Skip to content
  • Explore by RoomExpand
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Living Room
    • Kitchen
    • Dining
    • Outdoor
  • Home ToursExpand
    • Colonial Home Tour
    • Cottage Style Cape Home Tour
    • Seasonal Home Tours
  • SeasonsExpand
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
  • HolidaysExpand
    • Holiday Entertaining
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • ProjectsExpand
    • Renovating
    • Painting
    • DIY Tutorials
    • Room Makeovers
    • Organizing Projects
Instagram YouTube TikTok Pinterest Facebook
looking for recipes?
Nina Hendrick Home
  • Decorating
  • Organizing
  • Entertaining
  • courses
  • shop
  • About
Nina Hendrick Home
Home / Entertaining / Entertaining Basics / Creative Home Bar Ideas

Creative Home Bar Ideas

December 29, 2022January 15, 2023 Last updatedJanuary 15, 2023 Entertaining, Entertaining Basics
  • Share
  • Email

How to Transform Your Space into a Well-functioning Home Bar Area that’s Curated to Your Taste

This guide has all the home bar ideas you need to make your next gathering special with the perfect home bar area . Discover the best modern and classic home bar ideas, as well as some useful tips and DIY advice to make your bar area one-of-a-kind.

Whether you’re looking to build a home bar from the ground up, or transform an overlooked space into the bar of your dreams, these home bar ideas will help you get started. From different decor styles, to which alcohols to keep stocked, I’ll cover all the home bar essentials. You’ll even learn how to craft a bar area out of a single bookcase shelf.

Built-In Home Bar area with Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray cabinets and a Carrara marble top
Table of Contents
  • How to Transform Your Space into a Well-functioning Home Bar Area that's Curated to Your Taste
  • My Home Bar Built-In
    • Built-In Bar Area Source List
  • The Basic Elements Every Bar Needs to Function
  • Where Should You Create a Bar in Your Home?
    • Use a space conducive to serving drinks.
    • Consider a spot that's tucked away.
    • Decide if you're going for casual or fancy.
    • If a built-in space won't work, use a bar cart.
    • Get creative by turning unique spaces of your home into a bar.
    • Another idea is to use a table as a home bar cabinet.
  • Home Bar Essentials – What You Need to Get Started
    • Wine and Beer
    • Liquor
    • Sodas, Juices, and Mixers
    • Garnishes
    • Bartending Tools
    • Glassware
    • Ice bucket and ice
    • My Favorite Drink Recipe to Use for Big Gatherings
  • Home Bar Décor – How to Make Your Bar Area Look Good
    • Luxe Vintage Home Bar Ideas
    • Rustic Home Bar Ideas
    • Modern Home Bar Ideas
  • Fun Ideas to Make Your Home Bar Area Stand Out
    • Display Sentimental Objects
    • Incorporate Metals to Add Shine
    • Go For Colors You Love But Have Always Been Scared to Try
  • Let's Make a Toast to Your New Home Bar!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you shop my link. Please see my disclosure if you’d like more info!

Table of Contents
  • Built-In Bar Area Source List
  • Use a space conducive to serving drinks.
  • Consider a spot that's tucked away.
  • Decide if you're going for casual or fancy.
  • If a built-in space won't work, use a bar cart.
  • Get creative by turning unique spaces of your home into a bar.
  • Another idea is to use a table as a home bar cabinet.
  • Wine and Beer
  • Liquor
  • Sodas, Juices, and Mixers
  • Garnishes
  • Bartending Tools
  • Glassware
  • Ice bucket and ice
  • My Favorite Drink Recipe to Use for Big Gatherings
  • Luxe Vintage Home Bar Ideas
  • Rustic Home Bar Ideas
  • Modern Home Bar Ideas
  • Display Sentimental Objects
  • Incorporate Metals to Add Shine
  • Go For Colors You Love But Have Always Been Scared to Try

I like to think of a bar as adding soul to the home. The gesture of offering to make someone a drink is steeped in generosity, warmth, and connection. The bar is the facilitator of walls coming down and deep conversations you remember forever. It invites you to kick off your shoes and stay for a while; to let loose and have a little fun. It can offer you respite from a long day, or transport you to the other side of the globe. (Chardonnay from the south of France, anyone?). It’s there to escalate every celebration, and comfort every loss. The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the bar is the ever-attuning host.

Bar Area built-in with gallery rail and gold touches

That’s why I was SO excited to create our home bar as one of my very first projects in our new house! Our bar is located on the main floor, just off of our kitchen. But when we first moved in, it was an awkward built-in cabinet space near the back of our stairs that was going unused. I decided to transform this wasted space into something we would love.

And voila! Our perfect home bar built-in was born.

