How to Create a Stylish Home Bar

Transforming a corner of your home into a stylish bar not only adds a touch of sophistication but also provides a dedicated space for entertaining guests or unwinding after a long day. Whether you're a mixology enthusiast or just enjoy the idea of a well-stocked bar, creating a stylish home bar can be a rewarding home improvement project.

Choose a Design Theme

Decide on a design theme that complements your overall home decor. Whether it's modern, classic, rustic, or eclectic, having a cohesive theme will give your home bar a polished look. If your home bar is located within another room, then consider keeping it in theme with the rest of your space. 

For example, a simple and chic style will work in a modern living space, whereas an industrial-inspired room will require more rustic and metal bar furniture. 

Optimise Storage and Organisation

A well-organized home bar not only looks stylish but also enhances functionality. Invest in a stylish bar cart or a sleek cabinet to store your bottles, glassware, and bar tools. Consider installing shelves or a wall-mounted bar cabinet for a space-saving solution. Organise your spirits and mixers neatly, making it easy to locate and access your ingredients when mixing drinks.

Bar & Drinks Cabinets

An easy solution for creating an at-home bar is to choose a bar cabinet. These purpose-built drinks cabinets will be organised with drink creation and bottle storage in mind - perfect for a simple home bar! 

You could even position a low and wide bar cabinet a little forward from the wall to stand behind and show off your mixology skills like a real bartender! The Dutchbone Class Dark Wood Drinks Cabinet would be a perfect choice for this, offering room for 16 bottles, glasses and bar accessories within its herringbone acacia wood doors. 

Alternatively, cabinets like these can be used within a bigger home bar set up as storage space to keep everything organised. 

For smaller spaces or to get in additional storage behind the bar, the Guuji Rattan & Iron Wine Shelf would be a good choice. It can be wall-mounted to free up floor space while still providing ample storage for glasses, accessories and bottles. 

See our other rattan drinks cabinets for more stylish options. 

Your drinks cabinet choice can also be used to help evoke the aesthetic of your interior. For example, a wood and metal frame style, like the Damian Wine Cabinet would work wonderfully for an industrial-style bar, whereas the Manhattan Art Deco Drinks Cabinet is ideal for an elegant Art Deco or vintage twist. 

Bar Carts and Drinks Trolleys

Bar carts and drinks trolleys can be used in smaller spaces, or if you want a bar setup that can be moved around to entertain in different rooms. Like with cabinets, these can be found in many styles and designs to suit your space and the aesthetic you want to curate. 

The Nordal Brass Art Deco Drinks Trolley will transport you back to the roaring twenties, with Gatsby party vibes clear in this geometric Art Deco design. Store bottles and glasses on the bottom shelf and use the top shelf to pour your potions! 

Bar Tools

Not only will you need to acquire essential bar tools such as shakers, strainers, muddlers, and a jigger to create your bar area, but they can also be used to help enhance your chosen aesthetic and add an extra stylish touch to your space. 

The Rahuri Brass Cocktail Set adds a touch of class to your bar with its warm brass finish. The set features a corkscrew, bottle opener and drinks measure and would look great in most bar styles, including Art Deco, modern, vintage and industrial. 

The Alir Brass Ice Bucket and Alir Brass Cocktail Shaker make a fantastic addition to any modern bar, so you can make perfect cocktails in style. 

Invest in Quality Glassware

Elevate your home bar by investing in quality glassware. Essential items include highball glasses, lowball glasses, wine glasses, and a set of stylish martini or cocktail glasses. Choose designs that align with your personal taste and the overall aesthetic of your home. Crystal or coloured glassware can add a touch of elegance and personality to your setup.

Curate a Drink Selection

A stylish home bar is incomplete without a curated selection of spirits, mixers, and garnishes. Focus on quality over quantity, selecting a range of spirits that cater to different tastes. Include a variety of bitters, syrups, and fresh herbs to elevate your cocktail game. Display your bottles on the bar cart or shelves for a visually appealing setup.

Add Personal Touches

Infuse your personality into your home bar through the use of decorations. Consider adding framed cocktail recipes, vintage bar tools, or artwork that reflects your passion for mixology. A stylish mirror or a statement wall can also enhance the overall aesthetic. Personal touches make your home bar a unique and inviting space for both you and your guests.

Illuminate with Style

Proper lighting is key to creating an inviting ambience. Install stylish pendant lights above your home bar or position interesting lamps to provide adequate illumination. Consider using warm-toned bulbs to create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Experiment with different lighting fixtures to find the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Create a Comfortable Seating Area

If space allows, add comfortable seating around your home bar to encourage socialising. Leather bar stools or chic chairs can complement the overall design and provide a cosy spot for guests to enjoy their drinks. Experiment with textures and colours to create a cohesive and stylish seating area.

For a separate seating area, the Kolby Black Mango Wood Bar Table and Bar Stools are perfect for evoking the bar feel in your home. 

A vintage style leather sofa could also work well for that laid back lounge feel. 

Alternatively, if you have a built-in bar, adding some stylish stools can elevate the space. The Samaira Leather & Iron Counter Stool, upholstered in chocolate brown buffalo leather, can work in contemporary, industrial and vintage inspired homes. Or alternatively, if you want something with more of a boho vibe, rattan bar stools are ideal. 

By carefully selecting the furniture and accessories for your at-home bar, you can transform a corner of your home into a chic and inviting space for entertaining and relaxation. Cheers to elevating your home with a stylish bar!