The following examples will prove to you that it’s entirely possible to design a functional and attractive drink station in even the smallest of nooks. Have a free shelf in the dining room? How about a buffet table that could use a bit of pizzazz? After checking out the spaces below, you’ll see that there’s no limit as to where you can easily place a bar tray or a few bottles.

What’s also fantastic about small bar setups is that they’re easy to move throughout the house, which is great now that we’re seeing more multifunctional spaces in our homes. So what are you waiting for? Grab a tray and begin styling your own.

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A Vintage Display

@cjswank_newyork / Instagram

Whether you set up a bar display in the kitchen, living room, or dining room is up to you. The key is selecting a tray or cart that complements the rest of your space’s aesthetic. This vintage looking serve fits in perfectly with this room’s antique decor. And finding your own secondhand bar cart is easy—as long as you know what to look for.
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Cocktails by the Couch

@lucsteptoehome / Instagram

If you have a small nook next to the sofa, why not set up a little drink station there? This setup proves just how handy it can be to have cocktail essentials within reach—there’s no need to pause the movie in order to make a drink. And if you’re worried about spills, don’t be—cleaning even the most precious of sofas can be a cinch as long as you know the right tips and tricks.
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Drink Corner

@thethriftymushroom / Instagram

An open corner is also a great space to set up a bar nook. Feel free to hang artwork that corresponds with the theme—just because you’re making cocktails at home doesn’t mean you can’t replicate elements of your favorite watering hole.
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Simple Shelves

@adriankaaddy / Instagram

Installing open shelving in the kitchen can be an excellent way to make use out of empty wall space while displaying all of your cooking essentials—and your favorite bottles of wine and liquor. This no-frills setup keeps everything within eyesight, making it easy to grab ingredients on a whim.
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Tray Chic

@fox_and_park / Instagram

Any side table can be turned into a bar setup with the simple addition of a tray. This makes it easy to corral bottles and drinkware in a stylish manner—how chic? To replicate this setup, consider DIY-ing a piece of abstract art to hang above the table—it’s super easy to make your own gallery-worthy creations.
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Wonderful Wicker

@beautiful_house_au / Instagram

A beautiful wicker bar cart doubles as a side table in this grandmillennial living space. It can easily be wheeled around as needed, but also functions as a place for guests to set their mugs or plates while socializing.
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Sideboard Setup

@fradindesign / Instagram

A small tray holding liquor bottles on the dining room sideboard can easily be stashed away once the party is over. Again, a tray helps even the smallest of displays look well curated and stylish.
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Open for Business

@kimwallacedesign / Instagram

The kitchen countertop is also an easy place to set up a drink station, if you have a bit of extra space. Make use of open shelving above to hold mixology essentials—keeping eye-catching accessories on display adds personality to any space.
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Dining Room Mixology

@110renovation / Instagram

A series of small wall shelves comes together to serve as a fabulous bar setup in an otherwise empty corner. Lower level shelves are kept empty, making it easy to mix a drink right on the spot.
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Sophisticated Vignette

@myhousewokeuplikethis / Instagram

What better way to complete a beautiful vignette than to add a well-curated bar tray? This one adds texture and dimension to the dressertop and is a fabulous way to display favorite pieces of glassware.
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Chic Shelves

@enchantedberkeley / Instagram

This is most certainly a clever bar setup if we’ve ever seen one. Narrow bookshelves make for an excellent spot to stash bottles and other drink-making materials, including cocktail books and glassware.
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Tall Tray

@augustoliverinteriors / Instagram

If you’re looking for something outside of the box, try placing bottles in a taller tray or box like this one. This type of setup also prevents glass vessels from easily being knocked over by those walking by.
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Get Glamorous

@cozysalazar / Instagram

For an antique look, try a silver tray and fill it with crystal decanters that take us back to simpler, more glamorous times.
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Cute Cubbies

@ivystoneinteriors / Instagram

A hanging wall shelf with different compartments makes it easy to set up a bar area anywhere—and stay ultra organized while doing so. This glam gold style is contemporary and functional.
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Books and Bottles

@mgmbees / Instagram

Make it maximalist. A side table filled with books still has a bit of room to spare, and thus makes for a fantastic spot to set up a drink station, too. The end result? A luxe looking display that makes us want to curl up with an engaging read and a fancy cocktail.
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Makeshift Display

@cristinageorgia85 / Instagram

If you don’t have room to display bar supplies on the kitchen counter full-time, you can always keep bottles out and then set up other essentials on a sophisticated looking tray when guests come over. It’s the perfect makeshift solution.
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Artistic Elements

@wilandfayeinteriors / Instagram

If your bar setup is in the living room, don’t forget to style your cart or tabletop with other accessories that complement the style of the space. Here, this cart has a bit of artistic flair in the form of a framed print and sculptural objects. If you’re struggling to find a cart or side table that you love, you can always try your hand at making your own bar cart. We have tips on how to create a wooden piece in just an afternoon.
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Sleek and Stunning

@cait.borkowski / Instagram

A bar tray sits front and center atop this vintage sideboard and proves that even a straightforward setup can look stunning! If you love this look but aren’t sure how to successfully mix modern and antique furniture in your own space, we’ve got you covered. We’ve polled designers on their top tips to mix and match such pieces the right way.
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Brilliant Built-ins

@simplyslade / Instagram

Built-in shelves with brass rims also make for a stunning setup. The intricate hardware means there’s little need for elaborate styling.
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Tray With a Twist

@beaconvalleyhome / Instagram

Remember TV trays? Give an old piece new life by using it to hold all of your liquor bottles in a stylish fashion. If you don’t wish to set up a permanent bar cart, these pieces can also be stored away and taken out during gatherings. You could even grab a few to set up different drink stations throughout your home or apartment in order to prevent overcrowding.
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Get Floral

@thewhiteh0use / Instagram

Your tray doesn’t need to solely contain bottles—you can certainly work a few decorative accents into even the smallest of setups. One idea we love is placing a vase on the tray and changing out florals seasonally (and yes, even faux flowers are fine). Choose colors that complement your bottles if you wish.
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Light It Up

@theboltshouse / Instagram

A bar-themed candle is also a festive addition to your drink tray. Many companies sell fragrances designed to reflect wine or cocktail flavors, and you can always repurpose the empty vessel to hold bar tools once it’s burned through.
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Whimsical Touches

@lbrand_stylegirl / Instagram

Feeling whimsical? Grab decanters that reflect a favorite theme or style and go to town. These Jonathan Adler jars are the perfect spunky touch to a modernist home.
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Shelfie Moment

@ejfass / Instagram

More of a wine drinker? You can easily fit a wine rack onto your open shelving or bookshelf if you wish. This gold design blends with the piece of furniture perfectly. This setup is also a great way to make a living room feel more laid back—gone are the days of formal, stuffy spaces that no one actually wants to kick back in, after all.
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Terrific Texture

@marinelp_home / Instagram

Experiment with texture and design by pairing wood with white lacquer. A wooden bar tray will add warmth to any home. If you have an older wood tray that could use a bit of a refresh, consider refurbishing it on your own for a whole new look; it’s a DIY that’s quite simple.
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Corralled on the Countertop

@ahousebythelakeinteriors / Instagram

Don’t keep everything behind closed doors. The countertop above your wine fridge should be inviting and makes for an ideal spot to keep favorite mixers and liquor bottles on a tray.
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Decorative Touches

@annalise.at.number.9 / Instagram

Get colorful. Selecting liquor bottles that complement your furnishings and accents takes things to the next level. Get even more sophisticated by adding a small table lamp to your bar area for extra warmth.
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Rockin’ Rattan

@coastalhomelove / Instagram

Does your style lean more traditional or grandmillennial? If so, then a rattan or wicker tray is the answer! This one is a classic and pops atop this distressed sideboard.
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From Work to Play

@patinaville / Instagram

A secretary desk can be a fab solution if you’re in need of a bar cart but are looking for something off the beaten path–or if you have an existing piece of furniture on hand that you’d like to repurpose. Just think: all of the compartments are excellent for storing everything from bottle openers to coasters.
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Fruity Fun

@miracleonthirtyfourth / Instagram

Add instant color to your bar tray by incorporating a bowl of fruit. Limes, lemons, and oranges are all nice and vibrant but also come in handy when mixing up cocktails. If you don’t use your bar supplies often but are looking for a colorful accent, you can always go the fake fruit route, too.
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Transitional Tables

@igorjosif / Instagram

Not into a cart and don’t wish to install shelving? Have no fear. Two end tables placed next to each other can also serve as a darling bar area. Just add the bare essentials, and you’re golden.
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Basket Case

@our1842home / Instagram

When in doubt, why not try a basket? This one looks right at home on the open shelving in the living room above, and it may or may not be full of all sorts of cocktail making must-haves.
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To-Go Drinks

@thenoviceblog / Instagram

Wooden shelves hung by the door make us not want to leave the room without grabbing a cocktail-to-go. These are small yet mighty, proving that even a foot of horizontal space can be enough room to create a cute display.
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A Twist on a Classic

@mysomahome / Instagram

A simple IKEA shelf unit can be a game changer in any room of the home. Whether you use it to hold cookbooks or bar supplies, it looks extra fab in the kitchen or dining room as we see above.
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Grouped Glassware

@laurelbpotter / Instagram

If you’d rather opt to not use a tray in your design, arrange bottles and glassware in an artful manner so that the setup looks intentional, not haphazard. Incorporating dishes and other trinkets will make for a lovely vignette.
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Turn Back Time

@moody_maximalist / Instagram

Make your bar area feel like it’s out of a storied early 20th century home by surrounding your bottles with black and white photos, small portraits, a clock, and other vintage accents. Then whip up on of your favorite drinks from the 1920s to get in the spirit.

20 Small Home Bar Ideas and Space-Savvy Designs

This might be the time of the year when party life has slowed down a bit, and post July 4th, the celebrations have taken a backseat to more serious work. But soon, fall festivities, the Holiday Season and New Year will see the good times come swinging back, and now is the best time to add that small home bar you already dreamed about. If space is not a luxury in your home, do not shelf the idea altogether. Instead think of a mini bar or even a tiny, built-in bar that will utilize that empty corner or the unused porch space to the hilt. It is time to gift yourself with a stylish home bar!

Transform that Closet

A home bar definitely adds life to the party, and if you have a dedicated mixing station that is close to the party zone, it makes your life a lot easier. You need not look far when searching for that elusive nook that will hold your smashing home bar. A simple closet can be transformed into a full-service home bar complete with a sink and ample storage and display space. The best part about these closet wonders is that you can easily hide them away once the party is done, and they simply melt away into the backdrop. You will be amazed to see everything you can fit into this intoxicating closet.

Gold leaf sheets and illuminated sign for the wardrobe home bar [Design: MATT Architecture]Home bar in the closet complete with a sink and mixer saves up on space [Design: Sutro Architects]Built-in home bar in the family room with Moroccan flair {design: Joel Dessaules Design]Monaco Wallpaper for the tiny home bar in the backdrop [Design: Ann Lowengart Interiors]Home bar that can be closed when not needed [Design: P2 Design]

Building a Drink… with Personality!