Coventry Gray Built-In bar area with Carrara marble and gallery rail

My Home Bar Built-In

I found myself drawn to vintage-inspired designs, and wanted to go in that direction. First, I added a classic marble countertop and backsplash. I knew I needed a stone to balance out the painted cabinetry, and marble coordinated seamlessly.

Carrara marble countertop with corbels, shelf, and brass gallery rail

I wanted to make this bar built-in feel like its own special area, separate from the kitchen, so I added decorative marble corbels to each side. They contain the space and give an elevated touch. The gap above the built-in felt unbalanced, so we installed the marble shelf that caps the corbels. The finishing touch is a brass gallery rail we put along the shelf, which protects decor and glassware from sliding off. This bar feels timeless and beautiful, yet simple and functional, and I absolutely love the finished result!

Built-In Bar Area Source List

    • Built-Ins: Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray
    • Walls & Trim: Benjamin Moore White Dove
    • Marble: Honed White Carrara
    • Brass Knobs
    • Brass Gallery Rail Kit (we attached the posts with clear silicone)
    • Sconce — Similar
    • Ice Bucket & Platter
    • Stemless Wine Glasses
    • Balloon Red Wine Glasses
    • Coupe Glasses — Similar
    • Decanter & Glasses Set
    • Brass Tray
    • Rattan Pitcher — Similar
    • Rattan Glasses — Similar
    • Gold Frame
    Wine glasses and bottle with brass sconce and marble built-in

    The Basic Elements Every Bar Needs to Function

    There’s a pretty big range of design elements among home bars. From a fully functioning bar, to a bar cart, it really depends on what you desire and what’s feasible. Keeping that in mind, there are some core elements that every bar should have.

    1. A flat area to set or store liquor bottles
    2. Countertop space in close proximity for pouring and mixing drinks
    3. A place to house bartending tools
    4. A place for an ice bucket

    That’s it! There are many creative solutions to addressing these elements, no matter your style or budget. So, let your imagination flow, and remember – the only rule is that you love the end result!

    Built-in shelves with liquor on brass tray

    Where Should You Create a Bar in Your Home?

    While there’s no absolute right or wrong location for the bar in your home, there are a few important factors to consider:

    Use a space conducive to serving drinks.

    This is why many bars are close to the kitchen area. Realistically, spills are going to happen, so having the bar close to an area that’s already designated for preparing food makes sense. Also, you’ll want to keep your bar freshly stocked, so it’s helpful to have a short transport distance from the kitchen to the bar.

    Avoid carpeted areas, rooms that need more privacy, like bedrooms, and rooms that could present sanitation concerns, like bathrooms. Rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t want someone to walk through the space carrying a drink, then it’s not a good location for a bar.

    Consider a spot that’s tucked away.

    If you’re building or renovating, and prefer a bar that’s less visible, consider a butler’s pantry design. This can still be just off the kitchen, but in its own closed-off spot. This sends the signal that it’s an area reserved just for the adults, as well as creating a little mystery and fun for your guests. It’s a great place to share a secret or an inside joke! But just because it’s tucked away, doesn’t have to mean skimping on design. I’ve come across some truly STUNNING butler’s pantry built-in bar designs!

    Decide if you’re going for casual or fancy.

    If you’re wanting a relaxed and casual bar, a popular location is the basement. A finished basement allows you to take more creative liberties, because it’s less visible than the rest of your home. It also most likely has more space to work with, so that gives you more options for design.

    If you’re wanting a fancier look, then keep to the main level. It usually houses the formal rooms of your home. This will ensure that your dressed-up bar doesn’t look out of place in too casual of a setting.

    Brass and marble bar cart in sunny dining room

    If a built-in space won’t work, use a bar cart.

    If installing a full bar is not the best option for your home, and you want flexibility, bar carts are the perfect solution! Pick one that fits the style of your home and display a curation of your favorite alcohols, glassware, and linen napkins. If you have space, don’t forget an ice bucket, and cocktail mixing tools. You can pull a bar cart just about anywhere, but if you’re looking for a permanent place to park it, start with the dining room, sun room, or living room. If you want to keep things simple, stick to customizing the cart for each occasion you’ll be using it, only including the essentials needed for the alcohol on the menu that evening.

    Built-in cabinets with a serving tray on the decorative shelf

    Get creative by turning unique spaces of your home into a bar.

    Creating your bar doesn’t have to mean demolition and renovation. There are many unconventional solutions to crafting a bar from the cozy nooks of your home. You just have to get a bit creative. You can make use of an unused cabinet space like I did, or simply use the middle shelf of a built-in bookcase.

    Another idea is to use a table as a home bar cabinet.

    Side tables, entryway consoles, buffets, and accent chests, all get the job done beautifully and with character. You could even use a wall mirror that has an attached shelf with railing to house your liquor
    bottles. Just make sure to hang it where there’s countertop space nearby for pouring and mixing.

