7 Trends in Home Bar Design
Create a chic happy-hour spot with these ideas for feature walls, shelving, lighting and more
Becky Harris
10 February 2019
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Designers deserve a toast: They create such spectacular home bar setups these days, it’s hard to imagine that their clients ever want to venture out to the local watering hole. Whether one of your 2019 goals is to become a mixologist who understands what bitters actually do, to host wine tastings with friends or to have an organized spot to shake up your favorite mocktails, here are great ideas to bring into your own home.
1. Walls That Stand Out
Stylish bars with walls that differ from those in the rest of the space entice guests to come on over and pour themselves a drink. The whitewashed antique brick wall behind this home bar nook in Charleston nods to the South Carolina city’s rich architectural history. Savannah Schmitt of Jilco Kitchen and Bath designed the nook and adjoining kitchen.
Takeaway: Keep a home bar drawer stocked with supplies like coasters, cocktail napkins, openers and stirrers.
Find an interior designer on Houzz to help plan your home bar
Stylish bars with walls that differ from those in the rest of the space entice guests to come on over and pour themselves a drink. The whitewashed antique brick wall behind this home bar nook in Charleston nods to the South Carolina city’s rich architectural history. Savannah Schmitt of Jilco Kitchen and Bath designed the nook and adjoining kitchen.
Takeaway: Keep a home bar drawer stocked with supplies like coasters, cocktail napkins, openers and stirrers.
Find an interior designer on Houzz to help plan your home bar
In this organic modern home in Phoenix, the material palette is neutral and minimalist except where the home bar is concerned. Colorful tile in a bold pattern enlivens the space and signals that it’s where the party gets started.
Takeaway: A home bar can be integrated into a range of rooms — kitchen, hallway, dining room, rec room or living room.
Browse patterned tile in the Houzz Shop
Takeaway: A home bar can be integrated into a range of rooms — kitchen, hallway, dining room, rec room or living room.
Browse patterned tile in the Houzz Shop
A reflective tile adds an elegant look to this New York home bar alcove. The silvery tones in the tile play off the stainless steel on the wine refrigerator.
Takeaway: A niche or alcove has plenty of space to create a compact home bar. A bar this size also can be integrated into an existing closet.
Takeaway: A niche or alcove has plenty of space to create a compact home bar. A bar this size also can be integrated into an existing closet.
2. Sexy Shelving
Along with the bar faucet, the eye-catching brass shelf brackets work like jewelry to accentuate this home bar wall. Clear glass shelves keep the view to the navy blue tile clear. The look is a sophisticated take on nautical style.
Shop for bar faucets
Along with the bar faucet, the eye-catching brass shelf brackets work like jewelry to accentuate this home bar wall. Clear glass shelves keep the view to the navy blue tile clear. The look is a sophisticated take on nautical style.
Shop for bar faucets
In this design by JDP Interiors, wall-hung brass shelving transforms the built-ins into a stylish home bar, adding shine to the wall.
Takeaway: A bar sink isn’t a home bar requirement. Transform an existing countertop, buffet or built-ins into a home bar by leaving out glassware, bottles and an ice bucket.
Find a cabinet pro to build your home bar
Takeaway: A bar sink isn’t a home bar requirement. Transform an existing countertop, buffet or built-ins into a home bar by leaving out glassware, bottles and an ice bucket.
Find a cabinet pro to build your home bar
3. Chunky Wood Accents
Reclaimed wood continues its streak as a popular material to add rustic texture to a space. And it’s getting thicker than ever. In this Charleston kitchen by Jilco Kitchen and Bath, the hefty open shelves draw attention to a convenient drink-serving area.
Takeaway: When entertaining, consider presenting wine bottles, glassware and a corkscrew on a tray. It looks stylish and protects countertops from red wine spills.
Shop for floating wood shelves
Reclaimed wood continues its streak as a popular material to add rustic texture to a space. And it’s getting thicker than ever. In this Charleston kitchen by Jilco Kitchen and Bath, the hefty open shelves draw attention to a convenient drink-serving area.
Takeaway: When entertaining, consider presenting wine bottles, glassware and a corkscrew on a tray. It looks stylish and protects countertops from red wine spills.
Shop for floating wood shelves
A chunky wood counter and posts combine with stone on this bar in Montana. Metal accents add a western touch.
4. Mood Lighting
No one wants to sip an Old-Fashioned or a Dirty Martini in a brightly lit bar, so bring the dark and moody ambiance from a favorite establishment home. These festive vintage-style glass light fixtures can be dimmed, while the undercounter lighting highlights the millwork below the counter with soft light.