Customized home bars, even if they are small and come with limited features, take at least a month or more to build. This is especially true in the case of built-in bars, and designs with more ornamentation and high-end features take even longer to realize. But some freestanding home bars like the ones below are a lot easier to craft and consume in far less time. Pick a theme or style that you love and let the home bar reflect this by adding a few cool accessories.

Awesome man cave with a mini bar and plush seating [Design: Versaform]Beautiful bar on the rustic porch is all geared up for fun fall parties [Design: Thom Filicia]

A home bar like the rustic design above, featuring a wooden station and located on a porch, can be put together in absolutely no time. Of course, it still takes a trained eye to pull it off with the same amount of panache and effortless ease. No matter which path you choose, do not forget to give your small home bar a dashing personality!

Surfboard bar in the small beach style shed captures the magic of lazy summer days [Design: Brunelleschi Construction]Gorgeous built-in home bar with a lovely display for your wine collection [Design: South Park Design Build]Home bar for the basement is all about smart, space-saving solutions [Design: Princeton Design Collaborative]

An Exciting Corner

Over the last few months we have explored various ways in which you can utilize that empty corner in various rooms of your home, and a snazzy mini bar is a great idea that belongs on every one of those lists. Every home has a corner or a nook that is left underutilized because the angles are too hard to work with. A small home bar is the perfect fit for this awkward niche, and the many modern space-savers, ingenious wall-mounted cabinets and simple floating shelves can accomplish this effortlessly. A stand for all those club glasses and a trendy rack with colorful LED lighting can complete the crisp, curated makeover.

Eclectic home bar with Spanish flair [Design: Godrich Interiors]Turn the kitchen corner into an awesome home bar [Design: Terracotta Design Build]Elegant home bar with a brick wall backdrop and simple floating shelves [Design: Mingle Team]Tiny, functional home bar design [Design: Past Basket Design]Add a small bar setting to the formal dining room corner [Design: Damon Liss Design]

A Charming Display

A lovely home bar that wows your friends is not just about practicality and ergonomics alone. It needs to be a showstopper irrespective of its size, and it is captivating lighting and neat glass displays that get this done. The space under the staircase is a great spot for this, and if you are lucky enough to have brick walls around, they bring a surreal, pub-style look without trying too hard. A vintage cart adds mobility, and those with additional space can even add a small counter with a couple of bar stools, turning this into a fun hangout.

Transform the space under the stairs into a contemporary home bar [Design: Palmerston Design Consultants]Small bar design for the modern dining room [Design: Lane Williams Architects]A vintage bar cart and a few floating shelves is all you need for a tiny home bar [Design: Maggie Stephens Interiors]Perfect space for the classy mini bar [Design: Henrietta Holroyd]Beach style home bar makes use of corner space [Design: Thom Filicia]

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[. ..]

40 Mini bar Ideas That’ll Inspire Your Home Bar

Did someone say Mini bar ideas that can make your friends jealous? Well, how about mini bar ideas that make any chill session unforgettable! All in the comfort of your own home.

Look no further for a collage of the coolest chic home bar ideas you’ll find on the internet. We don’t just love an ice bucket full of elegant wine bottles, no! we’re here to obsess about the best small home bar in a chic nook of your comfort zone to make cocktails for you and your friends. But, if you’re a cognac guy or gal, not to worry, we have a few awesome ideas for you too!

These small home bar examples we’ve included on this list all have a few things in common.

Some Interesting Decor like cool food & kitchen posters or awesome bar style drinks posters.
A Nice Selection of Drinks, from wines to whiskey.

Why You Should Consider Having A Home Mini Bar

Homes are where people go to relax and unwind. Home bars provide a place for good company, great conversation, as well as quality entertainment for drinkers. This is one way to offer your guests an inviting space in your home.

A mini-bar provides so many opportunities for both family and friends. Some mini bars usually have a small refrigerator and one or two shelves for storage. It’s perfect for keeping drinks cold and fresh, as well as snacks and other small items. Others might typically have a wine cooler instead of a refrigerator, as well as storage space for bottles and glasses. This type of mini-bar is perfect for those who love to entertain – it gives your guests a place to store their drinks and prepare them right at the bar.

For seasoned drinkers, A liquor cabinet typically has a small selection of liquors, as well as space for glasses and other bar accessories. This type of mini-bar is perfect for those who want to have a home bar, but don’t have the space for a larger bar.

The fifth type of mini-bar is the home pub. A home pub typically has a small refrigerator, a sink, and some storage space for bottles and glasses. This type of mini-bar is perfect for those who want to have a home bar, but don’t have the space for a larger bar.

The easiest Mini Bar to have is just a small cabinet or wheeled tray to put in the corner of your living area for easy access. No matter what type of mini-bar you choose, however, it’s sure to be a hit with both family and friends. So why not add one to your home today?

Before we get too ahead of our drunk selves and dive into this awesome list, if you’re creating a mini bar for yourself, you should also consider finding the right living room wall decor ideas! That would certainly make your home mini bar area stand out.

Now, let’s jump into the list of cool mini bar ideas that your friends will absolutely love.

Mixed Drinks Bar Unit

Mini bars are a great addition to any room; they provide a convenient place to store drinks and snacks, and they can help to create a fun and festive atmosphere. To add a touch of awesome like in the example above, add some posters to your mini bar area. You can opt for a poster with a cool quote next to your small home bar.

Nature Themed Small Bar

A mini bar is a perfect place to store party decorations, and it can help to create a fun and festive atmosphere.

Cupboard Mini Bar Area

If you have ample space. A mini bar is a great place to store extra supplies, such as napkins, cups, and plates. This helps to keep your kitchen organized and tidy.

Home Bar With Wine Fridge

You can keep your home bar looking fresh using decor such as ornaments, lights, and trees.

Hidden Home Bar Cabinet

You can keep extra furniture, such as a bar stool and other chairs next to your mini bar. This helps to keep your living space organized and tidy, plus you can sit next to it with a friend and enjoy mixing some drinks.

Small Cocktail Mixing Station

You could store your extra hand towels, cutlery and other mixing tools on your home bar for easy access.

Elegant Home Mini Bar

A good selection of wine and champagne is always a must-have in any mini bar.

Summer Drinks Home Bar

Make sure to include a variety of liquors so you can make your favourite cocktails.

Tiny Dining room Mini Bar

You’ll need tonic water, soda, juice, and other mixers to make drinks for everyone.

Full Feature Mini Home Bar

Make sure to have a variety of snacks on hand, from chips and nuts to chocolate and candy.

Upscale Loft Bar Unit

Include a variety of glasses so you can serve all your favourite drinks.

All Your Drinks Mini Bar

Make sure to include a bottle opener so you can open your favourite bottles of wine or champagne.

Luxury Small Home Bar

Home bars are a great way to entertain guests and show off your personality. They can be as simple or complex as you want, and can be tailored to fit any budget.

Golden Dining Room Mini Bars

With a comfortable chair and a few good friends, you can spend hours at your home bar without even noticing the time passing.

Silver Small Drinks Storage Space

Pantry Wine Cooler

The Home Bar Wine Rack

Hidden Closet Home Bar

Elevated DIY Mini Bar

Stunning Open Shelves Bar

James Bond Style Mini Bar

Chic Retro Home Mini Bar

Eclectic Liquor Bottles & Cocktail Station

Stunning Mini Home Bar Cart

Fun Apartment Bar Cart

The Tequila Home Bar Cart

Cocktail Bar Cart for House Parties

Art Lovers Area for Making cocktails

Cool Stacked Home Bar

Cute Cocktails & Wine Mini Bar

Corner Room Mini Bar Area

Wall Shelves Mini Bar

Small Kitchen Drawer Home Bar

Small Bar Tray

Multi-Level Home Bar Tray

Fun Summer Small Home Bar

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got enough mini bar inspiration to create your own, it’s time to get proactive and buy what you need for your very own mini home bar. Enjoy the process and come up with a bar cart that can hold exactly what you and your friends will need.

Best Home Bar Ideas | Martha Stewart

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white painted bar cart

Credit: Ashley Poskin

Raise a toast to one of these these beautiful cocktail stations.

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modern bar cabinet

Credit: Bryan Gardner

It doesn’t matter if you prefer a glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or an upscale mocktail: A home bar is an integral part of a beautiful entertaining space. Not only is it a surefire way to stay hydrated—even if you just fill up on fizzy water—but it’ll also come in handy during dinner parties and laid-back soirées with your inner circle. Remember that just because a home bar highlights your libations doesn’t mean it has to sacrifice on style. In fact, it’s possible to create a space that looks as good as the delicious beverages you shake, stir, and pour there.

“A home bar is the perfect opportunity to create a little gem that’s inviting for cocktail hour,” shares Zuni Madera, design director at a New York-based firm called foley&cox. “From lacquered millwork to decorative furnishing, a home bar brings character and personality with layers of beautifully mixed decorative accessories such as accent art, fresh florals, decorative objects, and lighting.”

Before you create the perfect setup, you’ll want to consider a few factors. First up? Size. While some homes may be able to accommodate a larger piece, small space dwellers might need to downsize with a bar cart or some double-duty storage. You’ll also want to think about your home bar’s contents: elegant glassware might be proudly displayed on open shelves or glass-fronted cabinets, while bottles of liquor can be stowed away in a cabinet. And, of course, your home’s aesthetic will play a major role in the final product. To help spark inspiration, check out these stunning home bar ideas—and how to recreate them in your space. From bold pops of color to discreet designs, these setups are dressed to impress. Cheers!

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Make Your Bar Blend In

blended in home bar

Credit: Courtesy of Foley & Cox

If you want to incorporate a bar into your home—but don’t want to take up precious square footage—take a cue from foley&cox. The design firm took a minimalist approach in this scene by placing a tray of well-appointed barware on top of the console. (Another thing to love? The cabinets below are the perfect place to stow unsightly bottles.) Consider this streamlined setup great for anyone who lives in a small space or keeps their hosting schedule to a minimum.

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Design Discreet Storage

discrete built in home bar

Credit: Courtesy of Linda Hayslett / Lauren Pressey

Speaking of pared-back bars: Why not hide yours in plain sight? “Home bars are fun to create in a space because they don’t have to take up too much room, but can add to the ambience and give nice storage to the collection a person may have,” shares Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. “Look for a nook area or a cool spot that’s hidden in cabinetry to use for a bar in a living, dining, or library room.” For the ultimate wow factor, close your bar when guests arrive and reveal it when it’s time to pour out a first round.

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Create a Counter

large counter home bar

Credit: Courtesy of Kendall Wilkinson / Paul Dyer

Want to create a home bar that’s the life of the party? If you have a generous footprint, go big with a spacious island, just as Kendall Wilkinson did here. “One of our favorite clients had asked us to transform their lower level into a music lounge and entertaining space,” the San Francisco-based designer explains. “Immediately, we knew we wanted to create a spectacular bar, which couldn’t be more perfect for home entertainment. In the age of COVID-19, you would never need to leave your home with this type of dedicated party space.” With an L-shaped bar and ample stools, this option even rivaled their local hot spot.