    Waterford Whiskey decanter on a modern brass tray

    Home Bar Essentials – What You Need to Get Started

    I’ve put together a list of some basics to stock your new bar. These will provide your guests with great options and keep them well-served.

    Wine and Beer

    The wine aisle can be intimidating — here’s a quick tip on how to pick a bottle. Start by narrowing down the type of wine you’re looking for from the list below. Then, read the label and look for flavor descriptors that align with what you’re looking for. Finally, check the price point and make sure it’s within your budget.

    • Chardonnay
    • A popular beer that everyone knows (example: Corona)
    • A red blend
    • A craft beer that no one knows from a natural food supermarket

    Liquor

    • Vodka
    • Tequila
    • Whiskey
    • Rum
    • Gin
    • An orange liqueur – either Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or Cointreau

    Sodas, Juices, and Mixers

    • Club Soda
    • Ginger ale
    • Tonic Water
    • Cranberry juice
    • Diet Coke
    • Orange juice

    Garnishes

    • Limes
    • Sugar
    • Stuffed Olives
    • Rosemary Sprigs
    • Salt
    • Other Fresh Fruit (Lemons, Cherries, Pomegranate Arils)

    Bartending Tools

    • Shaker
    • Stirring Spoons
    • Jigger
    • Corkscrew with Bottle Opener

    Glassware

    • White Wine Glasses
    • Highball Glasses
    • Red Wine Glasses
    • Champagne Flutes
    Rustic gold ice bucket with champagne

    Ice bucket and ice

    Whether you have an ice maker as a part of your bar or not, an ice bucket is a must-have. And don’t forget to have plenty of ice on hand! If you’re planning to set up a New Year’s Eve vignette, displaying your bubbly on ice adds a festive touch of glamor.

    Tip from Nina: If you don’t have an actual ice bucket, improvise with a wide-rimmed glass vase, like I did here!

    My Favorite Drink Recipe to Use for Big Gatherings

    Now, I can’t talk about drink ingredients without sharing one of my all-time favorite drink recipes – my traditional red sangria! Normally you equate sangria with summertime, but I make this drink year-round. It’s so perfect for big holiday gatherings, and the colors go with the season’s festivities beautifully. I would love to know what you think about it, and if it’s a hit at your next party! You can check out more of my favorite cocktail recipes here.

    Home Bar Decor ideas with glassware and brass accents

    Home Bar Décor – How to Make Your Bar Area Look Good

    The way to truly make your home bar look good is to keep with a cohesive décor style. You’ll also want to take into consideration the décor you already have in place, so that your bar fits in seamlessly with the rest of your home. A brightly colored Moroccan tile backsplash may be a little too loud if the rest of your home is a calming, minimalist, neutral vibe! However, your bar doesn’t have to be completely matchy-matchy with your current decor, it just needs to coordinate.

    I’ll give you some examples:

    Luxe Vintage Home Bar Ideas

    This is the style that inspired my home bar. A luxe vintage style coordinates nicely with traditional, colonial, transitional, and mid-century modern home décor. Keep things simple like I did, or make it as glam as you want!

    The following are some ideas to help you pull off this look:

    • Brass accents
    • Velvet seating (if your bar calls for barstools/seating)
    • Glass and mirror accents
    • Round, art deco light fixtures
    • Marble
    • Rich colors
    • Personal heirloom touches

    Rustic Home Bar Ideas

    Just like a dry white wine balances out water-loving fish, a rustic bar can actually balance out modern décor, when the rustic elements are more subtle. (You wouldn’t want a log cabin themed bar in a stark white house full of modern opulence!) Other décor styles that coordinate well with rustic are primitive, traditional, industrial, Bohemian, modern farmhouse, and coastal.

    Here are some rustic design elements to get your wheels turning:

    • Wood tones
    • Rugged and raw finishes
    • Dark colors like black, brown, and beige
    • Natural stone
    • Natural fibers like jute
    • Leather and suede textiles
    • Wrought iron

    Modern Home Bar Ideas

    Modern pairs well with industrial, rustic, mid-century modern, transitional, retro, minimalist, and contemporary. If you’ve been itching for more modern elements in your home, but have been playing it safe, your home bar provides the chance for you to test it out.

    Below are some modern design characteristics for your bar:

    • Clean, straight lines
    • Geometric shapes
    • Industrial piping
    • Floating shelves
    • Minimal items sitting on countertop
    • Open layout
    • Monochromatic color scheme
    Home bar decor ideas with a gold frame and rattan glassware

    Fun Ideas to Make Your Home Bar Area Stand Out

    Display Sentimental Objects

    A great way to make your home bar stand out is to personalize it. Add meaningful touches that signify precious memories, people, travels, accomplishments, or symbolism that inspires you. This infuses your unique energy into the space.