No one wants to sip an Old-Fashioned or a Dirty Martini in a brightly lit bar, so bring the dark and moody ambiance from a favorite establishment home. These festive vintage-style glass light fixtures can be dimmed, while the undercounter lighting highlights the millwork below the counter with soft light.
When paired with the right lighting, bottles can be a big design accent in a bar area. At this Australian home bar by The Dept. of Design, uplighting on the shelving highlights the bottles — the variety of colored glass and liquids inside changes things up and gives the shelves a warm glow. And it provides illumination for those using the beer taps below.
Lighting beneath the upper shelf illuminates this bar area by Dina Maslennikova and highlights the striking backsplash pattern while maintaining the dark and sexy mood in the space.
This Texas home bar by Harry J. Crouse Design features a
backlit sliced geode slab. The piece creates a dazzling focal point while providing soft light.
backlit sliced geode slab. The piece creates a dazzling focal point while providing soft light.
5. Mirrors Behind the Shelves
In this home bar by Eleven Interiors, mirrored glass doubles the pretty look of bottles and glassware, adds depth and reflects the light.
Takeaway: Installing a home bar in an eat-in kitchen can take the area from bright breakfast room in the morning to chic lounge at night. Just remember to install overhead lights with dimmers.
In this home bar by Eleven Interiors, mirrored glass doubles the pretty look of bottles and glassware, adds depth and reflects the light.
Takeaway: Installing a home bar in an eat-in kitchen can take the area from bright breakfast room in the morning to chic lounge at night. Just remember to install overhead lights with dimmers.
An antiqued mirror backsplash gives the clever under-the-stairs built-in bar a strong presence in this dining room designed by Pinney Designs.
Takeaway: If you have children or teenagers around, being able to lock a home bar is always a good option. This built-in area has doors that cover and secure it.
Takeaway: If you have children or teenagers around, being able to lock a home bar is always a good option. This built-in area has doors that cover and secure it.
6. Standout Sinks
Hammered brass adds a subtle glam touch and shine in this home bar by NB Design Group. A matte black faucet helps it stand out even more.
Hammered brass adds a subtle glam touch and shine in this home bar by NB Design Group. A matte black faucet helps it stand out even more.
7. Impressive Wine Display
Wine bottles are out of the crates and serving as decor at many home bars these days. At this Montana home, wine racks hold the bottles in a way that looks like an art installation. If you’re planning your own wine display, remember to keep wine bottles stored away from direct sunlight and at the correct temperature, as the most beautiful and impressive display is not worth ruining your favorite libations.
Takeaway: If your guests have enjoyed alcoholic beverages at your home, please insist that they stay the night or use a ride-sharing service.
More on Houzz
The Top 10 Home Bar Photos of 2018
See inspiring home bar photos
Find a pro for your home project
Shop for home bar products
Wine bottles are out of the crates and serving as decor at many home bars these days. At this Montana home, wine racks hold the bottles in a way that looks like an art installation. If you’re planning your own wine display, remember to keep wine bottles stored away from direct sunlight and at the correct temperature, as the most beautiful and impressive display is not worth ruining your favorite libations.
Takeaway: If your guests have enjoyed alcoholic beverages at your home, please insist that they stay the night or use a ride-sharing service.
More on Houzz
The Top 10 Home Bar Photos of 2018
See inspiring home bar photos
Find a pro for your home project
Shop for home bar products
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We incorporated a built-in nickel ice container fabricated to match the countertops for a clients who frequently entertain. The top recesses into the counter so that it is flush with the surface when not in use.
Love that the concept of the home bar has been revived. With drink driving laws getting stricter and stricter, home will be the only safe place to raise an elbow! For me, the bar has to have its own special vibe and should be comprised of clever storage and beautiful surfaces and lighting. It doesnt have to be massive, but space for a little fridge, a portable ice maker and a blender is essential. Shiny dramatic surfaces, whether as a backdrop or countertop will make it feel deliciously separate from everyday food prep areas. And to top it off, dont forget warm inviting mood lighting :)
I had This bar custom made for a short stay apartment, and it is all set to go with powerpoints at the ready and mood lighting setting the scene!
Accent Tiles for Bar Backsplash and More .
Thank you for this informative article. Great tips for making a beautiful Bar that stands out. Wall Stand out was the main take away and really on point. Thank you