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Opt for Organization

organized home bar marble counter

Credit: Courtesy of Christina Kim / Raquel Langworthy

There’s a fine line between a well-stocked bar and one that’s over-stuffed. Keep your inventory organized and orderly by placing your favorite accoutrements on trays. That way, you’ll never overstock your setup. “The best home bars are all about easy access,” designer Christina Kim affirms. “Put out some great looking bar tools and shakers and don’t be afraid to display your prettiest bottles. Corral them onto trays to keep things orderly. I like to keep small glass bottles of Pelligrino and some fresh limes handy. Not only do they look great—it makes it so easy to fix a quick drink.”

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Mix and Match Materials

mixed materials home bar, marble and light wood

Credit: Courtesy of Phillip Thomas / Eric Piasecki

For a home bar idea that’s dynamic and downright luxurious, pay close attention to the materials you’re using. “In this custom home bar I created for a New York client, we kept the design simple, with shelves for glasses, drawers for bottles, and plenty of counter space for mixing drinks,” designer Phillip Thomas explains. “We brought it up a notch by choosing gorgeous materials.” The designer mastered the balance between practical and well-appointed with a semi-precious quartz slab, African olivewood millwork, and bronze touches.

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Bring Out the Bar Cart

small bar cart against wall

Credit: Courtesy of Tara McCauley / MJ Kroeger

You can never go wrong with a bar cart—just ask Tara McCauley. “A two-tier bar cart is a great piece to have in a small space,” the New York-based designer explains. “The top tier can act as a side table for a lamp and is the perfect surface to place glasses and cocktail snacks on when guests come over.” As for the lower level? McCauley recommends storing an ice bucket and your bottles in height order.

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Build a Bedroom Bar

white shelf built in home bar

Credit: Courtesy of Bohlert Massey / Carley Summers

Contrary to popular belief, a home bar doesn’t have to be near the kitchen or dining room. “Many of our clients have enjoyed the addition of a ‘midnight kitchen’ adjacent to their primary bedroom that can be used as a convenient home bar,” shares Bohlert Massey’s Bo Massey. “It’s a great place to keep the ingredients for a nightcap or cold beverages, like wine and Champagne.” Here, a mix of decorative shells and barware gave this function-first setup a dreamy quality.

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Show Off Your Stash

home bar with whiskey wall display

Credit: Courtesy of Jeff Andrews / Grey Crawford

Have an impressive collection of whiskey or wines? Use your home bar to put your inventory on full display. Designer Jeff Andrews made the most of his clients’ collection with floating shelves and a transparent wine storage underneath. The marble and brass backsplash gave the arrangement a touch of glamour.

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Make a Mirrored Marvel Moment

home bar with mirror wall

Credit: Courtesy of Betsy Berry Interiors / Josie Derrick

Pack on the drama with a shiny reflective surface. Here, for example, Charleston-based designer Betsy Berry traded in the typical backsplash for a paneling of antique mirrors. Of course, this tip has a lot more to offer than good looks. Not only do the mirrors reflect the gorgeous river and sunset outside, but they also makes the home bar appear larger. (Translation? You’ll have the illusion of a spacious setup, regardless of your home’s footprint.)

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Hide Your Appliances

hidden appliances home bar

Credit: Courtesy of Atellier Davis / Heidi Harris

Though having a wine fridge or ice machine might make home bartending easier, it doesn’t do your setup’s vibe any favors. Prevent your station from looking clunky by getting a little creative with your storage. “Having a drinks fridge and ice maker concealed underneath in millwork is a great way to have everything at hand, but still hidden,” shares Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis. “I love [to have] plenty of under cabinet lighting and space to display fun bottles and glassware. “

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Go Bold with a Pop of Color

home bar orange and blue colors

Credit: Courtesy of Swati Goorha / Mike Van Tassel

Calling all maximalists: A home bar is a great opportunity to put your more-is-more aesthetic front and center. Here, designer Swati Goorha turned a potentially awkward corner into a moment with jewel-toned accents, offering an eye-catching pop of color in a predominately neutral space.

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31 Home Bar Ideas to Elevate Any Night In

Design & Décor
Home Décor

Turn your nights out into nights in.

Pure Salt Interiors

A great home bar is worth a lot. It gives you a fun spot to host house guests, provides an obvious place to store cocktail books, bartending tools, and bottles of wine, and makes every drink you have at home feel more ceremonial.

The best part? Your home bar doesn’t even have to be fancy. You can snag a budget-friendly bar cart, splurge on a luxurious built-in, or split the difference with an elegant bar cabinet.

“I think it’s best to not overcomplicate it,” Emily Henderson, founder of Emily Henderson Design, says. “Some beautiful bar tools and a fun glass to sip (or sometimes gulp) out of will make any night feel a little more special.”

Since there are so many ways to craft a home bar, throwing together a great one is pretty easy. But if you’re in need of bar inspiration to bookmark, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve rounded up 31 designer-approved home bar ideas that are sleek, playful, and easy to pull off. Just don’t blame us if you start trading your nights out for nights in.

01
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Mindy Gayer Design

Your home bar should be a fun and lively place, so set the scene with a playful color. Snag an unusually vibrant bar cart, line your bar with colorful wallpaper, or paint your cabinets a fun shade you can’t find anywhere else in your home.

02
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Devon Grace Interiors

Drinks aren’t the only thing you should stock in your home bar. Drinkware is just as important—and if you snag a pretty set, it can double as décor. So stock up on glasses, cups, and mugs that you love looking at, and proudly display them on your bar shelves.

The Best Cocktail Glasses to Complete Your Home Bar

03
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Ginny Macdonald

It’s hard to go wrong with a classic bar cart. When thoughtfully chosen, the piece should fit right into any decor scheme. And if you score a bar cart on wheels, you can entertain with ease—rolling the bar cart wherever you’d like to get the party started.

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Pure Salt Interiors

If you’re building in a home bar, have fun with your backsplash. It’s the perfect place to sprinkle in some personality. So take a risk on a bold color, an unusual pattern, or a playful mosaic.

05
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Devon Grace Interiors

Every artist needs inspiration, so stock your bar with more cocktail books than you think you’ll ever need. The books can double as décor, dressing up your home bar shelves. Plus, they’ll give your guests something to flip through as you whip up your next masterpiece.

06
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Cathie Hong Interiors

If you plan to take cocktail-making seriously, cover your bar tool bases and buy a bar tool set. Snag something stylish enough to display on your home bar. You’ll thank yourself for the investment the next time you need a bottle opener, a shot glass, or a cocktail shaker.

07
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Ashley Montgomery Design

Every drink tastes better when you’re sitting somewhere comfortable—so turn your home bar into a cocktail lounge. Snag a couple of cozy armchairs, an ultra-soft rug, and a few plush throw pillows—and you’ll be well on your way to crafting your own cozy speakeasy.

08
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Pure Salt Interiors

If you’re an avid wine drinker, you may not need fancy barware or special cocktail-making supplies. So turn your attention to an investment you’ll enjoy: a wine fridge. The luxe appliance will keep your wines at the proper temperature, helping you build your wine collection without splurging on a cellar. Plus, wine fridges look downright impressive—especially when they’re built into your cabinetry.

09
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Candice Luter

With a little imagination, an ordinary tray table can become a striking bar cart. Whip out your favorite tray table, line it with drinks and drinkware, and turn it into a flexible home bar. The beauty of this approach is that your home bar will double as a serving tray, allowing you to carry drinks to other rooms whenever you need to.

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Proem Studio

If you have the space for it, build an eat-in bar. (Or should we say, a drink-in bar?) A counter and some barstools can transform your home bar, making it feel more like a getaway than a cozy spot in your home.

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Studio Peake

Cocktail glasses usually get the job done, but if you’re hosting a big party and don’t have the glassware to spare, having a stash of plastic cups goes a long way.

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Design: Emily Henderson Design ; Photo: Zeke Ruelas

Can’t decide whether you want a luxurious built-in bar or a flexible bar cart? Bar cabinets offer the best of both. The old-school favorite offers the ample storage space and elegant feel of a built-in bar. But since it’s a standalone piece, it’s flexible and accessible—just like a bar cart.

10 Chic Bar Cabinets For All Your Libation Needs

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Pure Salt Interiors

Turn your home bar into an entertainment center by hanging a TV between your bar shelves. The addition will make your bar a go-to hosting spot during sports games, awards shows, and other major events.

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Design: Velinda Hellen for Emily Henderson Design; Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Your kitchen isn’t the only place that could benefit from fresh fruit. Lemons, limes, and oranges are key ingredients in a bunch of classic cocktails. So do yourself a favor, and keep a bowl of fresh citrus on your bar at all times.

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Reena Sotropa

If your drink of choice is a pilsner, a lager, or an IPA, take your home bar to the next level by installing your own beer tap. Connect the tap to a keg filled with your favorite brew. And treat your guests to a freshly poured pint every time they come over.

16
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Ashley Montgomery Design

Streamlining your glassware is a classic choice for a reason: It makes shopping simple and keeps your space looking sleek. But mixing and matching can be a whole lot of fun. So if you find yourself drawn to a few different glasses, buy them all and display them side-by-side. Despite their varied silhouettes, the glasses should look great together—they are made from the same material, after all.

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Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Your home bar doesn’t have to live on a cart or a cabinet. If you’ve found a credenza you love, turn that into your home bar, instead. The transformation should be easy—just top the credenza with a well-stocked serving tray or mount some liquor-lined shelves above it.

18
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Sara Toufali

Looking for a place to proudly show off your plant collection? Your bar just might be the spot. By pairing your favorite barware with trailing vines and prickly cacti, you can add color and texture to your home bar—and breathe life into your space.

19
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Jessica Nelson Design

Make your life easier by keeping your favorites on a serving tray. If there are glasses, tools, or ingredients you’re always reaching for, cluster them together in an easy-to-grab spot. Storing them on a serving tray will make things even more convenient. Need to bring your go-to’s to another room? You can easily do so.

20
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Proem Studio

No cocktail is complete without an appropriate garnish, and cocktail picks make those garnishes easier to manage. A good cocktail pick will hold your garnish in place, making your cocktail look perfect when you first present it. Plus, it’ll help you fish out any garnishes that have fallen to the bottom of your drink and gotten lost in your glass.

21
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Laura Brophy Interiors

If you’re low on space, finding a home for your bar can be a challenge. One underrated option? Putting a bar beside your staircase. The oft-overlooked area can be tough to decorate. But it’s the perfect size and shape for a barware-lined countertop and some glassware-packed shelves.

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Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp

One of the best things about bar carts? They’re portable. Take advantage of this flexibility, and move your bar cart around. If you’re throwing a backyard barbecue or enjoying drinks on the patio, bring your bar cart outside. And if you’re a serious outdoor entertainer, you can even snag a second bar cart—dedicated solely to your backyard.

23
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Katie Hodges Design

Storage space is a must in any home bar, and cabinets aren’t your only option. By mounting a couple sleek shelves, you can dress up the space above your bar—and turn your bartending must-haves into décor.

