The bar features under mount lighting and illuminated liquor shelves. Photo: Roger Davies

French Country

MDK Design Associates, Inc.

sam gray photography, MDK Design Associates

SLAM / REITZ

Buckeye Basements, Inc.

The coffered ceiling, custom iron door surrounded by stonework, walnut cabinetry, coordinating granite tops, and porcelain tile flooring create a grand entrance into the Wine Cellar. -Photo by Jack Figgins

The Ultimate Bachelor Pad

The Man Card Crew

This home bar features an open ceiling concept, stone wall, and custom crafted bar and bar back. Marcel Page Photography

Jason Kindig

Vashon Island Kitchen

Neil Kelly Company

Coast Royal

John Wooden Interiors

Dining and Home Bar Design

Savvy Interiors

New Hope, PA - Kitchen Remodel

River Woodcraft

Intracoastal Residence

Barry Grossman

Rick Hammer

Laura Rae Photography

Sandy Springs Basement Design/Build

Home Expressions Interiors by Laura Bloom Inc.

This client wanted their Terrace Level to be comprised of the warm finishes and colors found in a true Tuscan home. Basement was completely unfinished so once we space planned for all necessary areas including pre-teen media area and game room, adult media area, home bar and wine cellar guest suite and bathroom; we started selecting materials that were authentic and yet low maintenance since the entire space opens to an outdoor living area with pool. The wood like porcelain tile used to create interest on floors was complimented by custom distressed beams on the ceilings. Real stucco walls and brick floors lit by a wrought iron lantern create a true wine cellar mood. A sloped fireplace designed with brick, stone and stucco was enhanced with the rustic wood beam mantle to resemble a fireplace seen in Italy while adding a perfect and unexpected rustic charm and coziness to the bar area. Finally decorative finishes were applied to columns for a layered and worn appearance. Tumbled stone backsplash behind the bar was hand painted for another one of a kind focal point. Some other important features are the double sided iron railed staircase designed to make the space feel more unified and open and the barrel ceiling in the wine cellar. Carefully selected furniture and accessories complete the look.

Rustic Flying J Home

Reclaimed DesignWorks

Featured Flooring: Antique Reclaimed Old Original Oak Flooring Flooring Installer: H&H Hardwood Floors

Bars

Green Basements & Remodeling

Rustic reclaimed custom bar, brick accent wall, custom bar shelving, LVT flooring, natural wood bar countertop, modern mini pendant lights

Lakeside Boathouse Bar

T Hurt Construction

Photo by Tom Grady

VALLEY VIEW

Kate Roos Design LLC

A modern take on a butler's pantry now fills the space that was formerly the kitchen. This colorful space not only provides a secondary prep area, complete with a bar sink and freezer drawers but it also includes airy, glass-doored cabinetry for displaying china.

Golden Gate Heights

John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

West Asheville New Build

Hearth and Home: Interiors & Antiques

Basement retreat complete with charcoal grey walls, leather stools, and framed sports memorabilia for a dive bar feel

Home Bar Design Ideas with Wood Benchtops

A home bar can provide a spot of indulgence for one, or be a central hub you gather round when entertaining. Whether you’re thinking of planning a wine bar, outdoor bar, or just making room for a bar cart, browse these images for inspiration, and ask yourself the following questions.

Where should you position your home bar?

The most popular location for a home bar is in or near the kitchen or dining room. If you prefer entertaining outdoors, however, an outdoor bar can be a dream addition to any Aussie backyard – and imagine the luxury of swimming up to your very own pool bar! If you're building from scratch, a landscape architect can help you work out the ideal design for your space.

What type of home bar is best suited to your needs?

Home bars come in all shapes and sizes, and with an array of practicalities. Utilise an awkward corner with a cabinet bar; maximise floor space with a trunk bar, which unfolds to create a bar counter; or conveniently turn any space in your house into a bar room with a mobile bar such as a fun bar cart. If you prefer a more grandiose option, or all the amenities of a real bar, you can’t go past a built-in home bar.

What home bar functionalities do you want to include?

Decide how you will use the bar and whether you will need sinks, storage and refrigeration. Including a sink in your home bar design is a practical addition if you choose a location far from your kitchen. If you’re a wine connoisseur, you may want to include additional wine storage, whereas a mini bar fridge within the kitchen may need no extra storage at all. Home bars that will be used infrequently – perhaps an outdoor bar in the cooler months – may not need refrigeration and could suffice with large ice buckets.

What bar furniture will you need?

Seating is essential to any home bar and will impact the style of your home bar design. Bar stools, for example, come in an array of materials and styles, from traditional wooden bar stools, to resort- and industrial-style stools. Storage is another important element, so look for a liquor cabinet and wine racks. Next, if you are creating a freestanding station, you will need a bar table, which are taller and shallower than regular dining tables. Check that your stools and table height work together before you finalise any home bar designs.

How can you personalise your bar design?

Bar tools and accessories are an easy and interchangeable way to personalise your bar design. You may want to create a wine bar, tavern-style bar or retro bar, so look for wine glasses and tumblers, for instance, that will help carry this style. Coasters, bar mats or signage will help you to further achieve your desired look.