Whether you plan on having an everyday hangout space with your friends or want to host classy parties, having your own home bar can be a fun and exciting way to entertain visitors. However, for your space to be truly useful, you must stock it with all the necessary accessories and supplies.
But you don’t have to spend all your life savings to create an inviting, sophisticated home bar area. By following these five ideas and tips, you can transform your space into the ultimate place your friends will envy.
Make Use of That Wasted Space
When designing your home bar, taking advantage of any available space is critical. You don’t want your bar to overwhelm your space or crowd out any of your other furniture.
Therefore, turn that wasted corner into a functional bar cabinet by filling it with simple liquor bottles and glasses. You can also repurpose a hanging wine rack to store and display your favorite wines.
If you lack the space for a cabinet, consider building a shelving system on a wall to house all of your glassware and liquor bottles. To add extra storage space, you may want to attach hooks to the back of the shelving for hanging wine glasses and decanters.
Get a Home Kegerator and Learn How to Maintain It
If you enjoy beer, then a home kegerator may be an excellent idea. This piece of equipment allows you to serve beer on tap without the need for expensive and bulky refrigerators.
Additionally, a home kegerator occupies very little space, so you can create a great bar area, even in a small kitchen or dining room.
Kegerators come in various styles, sizes, and price ranges, meaning you can find one that fits your taste and budget. However, regardless of what you buy, the ultimate goal is to ensure your kegerator of choice stays in top working conditions.
To keep your home kegerator in tip-top condition, you must ensure it is well-maintained at all times. Ideally, you should clean the interior and exterior of the unit regularly and keep the beer lines fresh. If you are new to kegerators, this guide to home kegerator cleaning and maintenance can be resourceful.
Choose Your Lighting Carefully
Lighting is an important detail that can make or break the look of your home bar. Preferably, you should choose a light that is not too bright but has enough brightness to create a nice ambiance.
Some common types of lighting you’ll find in bars are pendant lights, chandeliers, or wall sconces. Pendant lights, for instance, come in many different sizes and are usually adjustable so you can get the light just right.
If you wish to add a little warmth combined with elegance and drama to your space, consider installing a chandelier. As for wall sconces, you can install them on either side of the bar to create a more inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Get the Right Stools for Your Space
When decorating your space, seating is just as important as any other furnishing in the room. The right bar stools will provide you and your guests with a comfortable place to sit as you enjoy your favorite drinks.
As a good rule of thumb, buy stools roughly the same height as your bar counter. This will ensure they fit comfortably under the counter without creating unnecessary clutter.
The perfect stools for your home bar should also match the rest of your décor to create a cohesive look.
Stock Your Bar with the Essentials
Stocking your bar is essential if you want to keep your guests entertained. However, you don’t want to waste money on items and liquor that you won’t end up drinking or serving your guests.
So, focus on stocking your bar with beers, wines, and spirits that you and your friends like to drink together. You can also stock nonalcoholic beverages for guests who prefer something a little less potent.
Finally, don’t forget the necessary bar accessories like cocktail shakers, bottle openers, glassware, jiggers, and a mixing spoon.