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Pure Salt Interiors

Keeping a serving tray on your bar is a great idea. You can use it to dress up your bar and carry drinks around your space. And if you don’t feel like buying a brand new serving tray, you can repurpose your prettiest cutting board and use it as a serving tray, instead.

25
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White Sands

Want to make your home bar feel even more fun? Snag a cute neon sign. The playful addition will set the scene in your home bar, making it feel as kitschy, cozy, or classic as you want it to.

26
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Katie Leclercq

There are loads of places to put your home bar. But if you’re drawing a blank, look for bare walls and unused corners. These spaces may be too small for other furniture and decor, but they’re probably big enough to house a bar cart, a small bar cabinet, or a tiny console table topped with a serving tray.

27
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Jessica Nelson Design

If you’re a big fan of wine, treat yourself to a pretty decanter. The sculptural piece will look great on your home bar—and it will help you serve wine even more properly.

28
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Studio Peake

One of the most functional ways to store your stemware? Upside down. This will keep top-heavy glasses from tumbling over the moment you touch your bar cart. And it prevents dust from collecting inside your glasses—so you won’t have to rinse them every time you whip them out.

29
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Pure Salt Interiors

Popping champagne feels more ceremonial when you have an ice bucket to store your bottle in until you’ve finished it. So snag a pretty ice bucket that’ll look great on your home bar, and leave it on display even when you’re not drinking bubbly.

30
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Katie Leclercq

If you don’t want your bar to feature prominently in your home, tuck it away behind cabinet doors. The doors will conceal your bar, turning it into a party trick—when guests arrive, you can peel back the cabinet doors to unveil your bacchanalian masterpiece.

31
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Mindy Gayer Design

Art is a great way to finish off any space—your home bar, included. So once you’ve stocked up on entertaining essentials, make space for a few pretty pieces. Sneak small prints and illustrations onto your shelves. Or mount a massive painting on the wall above your bar.

Here’s How to Style Your Bar Cart So It Doesn’t Feel Basic

Minibar: 90 photos – do-it-yourself minibar for home and apartment, home minibar design ideas

We continue to hunt for inspiring design ideas. Today, under the flashes of our cameras, home mini-bars from real interiors from around the world fell. Why go somewhere to relax and have a drink when you can arrange a personal mini-bar with your own hands (photo attached)? This does not require an investor, a separate room and large investments. Your starting capital will be the imagination and ideas from our selection.

Click on the first image and open it in the maximum size. Full-screen mode with flipping images will allow you to concentrate on viewing. Near the photos you will find a brief description of the techniques and materials used, and the green labels in the pictures contain additional information about the items in this interior. If you have any questions for the author of the project with a photo, feel free to ask them: the green link “ask a question about this photo” is located in the lower right corner of any frame. And offer your options in the comments below the article.

MATT architecture LLP

1. Bar with a message inside
The inside of the bar cabinet in gold leaf symbolizes the value of the contents. And to all who dare to encroach on these treasures, leave a formidable message.

2. Bar cabinet in the wall
Divert attention from the contents of your bar with beautiful, custom-made wooden doors. So that they look like a work of art in their own right.

Wardrobe: Phillip Lloyd Powell.

Robin Gannon Interiors

3. Bar cabinet
The designers of Robin Gannon Interiors, who decorated this American home, opted not so much for a spectacular as for a functional bar cabinet – it has a place for dishes and cutlery, as well as wine racks.

Greg Natale

4. Bar cabinet
A bar cabinet can become a pedestal, on which symbolic things will rise above the entire interior.

moessmer doors

5. Open shelving
The drinks shelving can be part of an ensemble – a bar counter and chairs, as in this Munich apartment.

Michaela Dodd

6. Open shelving unit
You can transform an ordinary cabinet into a bar: just place a couple of wine shelves inside, and hang a slate board above the cabinet, as in bars.

7. Beverage trolley
The trolley can also be a great alternative to a full bar. For example, there are models that are used in restaurants and hotels, with many sections and drawers. Such a mini-bar for the home, as in the photo, you can do it yourself.

April and the Bear

8. Bar cabinet-ship
Well, a real seabass will suit a cabinet-ship, on the deck of which you can place dishes, and in the lower compartment – stocks of alcohol. It will not be easy to pass such a bar.

Versaform

9. Bar cabinet with spacious doors
Cabinet doors can be used as additional storage shelves. A slate board with active discounts on cocktails will be responsible for creating the proper atmosphere.

Megan Buchanan

10. Bar cabinet
If a bar is planned in the room, the interior design must take into account its presence. Even boards and iron from an old court can inspire the creation of a bar cabinet. Overly brutal look can be diluted with a funny bar stool or a vintage advertising poster, as in this Vancouver house.

“K2 design”

11. Wine crate cabinet
Bar atmosphere can be created with accessories – wine crate board cabinet and wine cork container.

SEE ALSO
120 Bar Fashion Accessories – Houzz Shopping

Luca Girardini – XIX Photos

It is decorated with carvings with a biblical story, with Adam and Eve in paradise, which did not deter the owner of the apartment from placing a bar in it.

Run for the Hills

13. Cabinet with glass doors
For industrial-style interiors, even an old cabinet with glass doors, such as those used in hospitals to store medicines, is suitable for a bar.

P3 Construction & Remodeling, Inc.

14. Wardrobe+bench+table
Why not opt for a bar corner that combines all the elements — a bench, a wardrobe, a bar counter? And even a place to feed your pet!

Homepolish

15. Bookcase in the library
Cultural leisure is different for everyone: someone spends time reading books, someone is not averse to having a glass. So why not combine these areas into one leisure center?

Chairs: Blu Dot Copper Real Good Barstool

LVW Associates

16. Closet Shelf
You can create a small bar even on one shelf in the closet: with a drink tray, a mirrored back wall and LED lighting.

AMR Interior Design & Drafting Ltd.

17. Wardrobe repainted
In this Canadian loft, an ordinary IKEA wardrobe has become a drink storage. The owners simply painted it in the right shade, giving it a touch of antiquity. As you can see, it’s not difficult to make an “author’s” home bar with your own hands.

See also …
830 Ideas in the photo-home bar in Loft style

The Vintage Fridge Company

18. Antique Cool cabinet
in such a wardrobe. life – for example, place a bar in it. Such rough furniture will look organically in rustic interiors and in rustic style interiors.

19. Wardrobe with bar attributes
And for lovers of westerns, you can arrange a saloon – a traditional bar of the Wild West – with a skull and a wooden signboard.

Sutro Architects

20. Built-in bar
Any empty opening, unused niche can accommodate a bar rack. For example, from a closet or pantry.

Northworks Architects + Planners

21. Built-in bar
This wall-mounted bar can be made open or with doors. Alcoholic drinks, for example, are hidden in the closet, and dishes are left on the shelves.

Molly Erin Designs Inc

22. In the doorway
Any unoccupied corner to the house is a potential place for your bar. All you need is a countertop, a cabinet, a refrigerator and a tray for drinks.

Wallpaper: Osborn & Little

Stalburg Design

Mirror mosaic will visually lift the ceiling.

Ann Lowengart Interiors

24. In the fireplace alcove
The owners of this Californian house in the photo decided to take a niche from the unused fireplace – to place in it a bar with refrigerators for drinks and a countertop.

Wallpaper: Monaco wallpaper by Flavor Paper

Jules Art of Living

Eric Roseff Designs

. And in the open state, the door can act as a table.

Carter Kay Interiors

27. In the opening
Ordinary wooden shelves as a bar showcase – this addition to the kitchen set will help turn any unoccupied corner into a bar.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

28. In the doorway
And if wooden structures seem heavy, it’s time to think about glass shelves that most accurately convey the bar style.

Shelves: Urban Archiology

Starr Homes

29. In the Aisle
If there is no room for a real male den, any empty corner will do. Finishing with stone and wood will give the desired brutal spirit. For storage – ordinary wooden shelves, coasters for wine and boxes.

SEE ALSO…
So, your style… brutalism

The owners of their home can think about arranging a light well.

SEE ALSO…
Light wells: How to let sunlight into a room without windows

Lourdes Gabriela Interiors

31. For example, corridors, doorways, where you can place a bar. And you can visually separate this zone using a contrasting color of the walls or lighting.

Studio H Design Group, Inc.

32. In the opening
It is logical to place the bar next to the kitchen table: then the need for a bar counter disappears by itself. And on the countertop you can organize a bartender’s corner, with a shaker, an ice basket, a pestle.

M. Swabb Decor + Style

33. In the Aisle
Your bar can be decorated in an eco-style: with a woodpile, plants, with simple hanging shelves and a tabletop.

Woodmeister Master Builders

34. In the opening
The gap between the bookshelves and the window must not be empty! A few glass shelves, a mirror and a wardrobe – that’s all you need for a bar corner.

Upside Development

35. Shelves in the closet
In any closet there are a couple of free shelves that you can equip as a home bar with your own hands. Just highlight this area with a contrasting color and light.

Terracotta Design Build

36. In the opening
You can create a full-fledged bar in an empty corner with the help of appropriate paraphernalia – a refrigerator for drinks, wine shelves and, of course, a sign. Now no one passing by will be able to pass the bar.

WERK | Building Modern

37. Bar cabinet-wall
Well, if there is no way to make a niche for the bar and openings for bottles in the wall, it’s time to think about a cabinet-wall, which can also be used as a partition.

Exclusive Builders

Vanillawood

39. In the opening
The bar can also be an extension of your kitchen set: just choose the right cabinets from the same series. And to delimit the zones of the kitchen and the bar, place the latter in the corner.

J Steven Kemp Architect

40. Under roof slopes
Mirror tiles can be a great alternative to bar mirrors. With its help, a small corner under the stairs seems visually larger.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

41. In the wall
The space under the stairs should not be empty, the owner of this American house decided and placed a storage rack here. On the top shelf there was a place for a bar.

Susan Diana Harris Interior Design

Clare Gaskin Interiors

43. In the wall
The through hole is a great place for a minibar, which will be available both in the kitchen (pictured) and in the dining room.

Plexwood

44. In the opening
Narrow bar cabinet, retractable bar – even in small spaces it is possible to equip a bar.

S Squared Design, LLC

46. Wine Crate Shelves
Wine crates can simply be stacked on the floor, or intricate designs can be placed on the wall, as in this Houston loft.

RVGP Photo+Graphics

47. Pallet Rack
Pallets are also suitable for bar shelving – just stack them on top of each other and use the resulting voids to store bottles.

SEE ALSO…
Weekend project: Making a padded pouffe from… a shipping pallet

Roomscapes Cabinetry and Design Center

, while the ice and beverage chiller sections are on top and can be covered with a cocktail tabletop.

Thom Filicia Inc.

49. On the desktop
Why hide alcohol in the cupboard? In the absence of a bar showcase, you can display the entire assortment on a suitable table.

Dalrymple | Sallis Architecture

50. Against the wall
Carpentry table will be appropriate in interiors with a masculine character, with rough and simple furniture.

Darren James Interiors

51. On the ceiling
Don’t be afraid to turn everything upside down and … place the collection of bottles not on the table, but under the table and at the same time under the ceiling – like this minibar in the photo.

A3-Arc

52. Ceiling mounted
Ceiling bar storage saves space and reduces the temptation to miss a drink.

Susan Glick Interiors

53. On a dressing table
An ordinary dressing table can act as a minibar. And the stool built into it will become an alternative to a bar stool.

Kate Jackson Design

54. On a wicker table
Rattan furniture, an abundance of greenery and wicker decor can create the atmosphere of a beach bar.

Eleanor Baines Photography

55. Bar Trolley
A beverage cart can be a complete alternative to a stationary bar. You can not only transport, but also store bottles in it, and to hide it from your eyes, use a screen, as in the photo.

56. Medical prescription
It is not necessary to choose a beverage trolley from standard models. For example, in this loft, an ordinary cart for medical instruments from the hospital was adapted as a bar.

Sally Wheat Interiors

57. Inspired by
Make the bar trolley part of the environment: for example, its frame can echo the geometric pattern of the wallpaper or the figurine on the table.

Andrea Gray Design

58. Eye-Catching Detail
The beverage trolley can become a highlight of the whole interior – just choose a trolley with an unusual design or just complete it with eye-catching details.

59. Bright accent
The owners of this Toronto home converted a children’s table into a mobile bar (pictured), which used to store pencils, paints and brushes.

LMC Interiors

60. Own corner
The beverage cart should have its own corner where it will stand between parties. As in a real bar, there should be lighting and portraits of rock stars.

Sara Garanty

61. Note
In addition to photos of rock stars near an impromptu bar counter, recipes for your favorite cocktails will be appropriate.

Bennett Lerner Interiors

62. On board
For plenty of room for cocktails, opt for a trolley with fold-down sides that can add more space if needed.

Linda Fritschy Interior Design

63. Everything in view
With transparent shelves and a frame, this trolley will not draw attention to itself and weigh down the surrounding interior.

Elizabeth Home Decor & Design, Inc.

64. Detachable top
Some beverage trolleys have a removable top that can be used as a beverage tray if required.

Sarah Greenman

65. Retro inspired
Antique trolleys that were previously used in restaurants and hotels will add a retro vibe.

AM Dolce Vita

66. On wheels
Such a mobile bar has an important advantage over a stationary bar – you are not tied to the bar, the party can take place in any room.

Beth Bourque Design Studio

67. Bar and library
And when there are no parties, this trolley can be used as a bookcase for storing things and books.

Baxter Design Group

68. Like a cafe
Surfboard, mobile bar and wicker furniture perfectly capture the atmosphere of a beach cafe.

The Cavender Diary

69. Bar Time
Add a few fun touches to your mobile bar, like a container for collecting wine corks or beer caps. As the mini-bar in the photo shows, interior design only benefits from the presence of such a utilitarian item.

Leslie L. Hunt Interior Design

71. Under Shelf
If your trolley doesn’t feel like it’s roomy enough, consider placing additional shelves above it, where you can put dishes, for example.

DFS Construction Inc.

72. In plain sight
The shelves themselves can become an alternative to a bar showcase. The accent wall will mark the bar area. And if ordinary shelves seem like a hackneyed option, then choose “snake” shelves, on the underside of which it is convenient to store glasses.

Flávia de Mello

73. Constructor
Cube shelves will help to separate the different types of alcohol in your bar – wines on one, spirits on the other.

Raleene Cabrera

74. Find a place
With several shelves, the bar can be organized anywhere, even in the corner near the doorway.

Chair: Blu Dot Real Good Chair

Inspired Interiors

75. Instead of drying
And if there is not even an empty opening for the bar, then its mini version can be easily organized right on the hanging dish rack by adding a wine rack and a holder for glasses.

NOTION, LLC

76. Hold on tight
You can get creative with the bar arrangement and place alcohol not on, but under the shelf. For example, using steel pins.

77. Visual propaganda
And if you can find an alternative to a bar showcase, then you can’t find an alternative to a signboard. Use bulb or neon lighting to draw in customers for a cocktail.

Rejuvenation

78. Hanging Shelving
Create the spirit of Prohibition-era America and underground bars with “Illegal” graffiti above the bar shelves.

Johnny Gray Studios.

79. Literature Lesson
The designer of this corner, Johnny Gray, was inspired by Chekhov’s Three Sisters – and he created a multifunctional area in the kitchen (pictured) for drinking tea, coffee, and spirits. At night, each zone is highlighted.

Janicek Homes

80. In a barrel
An old barrel can become a capacious and original bar: alcohol can be stored inside, a tabletop can be installed on top. For small apartments, you can choose a smaller barrel.

ANC concept

81. Drop by drop
One of the accents in the interior of this living room in a Moscow apartment is a drop-shaped shelf-bar from Cattelan Italia. Well, how can you not afford a drop of alcohol?

Interior: ANC concept

Edwina Benites-LM

82. Traffic signs
The arrow will become not only a traffic indicator for your tipsy friends, but also a shelf for storing bar equipment.

“K2 design”

83. Hanging
The vertical position of the bottle hanger allows for minimal effort for leisurely evening tastings. Just make yourself comfortable in your chair.

Design: Ekaterina Yakovleva

Mullet Cabinet

84. Vertical
Vertical bottle holders don’t have to be austere: let the vine wrap around the wine bottles.

Leslie Banker

85. Multi-storey shelving
The bar can be hidden from prying eyes in a trolley table. For more secrecy – the globe is on top!

Ann Love Interiors Inc.

86. Advertising move
Add some creativity to the design of the bar – shelves in the shape of a bottle and a barrel, corkscrews on the walls, glass lighting. The main thing is not to overdo it with the details, otherwise it will be impossible to pass the bar.

Sara Bates

87. From an old suitcase
An old suitcase is the cheapest and most compact option: this bar can even take you on a trip.

The Painted Home

88. From an old suitcase
This bar suitcase can hold not only a couple of bottles, but also glasses for drinks. Elastic bands for fastening linen to help you!

SEE ALSO…
What can be done with luggage in the interior

DKOR Interiors Inc. – Interior Designers Miami, FL

89. In a wall closet
The bar is the place to get naughty: why not decorate it with Tetris-like wall shelves and a centipede chair?

Jenny och Martin

90. In the cache
And you can build a special cache for alcohol, so that the uninitiated think that this is just an area for relaxing and reading. The flip-top lid turns an ordinary bench into a backlit bar with two seating areas.

YOUR TURN…
Poll: Do you have a home bar? Cast your vote in the poll on our forum! Made a mini home bar with your own hands – share your experience in the comments section.

40 examples of home minibars that deserve attention

by Alexey
|
Decor Workshop Furniture Accessories Interior
|
Friday, 02 October 2020

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🇺🇦 Help for the army, volunteers and doctors.

A bar is a must for every party, and also to be able to drink a glass of wine in the evening, well, where without it.

If your house is small and you can’t fit a big bar or make a wine cellar, then the minibar option is just for you! How to organize it?

Bar counter

The wine cabinet or bar trolley is the easiest way to store all your drinks, glasses and anything else you might need for your minibar. Add a wine cooler, use open and closed storage shelves, some beautiful artwork, houseplants, and voila!

See also: 26 Smart bed examples with storage space

Integrated bar

You can also make a bar nook by building it into one of the cabinets in the dining room, kitchen or even the living room. Grab a couple of drawers and a sideboard, prepare your work surface to slice lemons or limes, and set up an ice bucket. Add a decor mirror or chalkboard, try a decorative table top or photo wallpaper, and you’re done!

Need more cool ideas? Take a look below!

A modern bar with a green wall, neon lighting and a metal cart with various drinks looks very bold

A golden flower and green cart is a great idea for a modern space

Antique rustic crate cart with large wheels and marble top and white flowers

Mini built-in bar counter with open shelves, refrigerator and drawers with essentials looks natural in the kitchen

Neat illuminated wooden cabinet with glass doors and a selection of drinks

Mini built-in bar counter with mirror, glass shelf and closed storage compartments

A chic modern home bar with a white open cabinet bar, illuminated shelf and neon sign

Stunning wooden cabinet with lots of shelves for storing wine and other alcoholic beverages

Iron framed glass cabinet hidden between fireplace and outside wall used as a minibar

Small and cool home bar with colorful artwork, brassware and gold-rimmed glasses

Stylish brass bar cart with open storage compartments, some artwork and a potted plant

Small and chic home bar cart with open storage and potted greens

Cheerful built-in minibar painted gold with neon sign looks chic

Another version of the glass bar with artwork, lamp, plants and neon sign

Cool bar with open space, lighting, drawers and a potted plant, and eye-catching covers

Feminine bar cart with solid color accessories and stunning poster on the wall

Stylish built-in home bar with mirrored splashback, open storage and cabinetry, and plants

Stylish built-in bar counter with open shelves, mirror, drawers and lighting – cool and chic idea

Small corner minibar with marble tops

Neat little wooden cart with drinks, flowers and open shelves

Small but sophisticated built-in bar with tiled backsplash, black cabinet, sink and gold accents

Small white home bar with open and closed storage, tiled splashback and bottle cooler

Modern built-in bar with open shelves, fridge and wine bottle rack – a stylish idea

Bar trolley with open shelves and vintage wood top

Slim single drawer corner cabinet with multiple open shelves for bottle storage

Gorgeous mini-bar from an old TV

A small built-in home bar counter with a mirror backsplash, drawer and shelves is a great space saving idea

Sophisticated built-in bar in neutral marble, illuminated shelves and drawers

Exquisite built-in home bar with glass shelves and golden storage boxes

Glamorous bar nook with golden round cart, open storage space and blue neon light above it

A fun and modern bar with artwork, lighting, a bamboo cart and potted greenery – very cool

Chic black bar with open and closed storage compartments, gold details and tray

Built-in bar counter with illuminated open shelves and storage drawers – very cool idea

Elegant dark wood vintage bar counter with open and closed storage compartments and a bar stool to create a cozy atmosphere

Vintage style wooden bar counter with open shelves above and plaque

White minibar with seating area, closed drawer and some items on the table

Just a rustic home bar with greens, some wine and snacks

Chic iron barrel minibar

The space under the stairs can be used as a home bar

And if you haven’t collected the required number of drinks yet, you can make a mini bar on a tray

And you should always remember that everything is good in moderation!

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purpose, pros and cons, choice

2019-05-17

Author: Belfan

Issues discussed in the material:

What is the purpose and advantages of a home bar

What types of home bar are there

What style of furniture are home bars

9094 consists of a home bar
How to choose the right home bar

Where to place it

Many today consider it prestigious and even necessary to have their own home bar for storing alcohol, especially for those who like to gather guests in their home. If you are also thinking about purchasing such a piece of furniture, our article will help you make the right choice.

Why do we need a home bar?

Traditionally, any solemn events in a person’s life are usually celebrated with high-quality alcohol. For several millennia, products of winemakers have occupied an important place in the culture of many peoples. Today, a variety of drinks and their combinations are consumed. It is necessary to store such a collection beautifully and in the right conditions, so the best solution would be to purchase a special functional device, namely a home bar.

The functionality of the bar is determined by its tasks:

Alcohol bottle storage. Of course, for one meeting you don’t have to worry about storage, in this case you just buy the necessary amount of alcohol to last for an evening with friends.
The bar is essential to ensure that there are always favorite drinks in the house, which can be consumed on suitable occasions. In a relaxed atmosphere, sit with your favorite book and a good liquor, add a spoonful of skate to your coffee or sip a little whiskey on a day off. These drinks are not bought at a time. Therefore, it makes sense to create a reserve for different cases.

Preparation of cocktails. Of course, if you want to enjoy an alcoholic cocktail, you can come to a club establishment, pay for one drink as for a whole bottle, and besides, you will never know what it was prepared from. And from the drinks of your bar you can make cocktails with different tastes, turning this process into a kind of game, while most likely you will reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.

Plus, many people associate a beautiful life with a home bar. Such a stylish item will appeal to both a single man and an elegant lady who surrounds herself with luxury. It is not shameful to show a beautiful piece of furniture to guests.

On the balcony

A balcony or loggia is a lot of free space for relaxation, which many do not use. Plus, it’s a great place to have a drink.

Home mini bar on the balcony can be varied:

Wine racks. For wine connoisseurs, this is enough. There may be several of them and this room is quite suitable for collecting. As a rule, shelves are made on a remote part from the window so that little sunlight falls on them. Small sofa bar. You can make a mini bar with your own hands, built into the sofa. At the same time, a comfortable place to relax in the form of a soft sofa appears, and a place where you can store alcohol without any difficulties

It is only important to think about ventilation so that air can pass through smoothly. Wall cabinet. If the balcony is small, but you need to hold as much alcohol as possible, it is worth building a wall cabinet

It will take up very little space, but at the same time it will allow you to fit 20 bottles or more.

It is important to remember that the storage of alcoholic beverages on the balcony is only possible if:

Heating has been installed. In winter, in sub-zero temperatures, many drinks (wine, beer) freeze, which causes precipitation and the drink becomes less tasty.

Enough space. Nevertheless, it is undesirable to completely clog the space. A cabinet for alcohol is a nice addition, but if it takes up all the space, it is better to refuse it.

Keep out of reach of children and pets. It will be good if the children just knock the contents from the shelves. But they can cut themselves or accidentally drink.

Advantages of a home bar

In the bar you can keep bottles not only with your favorite wines, but also with other noble drinks.

Installing a home bar allows you to create a separate seating area in any space, no matter how big or small, according to your own preferences. With proper design, this part of the room can look very original and stylish.

The role of the home bar can be invaluable at parties and Sunday dinners, turning them from ordinary family events into a kind of social receptions or “parties”. As you can see, this item is capable of a lot with the right approach.

Bar from an old TV

Don’t rush to throw away your grandmother’s TV. You can also make a home bar out of it!

If you do not have such a “legacy”, then you can always look for old TVs in thrift stores or shops of nostalgia for the USSR.

Keep in mind, however, that TV sets are more fragile than pianos. Therefore, be sure to check the strength of the case before putting heavy bottles into it. Also, don’t forget that some old TVs contained toxic substances (such as lead, mercury, beryllium). Therefore, it is better not to take “leaky”, “phony” and foul-smelling cases.

Types of home bars

Manufacturers produce designs:

Open type – all bottles of alcohol are visible on the racks and shelves of such bars. Usually these products are small.

Closed – the contents of the bars are hidden by doors. This way it is safer to store the bottles, they will not be reached by children who like to reach for everything that interests them.

Portable – bars equipped with wheels for easy and convenient movement around the room.

Traditional stationary model . This type of furniture looks solid and presentable, as a rule, it consists of a bar counter and shelving. You will also have to purchase various special devices (shaker, cocktail glasses, etc.). A stationary home bar is suitable for installation in a country house or large apartments, because it requires a fairly large area.

Here is a photo of such a home bar for clarity:

The elements of this bar are:

Bar counter. This tall, narrow building always looks very stylish, as if from a Hollywood movie. Lighting lamps are located above it, and a vertical chrome pipe with a holder for glasses is also an obligatory element.

Bar stool set. These chairs are higher than usual, they should be comfortable to sit at the counter, while the legs can be put on special stands. Products are made from different materials, they need to be selected in accordance with the design of the rack.

Directly at the bar structure, which is located against the wall behind the counter – all bottles of alcohol are placed on its open shelves. This piece of furniture is made of wood and glass.

The inside of the rack usually has shelves where you can put all the necessary accessories, as well as a compact refrigerator for making ice.

Please note: the stationary structure of the home bar should be placed in a separate room. In this case, it becomes the central object of the interior and does not take away the attention of either the kitchen or the living room.

Minibar model.

These products are both compact and roomy in their own way – this is their main advantage.

Recessed systems save space. In any home bar layout, care must be taken to ensure that heavy items are not stored above the shelves with alcohol. This will avoid traumatic situations associated with cuts from broken bottles.

Layout ideas

The ease of use of the bar will depend on the correct location. The appropriate location can decorate and transform the interior. Options:

For modernist adherents, a “floating” bar will be a godsend. The essence of soaring is in competent lighting. A competent play of light and shadow will make the minibar exclusive, even though ordinary materials were used to create it.

Installing a liquor store in the lintel between the kitchen and living areas is the right option if your goal is to be both a welcoming host and a real bartender. You will be in two places at the same time – both at the home bar counter and with guests.

If wine is the mainstay of your bar, it is important to choose the right place. After all, heat, moisture and light are contraindicated for this alcohol. By not creating the right conditions, you run the risk of experiencing disappointment when opening a bottle – the wine will simply ferment. This kind of mini-bar should be placed in a standard cabinet compartment.

If space permits, you can position the minibar in an L-shape, giving you more room to make cocktails. Make sure there is a sink nearby.

Bedroom with mini-bar

Home mini-bar for the living room with an interesting design

Wooden kitchen with mini-bar

So for wine, which is very capricious of storage conditions, it is worth buying a wine cabinet. It maintains the correct humidity, temperature, there is ventilation. The bottles in it are stored at the right angle so that the sediment accumulates at the bottom.

Please note! If the wine cabinet has a transparent door, this will facilitate the process of choosing alcohol.

A homemade minibar for drinks is, without exaggeration, the face and style of the owner, so its creation must be approached with great care.

Convenient location of the mini-bar under the stairs

Mini-bar in eclectic style

Mini-bar with glass shelves on the balcony

More about the home mini-bar

, even the smallest room.

For most people, a bar looks like a very voluminous and massive object. The imagination paints a picture with a high counter and glass shelves that everyone has seen in clubs or a restaurant. It is clear that we are not talking about such bulky structures when we are talking about the home version. It is better to buy a small home bar for an apartment.

In interiors, it is customary to install such products that do not evoke associations with a bar, but are made in the form of a barrel, a globe or a simple pedestal. These pieces of furniture in one movement are transformed into an open rack.

Most minibars are less than 1.5 meters high and weigh a little too. Inside they have shelves-holders of a special shape and devices for attaching glasses.

Mini-bar has the following advantages:

compact dimensions and mobility, allowing you to place these items in any part of the house;

lower cost than fixed structures;

the presence of a home bar indicates a special attitude towards the process of consuming wine and other drinks, as well as a certain wealth of the owners.

Externally, the minibar must match the overall design of the room so that its presence does not cause dissonance.

As already mentioned, the minibar does not take up much space in the room, and you can always choose the option on wheels to move it if necessary.

Mini-bars are distinguished by their appearance:

Built-in design. Such an interior detail is almost invisible to others, often the entire system is located in the wall, and can also be part of cabinet or upholstered furniture. In the sofa, the bar can be built into the corner module or into the armrest. Such compartments are not designed for many bottles, however, the presence of a small bar next to the resting place causes pleasant emotions for guests. Space saving is an added bonus.

In the form of a wall cabinet, the material for manufacturing is usually wood. It harmoniously combines with the classic style of a living room or study, and for a modern interior it is better to choose a small rack with shelves and metal wine bottle holders.

Bedside tables. Floor-standing models of mini-bars can be made in the form of a regular sideboard, only low. They are equipped with many compartments for different devices.

Barrel-like. Associated with wine cellars or with a marine theme, it depends on the design concept and the overall style of the interior. In any case, this item causes positive feelings.

In the form of a globe. This type of home bar is quite common and is acceptable when creating a classic European style. All the contents are inside the structure, you only need to lift the top of the globe.

Minibar from an old TV. In an original way, you can use the case from a tube TV that has served its time, just add shelves to the vacated space from the kinescope. Suitable for loft style or to recreate the Soviet era.

Safe construction. These items are not displayed to the public. The safe can be built-in or located separately as a floor. To make everything serious, some models are equipped with a locking system. Then you can be sure of the inaccessibility of your treasures.

Table with wheels. It is convenient in that it allows you to move this item to where it is needed now, in any room, even on the street.

Shelving. This type of bar may include shelves for different drinks. For example, when the owner prefers wine, it is necessary to equip the rack with special cells for bottles, allowing them to be stored in a horizontal position. Everything is like in the good old Italian and French films.

Please note that the minibar may have different shapes. But it doesn’t matter if it’s round or rectangular. It matters whether it fits the design of the room or not. The criterion for choosing the type of home bar is the purpose of the room where it will be used. If the house is large enough and you plan to entertain guests often, then the best solution would be to place the bar in a separate room, where it will become the centerpiece of the composition.

Recommended articles on this topic:

Solid oak beds – comfort and luxury of your bedroom

Solid wood bedroom of your dreams: style solutions, photo

Turnkey solutions

Turnkey home minibars (pictured) often have dual functionality. So now you can buy the following options:

Built into upholstered furniture. Moreover, the storage for bottles can travel both from the back and from the side. They hold some alcohol, often do not have a compartment for glasses and devices for creating cocktails. But they have a clear advantage – saving space, often remote control.

Portable. They are super compact. Easily move to where you need to go. They provide space for proper storage of bottles and glasses. When closed, it is a table or cabinet. Glasses can be placed on top of the tabletop, such a kind of table. Such designs can be closed on all sides or have a shelf opening where all the contents are easily visible.

Cabinet bar. These are special designs, the most popular is a large globe on a massive wooden stand. All contents – bottles, glasses, corkscrew – are hidden inside. Thanks to this, the solidity and seriousness of the leader is unshakable. At the right time, the content of the globe is revealed, and you can discuss work issues or celebrate a good deal.

Bar furniture. It is more spacious than the options proposed above, although it is still smaller in size than a full-fledged bar. But still, this is furniture, and it should be selected taking into account the general style of the room where it will be installed. Often this is a living room or any place where you receive guests.

Modern minibar under stairs

Modern portable minibar

Home minibar in black cabinet

Please note! A mini-bar can be of different shapes – rounded, rectangular – the main thing is that it matches the style of the existing interior. If the mini-bar is approaching a completely new room, then you need to choose based on the purpose of the room. If the territory of the house allows, then it is better to create a separate bar room, where the mini-bar will be the central component.

Open minibar for a minimalist interior

Sleek modern sleek kitchen with built-in minibar

Retro style minibar fits modern style

Home bar styles

Designers always aim to create a harmonious interior, and the home bar, being a design detail, should be selected in accordance with a single concept, or, conversely, the whole environment should be combined with a central element – a home bar for alcohol.

With wood and leather details, this model is ideal for classic decor, while for modern styles, choose a bar made of glass, metal or plastic. The option in the form of a secretary is suitable for lovers of retro design. But let’s look at these points in more detail.

Classic style.

Strict geometry, conciseness, dark colors, transparent glass. Models are available in various sizes and capacities. Wooden surfaces are painted, varnish or stain is used for finishing, the texture is almost imperceptible. Most of the compartments, with the exception of those where the collection of bottles is located, are closed with doors.

Rustic.

Rough wood finish with visible texture. Often almost all compartments are open, and metal elements serve as fittings.

Retro, loft, hi-tech.

In the manufacture of a home bar for these styles, metal raw materials are widely used: forged, sheet, shiny. Additional decorative elements are objects surrounding the bar, which can also be made of metal, for example, lamp shades, a couple of chairs, a clock.

Exotic style.

In this interior, items from the distant wanderings of the owner can be collected, so a bar in the form of a travel chest or a bag, a small Chinese chest of drawers resembling a pagoda will not be superfluous.

In the living room

The bar cabinet for the living room is the right choice. There you can relax calmly with a glass of whiskey or wine in front of the TV. There is much more choice here.

This is where the bar cabinet for the living room is relevant. It takes up little space, but is roomy. It can easily fit up to 20 bottles. Many minibars are equipped with a special compartment for glasses and glasses.

If beer, whiskey or brandy is to be stored there, it is desirable that there be refrigeration. For example, bars-refrigerators built into the closet.

The living room minibar is often installed in a suite or armchairs so that it does not take up extra space. But the most beautiful is the bar cabinet for the living room. It can hold 30-50 bottles at once. However, they can be divided.

For example, for drinks that go into cocktails, you can select the top shelf, and for alcohol not for mixing – the bottom. It can be divided into varieties, types, strength.

Home Bar Furniture

A bar furniture set must match the interior, which is why it makes more sense to buy all the furnishings at the same time.

How do you imagine the home bar model? Items for this purpose are produced in various shapes and sizes. Your choice will depend primarily on the space you have available for its placement. A large living room, where meetings with friends are often held and it is customary to talk, holding a glass of good wine in your hand, can be equipped with a bar counter and buy high chairs. To place bottles and glasses, you can use the upper shelves of the bar, as well as the lower closed compartment.

In the furniture showroom one is amazed by the variety of bar stools: there are high stools, seats with backs, and small armchairs. Finishing is done with natural and artificial leather, fabrics, fur, etc. If necessary, you can order a home bar according to your project.

Another thing is when alcohol is in demand only for rare special events and meetings. Then you can limit yourself to purchasing a mobile serving table, on which you can put several bottles and glasses. Such a functional piece of furniture is very in demand in small apartments, as it does not take up much space.

The times of scarcity are long gone, and now the only task that you have to solve is to choose the most suitable for your environment from the presented variety of furniture products.

Designers also do not limit themselves to any material in the manufacture and use wood, glass, plastic and metal. Many products can be safely called works of art.

The owners of a large room, when organizing the interior of the living-dining room, can place in it all the necessary furniture for a home bar. Here you can find a place for a spacious sideboard, wall shelves, a closed bar with a small refrigerator and a wine cabinet. The classic design implies the use of an array of precious woods, due to which the home bar will look very respectable and solid.

When there is no need for a large bar or there is not enough space, then the problem can be solved by installing a vertical rack with a small table top and compartments for storing wine stocks. The basic rule of design is that all elements should harmoniously fit together.

Patio or terrace bar

Just three chairs and a table top. But what an effect!

You can build this structure on the site with scrap materials: boards, pallets, concrete blocks or even metal barrels!

Another great idea is to combine the bar top with the kitchen window. This way you can throw parties on the patio and serve food and drinks to guests at the same time!

How to choose the right home drinks bar

To choose a bar, you need to think about:

Capacity. Regular minibars can hold approximately 30 liters of alcoholic beverages. As a rule, this amount is enough for home use. The rare exceptions are the serious collectors who may of course need larger designs. Therefore, it is important to decide on the number of bottles that you plan to have at home.

Number of branches (from 1 to 4-5). Models are sometimes supplemented with drawers for various household items and tools.

Temperature controlled. This is a significant factor, since different types of alcohol are based on different types of raw materials, so a cool place is suitable for some, while others require a warmer regime. For those who complete their home bar with the usual set of vodka, wine, cognac, liqueurs, whiskey and soft drinks, an option with an average temperature regime is suitable. However, if your collection contains more capricious types of alcohol in terms of storage, then pay attention to models with several compartments to maintain different temperatures from +5 °С to +17 °С.

It is important that the home bar is not only beautiful, but also easy to use. For comfort, it is necessary that you can easily open the existing drawers and see the contents of the shelves.

It’s not bad when a home bar is made according to the principle of transformer furniture. Its functionality in this case increases. There are many modifications of such furniture, for example, there are designs when an open rack or table is obtained from a chest of drawers.

All pieces of furniture, including the home bar, must be made in the same stylistic direction. For example, for an interior in a classic style, it is more logical to purchase an item in a similar design. The bar can be in the form of a small buffet with carved decor or inlays, on the inner glass shelves of which all kinds of alcohol, glasses and other devices are neatly displayed. Drawers are adapted for storing various small things and accessories needed in the process of mixing drinks. Modern style requires different forms, but inside these products everything is functional and well thought out.

Rules for the storage of alcoholic beverages

It is desirable to store beverages in a dark, cool place without sudden temperature changes, vibrations and frequent movement of bottles. Daylight and especially direct sunlight spoil any alcohol. Most alcoholic beverages are not intended for long-term storage at home and over time begin to deteriorate, run out of steam, lose their taste and aroma. For example, ordinary wines should not be stored for more than two years, while fortified varieties can retain their properties for several years. It is best to place the wine bottle horizontally so that the natural cork never completely dries out. The optimum storage temperature for sealed bottles is 10-12°C.

Spirits can be stored for several years, but don’t be surprised if they lose some of their strength and flavor over time. Cognac and whiskey, closed with natural cork, should be stored vertically so as not to spoil the taste and aroma of the drink. It is advisable to store ordinary bottled and canned beer in a cool and dark place for no more than 2 months. Some bottle-aged craft beers can be stored in cool, dark conditions for up to 1.5-2 years.

Do not store strong alcohol in plastic bottles, because under the influence of alcohol, substances harmful to health are released from the plastic. Keeping drinks with gas (champagne, sparkling wines, beer) near heaters or in the trunk of a car standing in the sun is also not recommended – bottles sometimes explode from overheating.

Where to place a home bar

You can place a home bar in different areas of the house – it all depends on where this item is needed.

In the kitchen.

A bar built into the kitchen set or a separate bar counter module is appropriate in this room. If necessary, this locker is opened to pour yourself a glass of wine. Another option can also be used when the home bar is a separate item of original design, for example, a barrel.

In the living room.

A room for receiving guests and friendly gatherings may well be equipped with storage for alcohol. There can be as many ideas as you want for a home bar: it can be placed in a corner module of upholstered furniture or it will be a separate closed transformer rack, cabinet, table on wheels, etc.

In the office.

If you spend most of your time in your home office or like to talk with your friends in the office, there is room for a bar here as well. A popular model is the safe. Such a product is quite combined with the purpose of this room.

In the kitchen

Not a very popular place for drinking and far from the best. The reason is that many people prefer to drink in the living room, in a relaxed atmosphere. But you can install a bar in the kitchen.

A wine rack works best. Wine is an ideal digestif (drink taken with meals).

Often they put small shelves for wine, where special hooks for glasses are installed below. They are not very roomy, more than 5-7 bottles can not be placed there. Therefore, it is better to put your favorite varieties there.

But there are also shelves with a honeycomb structure. It can fit 10-20 bottles, but at the same time it practically does not take up space.

It is worth remembering that the wine does not require a special temperature and is easily stored at room conditions. Just do not allow direct sunlight, as a precipitate will fall.

In the office

If there is such an opportunity, you can add a bar and an office.

Classic – bar-globe (note that this bar does not fit much). This is one of the most beautiful ways to decorate an office.

The minibar in the work area is:

Interior element. We must not forget that the office should be filled with a working atmosphere. Therefore, they always install such pompous furniture, a leather armchair, a table made of natural wood. The bar globe here will be very interesting, while not vulgar and stylish.

Way to relax. If a lot of work has accumulated, just skip a glass of whiskey or cognac.

By the way, there are globes with an additional table. Near it, you can install a chair or ottoman and get a chic place to relax.

It is quite possible to supply an alcohol cabinet for the home. The globe holds only 3-4 bottles, due to the special shape. And the closet holds a lot more.

How to store alcohol in style: 13 proven ideas

We all have friends and loved ones with whom we like to spend our free time and get together on holidays. Therefore, almost every adult has a bottle of red or something stronger. If the collection of alcoholic drinks is limited to one or two bottles, they will not require too much space. As a rule, they are stored in the refrigerator or in a dark place in the apartment. However, if the collection of drinks has much more copies, you need to look for an additional place for them, which is sometimes difficult in small rooms or in apartments where there are children or pets.

ReRooms will show you 13 original alcohol storage ideas that will make your room more interesting.

1. Sideboard

If you have an impressive collection of alcoholic beverages, you should consider purchasing a separate sideboard. Not only will you get a place to store drinks, but you can also create your own minibar.

Moreover, you can put unusual decorative elements on the sideboard – no one will be able to guess what you store in it.

Photo: blackcatscafe.com

2. Geometric shapes

You don’t have to hide alcoholic beverages behind cupboard doors and in the refrigerator. Today, designers offer a large number of original coasters for storing alcohol – one of them is shown in the photo. Ditch conventional horizontal shelves in favor of luxurious geometric wood shelves.

Photo: etsy.com

3. Combined storage

These shelves are very practical, as they can store alcohol both horizontally and vertically. If your collection has up to five bottles, this option is simply indispensable.

Photo: unemamancreative.com

4. Deer antlers

If you like catchy and unusual decorative elements, then this method is definitely for you. Deer antlers on the walls of country houses or even some apartments are not uncommon, as the fashion for animalistic motifs does not go away. But to see deer antlers on which bottles of elite alcohol are stored is definitely a rarity.

Such a composition will decorate any interior, and it will become much more interesting to get a bottle of red before the arrival of friends.

Photo: unemamancreative.com

5. Vertical storage

Alcohol can and should be stored in style. Vertical bottle holders will help you with this. The advantage of this method is its versatility, since such a storage system is suitable for any room: it will look stylish both in the kitchen and in the living room. If the apartment is designed in a Scandinavian style or a loft, a wooden model with an antique effect will become an indispensable element of decor.

Photo: unemamancreative.com

6. Soft forms

Tired of wooden coasters, want something more sophisticated and unusual? Receive and sign. Iron construction with soft cotton inserts will be a great helper in storing alcohol. Be sure that thanks to the soft beds, the bottles will not slip out and break.

In addition to alcohol, other household items can be stored in this design.

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Photo: unemamancreative.com

7. Hanging minibar

Designers create a large number of interesting shelves for alcohol, but you can also participate in the creation of original models. All you need is boards of different lengths and widths and, of course, your imagination. Such a mini-bar can be painted in any color and decorated with decorative elements to match the style of the room.

Photo: unemamancreative.com

8. Shelving

You can create a stylish minibar not only with the help of shelves and sideboards, but also with the help of shelving. Thanks to their spaciousness, you can store both bottles of alcohol and glasses and other necessary items here. If you properly organize the space inside the rack, bottles can be stored both vertically and horizontally. In a small apartment, such a piece of furniture will become indispensable, since other things can be stored in it, especially since there is free space above and below.

Photo: shelterness.com

9. Table on wheels

This option is only suitable if you do not have children or pets. It is better not to leave children alone with such a table because of their curiosity, and animals with too much activity can break an expensive bottle. With this table, you can easily create a luxurious interior with unusual accessories. Bottles can act as an independent decor element. Just pick the colors that go with your surroundings. Emphasis can also be placed on unusual bottle shapes. Such a table, by the way, is convenient to move around the apartment.

Photo: zimmo.be/blog

10. Composite storage system

If you have a large collection of alcohol, such a system will become an indispensable attribute of the interior. Bottles can be stored horizontally on the upper shelves, vertically on the lower shelves, in the lower cabinets and on top of the table. The choice is huge! Here you can put glasses and beautiful decor items, such as fresh flowers or an original tray, on which you can put alcohol.

Photo: shelterness.com

11. Built-in coasters

You can also store alcohol in coasters built into furniture. This method is especially convenient in the kitchen next to the work surface. If you like to cook unusual dishes and often add alcohol to them, then this option is suitable for you. Forget about long searches for the right bottle in dark cabinets or on high shelves. Everything you need is now always at your fingertips.

Photo: homedit. com

12. Drawers

You can store alcohol in drawers, like other kitchen utensils. These can be special boxes for bottles with recesses for the neck or ordinary boxes in which you can put drinks in two rows.

If you use the first method, multi-colored covers will add bright accents to a snow-white kitchen.

Photo: fashionview.org

13. Wall

If the living space allows, an entire wall can be allocated for alcohol. This option is one of the most original, since on a special rack you can place not only bottles and glasses, but also interesting decorative elements. Add a chalkboard to your interior, where you can write delicious cocktail recipes or cute messages to your loved ones.

Photo: zimmo.be/blog

Designing a home minibar / Homebodies

We continue to hunt for inspiring design ideas. Today, under the camera flashes, home bars from real interiors from around the world fell.
Why go somewhere to relax and have a drink when you can set up your own bar? This does not require an investor, a separate room and large investments. Your starting capital will be the imagination and ideas from this collection.

1. Bar with message inside
The interior decoration of the bar cabinet with gold leaf symbolizes the value of the contents. And to all who dare to encroach on these treasures, leave a formidable message.

2. Bar cabinet in the wall
Draw attention away from the contents of your bar with beautiful, custom-made wooden doors. So that they look like a work of art in their own right.

3. Bar cabinet
The designers of Robin Gannon Interiors, who decorated this American home, preferred not so much a spectacular as a functional bar cabinet – it has a place for dishes and cutlery, as well as wine racks.

4. Bar cabinet
A bar cabinet can become a pedestal on which symbolic things will rise above the entire interior.

5. Open shelving
A drink rack can be part of an ensemble – a bar counter and chairs, as in this Munich apartment.

6. Open shelving
An ordinary cabinet can be converted into a bar: just place a couple of wine shelves inside, and hang a slate board above the cabinet, as in bars.

7. Beverage trolley
A cart can also be a great alternative to a full-fledged bar. For example, there are models that are used in restaurants and hotels, with many sections and drawers.

8. Bar cabinet-ship
Well, a real sea wolf will fit a wardrobe-ship, on the deck of which you can place dishes, and in the lower compartment – stocks of alcohol.

9. Bar cabinet with spacious doors
Cabinet doors can act as additional shelves for storage. A slate board with active discounts on cocktails will be responsible for creating the proper atmosphere.

10. Bar cabinet
Even boards and iron from an old court can inspire the creation of a bar cabinet. Overly brutal look can be diluted with a funny bar stool or a vintage advertising poster, as in this Vancouver house.

11. Wine cabinet
The atmosphere of the bar can be created with the help of accessories – a cabinet made of boards from wine boxes and a container for wine corks.

12. Antique cabinet
This cupboard was made in the middle of the 19th century for a church. It is decorated with carvings with a biblical story, with Adam and Eve in paradise, which did not deter the owner of the apartment from placing a bar in it.

13. Cabinet with glass doors
For industrial-style interiors, even an old cupboard with glass doors, like those used in hospitals to store medicines, is suitable for a bar.

14. Wardrobe+bench+table
And why not opt for a bar corner that combines all the elements – a bench, a wardrobe, a bar counter? And even a place to feed your pet!

15. Library cabinet
Cultural leisure is different for everyone: someone spends time reading books, someone is not averse to having a glass. So why not combine these areas into one leisure center?

16. Cabinet shelf
Even on one shelf in the closet, you can create a small bar: with a tray for drinks, a mirrored back wall and LED lighting.

17. Wardrobe repainted
In this Canadian loft, an ordinary IKEA closet has become a drink storage. The owners simply painted it in the right shade, giving it a touch of antiquity.

18. Antique refrigerator cabinet
You can breathe a second life into such a refrigerator cabinet – for example, place a bar in it. Such rough furniture will look organically in rustic interiors and in rustic style interiors.

19. Bar cabinet
And for lovers of westerns, you can equip a saloon – a traditional bar of the Wild West – with a skull and a wooden sign.

20. Integrated bar
Any empty opening, an unused niche can accommodate a bar rack. For example, from a closet or pantry.

21. Integrated bar
Such a bar built into the wall can be made both open and with doors. Alcoholic drinks, for example, are hidden in the closet, and dishes are left on the shelves.

22. In the opening
Any unoccupied corner near the house is a potential place for your bar. All you need is a countertop, a cabinet, a refrigerator and a tray for drinks.

23. Under roof slopes
And even under the bevels of the attic floor, where it is difficult to find suitable furniture, you can easily place a bar area with a locker and a couple of shelves. Mirror mosaic will visually lift the ceiling.

24. In the fireplace niche
The owners of this California home decided to take a niche from an unused fireplace and place in it a bar with refrigerators for drinks and a countertop.

25. Bar corner
A slate board will help create the atmosphere of a bar: here you can jokingly write menus, promotions and discounts on cocktails.

26. Shelf in cabinet
The bar as part of a furniture set has a number of advantages: it can always be hidden so as not to be tempted. And in the open state, the door can act as a table.

27. In the opening
Ordinary wooden shelves as a bar showcase – such an addition to the kitchen set will help turn any unoccupied corner into a bar.

28. In the opening
And if wooden structures seem heavy, it’s time to think about glass shelves, which most accurately convey the bar style.

29. In the opening
If there is no place for a real male lair, any empty corner is suitable for this. Finishing with stone and wood will give the desired brutal spirit. For storage – ordinary wooden shelves, coasters for wine and boxes.

30. In the opening
And the backlight will help to visually enlarge even a small nook for the bar: the space can be expanded due to the top and back light. Owners of a private house can think about arranging a light well.

31. In the opening
Take a look around – even in a small apartment there are empty corners. For example, corridors, doorways, where you can place a bar. And you can visually separate this zone using a contrasting color of the walls or lighting.

32. In the opening
It is logical to place a bar next to the kitchen table: then the need for a bar counter disappears by itself. And on the countertop you can organize a bartender’s corner, with a shaker, an ice basket, a pestle.

33. In the opening
Your bar can be decorated in an eco-style: with a woodpile, plants, simple hanging shelves and a tabletop.

34. In the opening
The gap between the bookcases and the window should not be empty! A few glass shelves, a mirror and a wardrobe – that’s all you need for a bar corner.

35. Shelves in cabinet
In any closet there are a couple of free shelves that can be arranged as a bar. Just highlight this area with a contrasting color and light.

36. In the opening
You can create a full-fledged bar in an empty corner with the help of appropriate paraphernalia – a refrigerator for drinks, wine shelves and, of course, a sign.

37. Bar cabinet-wall
Well, if it is not possible to make a niche for a bar and openings for bottles in the wall, it’s time to think about a wall cabinet, which can also be used as a partition.

38. Under stairs
Do not stop at non-standard layouts, various bevels and angles. This is the place for hanging shelves for the bar!

39. In the opening
The bar can also be an extension of your kitchen: just choose the right cabinets from the same series. And to delimit the zones of the kitchen and the bar, place the latter in the corner.

40. Under roof slopes
Mirror tiles can be a great alternative to a bar mirror. With its help, a small corner under the stairs seems visually larger.

41. In the wall
The space under the stairs should not be empty, the owner of this American house decided and placed a storage rack here. On the top shelf there was a place for a bar.

42. On the balcony
Placing a bar on the balcony is an obvious solution. Where else would it be so nice to sit in the evening with a glass of wine and watch the sunset?

43. In the wall
A drive-through is a great place for a bar that will be available both in the kitchen and in the dining room.

44. In the opening
A narrow cabinet for a bar, a retractable bar counter – even in small rooms it is possible to equip a bar.

45. Wine crate rack
A budget option for a bar cabinet / showcase is old wine boxes. Minimum cost, maximum atmosphere.

46. Wine crate shelves
Wine crates can simply be stacked on the floor or intricate designs can be built on the wall, as in this Houston loft.

47. Pallet rack
Pallets are also suitable for a bar rack – just stack them on top of each other, and use the resulting voids to store bottles.

48. Bar+table+refrigerator
This is a multi-functional design: the bar cabinet is at the bottom, and the sections for ice and drinks cooling are at the top, and they can be covered with a tabletop for making cocktails.

21 Small Home Bar Ideas

36 Mini Bar Ideas to Create a Useful Small Home Bar

A Vintage Display

Cocktails by the Couch

Drink Corner

Simple Shelves

Tray Chic

Wonderful Wicker

Sideboard Setup

Open for Business

Dining Room Mixology

Sophisticated Vignette

Chic Shelves

Tall Tray

Get Glamorous

Cute Cubbies

Books and Bottles

Makeshift Display

Artistic Elements

Sleek and Stunning

Brilliant Built-ins

Tray With a Twist

Get Floral

Light It Up

Whimsical Touches

Shelfie Moment

Terrific Texture

Corralled on the Countertop

Decorative Touches

Rockin’ Rattan

From Work to Play

Fruity Fun

Transitional Tables

Basket Case

To-Go Drinks

A Twist on a Classic

Grouped Glassware

Turn Back Time

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Small Bar Tray

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