    Not only do pieces like these create stimulating visual interest, but they also serve as fantastic conversation starters! Guests will love to ask you how you came by that gorgeous hand-blown glass vase, (your honeymoon in Italy), or your vintage whiskey glasses (they were your grandfather’s). Just keep in mind that any personal touches you include should be ok getting wet. After all, making drinks includes spills and splashes!

    Incorporate Metals to Add Shine

    A favorite tip of mine is to include a metal piece for some shine. Whether it’s a sink faucet, shelf railing (like mine), a copper ice bucket, or a silver tray, it helps balance out wood cabinetry and really elevates the space. I like to think of it as adding jewelry to an outfit. It’s the finishing touch that adds polish and sparkle!

    Go For Colors You Love But Have Always Been Scared to Try

    Your home bar is the perfect opportunity to experiment with colors that you don’t want to use in your larger living spaces. Break out of your neutral comfort zone, and go for more saturation. Because your bar is a smaller space, it won’t overwhelm the rest of your home, and if you try something and don’t like it, it’s less of a financial burden to fix.

    Instead of white cabinets, opt for a muted sage. Or maybe instead of extending your hardwood floors into the bar area, go with a black and white tile. Perhaps instead of marble countertops, you opt for a rustic driftwood or a modern black speckled quartz to illuminate your brushed brass sink faucet.

    Built-in bar below the stairs with decorating and glassware ideas for entertaining

    Let’s Make a Toast to Your New Home Bar!

    I hope these home bar ideas brought you inspiration and direction, so that you can get to work tackling this project with confidence. I would love to hear in the comments below which elements resonated with you, and which ones you’re excited to try!

    Be sure you’re following me on IG @ninahendrickhome. Check out my house updates in stories, and my tip-filled reels! I even still post to the grid every once and a while. :)

    A home bar area will add warmth and connection to every occasion. It can provide a cocktail hour before dinner, or a nightcap after all the dishes have been put away. Hosting the whole extended family for a big holiday gathering? The bar is the confetti, sprinkling everyone with laughter. Girls night? Pink cosmos. Spa day? Cucumber vodka; extra ice. Bridal shower? Cue the mimosas. Your hubby’s big day? Hand everyone a signature cocktail named “1988” after the birthday boy’s year of birth.

    And with that, I’m raising a glass to your new home bar! May it provide you warm memories this season and for many years to come. Cheers, friends!

    Nina Hendrick

    Nina is the creator behind Nina Hendrick Home. After nine years of renovating her Colonial in Massachusetts, she moved home to the Seacoast of New Hampshire in 2021. Now you can find her redesigning her new Cape cottage home, gardening, reading a book, taking walks by the sea or spending time with her family and their Golden Retriever, Gracie. Read More

    Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest

    Post navigation

    Previous Previous
    The Best Christmas Storage Ideas: How to Organize Decorations
    NextContinue
    75+ Home Organization Ideas

    Hi! I'm Nina.

    I'm a small town New England girl and mom of three with a passion for all things home. This blog chronicles my journey of creating a home and everything that I learn along the way. The thing I love most about what I do is helping people create a meaningful space that they can enjoy with those they care about.

    New? Start here!
    please note

    My posts may contain affiliate links. 
    Read over my disclosures.

    🍁 As the morning sun casts a golden hue over my 🍁 As the morning sun casts a golden hue over my desk, I’m enveloped in the quiet comfort of my favorite room. As I sit here, journal in front of me, I’m struck by the reminder that every corner of our homes has a story to tell. 📔✨

While my heart belongs to creating cozy spaces that speak of warmth and welcome, I’m also beginning to rediscover the joy of filling pages with more than just to-do lists. Maybe it’s the magic of fall, or perhaps it’s the quiet promise of new beginnings ahead, but there’s something brewing here beyond the decor. 🌟🏡

As we journey through this season of transformation, I invite you to join me in this new journey that’s both familiar and fresh. Because isn’t life about exploring new chapters while cherishing the ones we’ve already written? #autumnvibes #writingjourney
    It’s Friendsgiving season! 🍂 Here’s some t It’s Friendsgiving season! 🍂

Here’s some tips for hosting an unforgettable celebration with your friends: 

✨ Plan Ahead:
Choose a date and venue that work for everyone. Don’t limit it to Thanksgiving – flexibility is key!

🎉 Add Some Fun:
Games, activities, and gratitude moments make your Friendsgiving extra special. Pump up the fun factor!

🎁 Create Memories:
Consider DIY favors or personalized gifts to make your Friendsgiving unforgettable. Show your appreciation in style!

#friendsgiving #friendsgiving2023 #thanksgiving #thanksgivingdecor #friendsgivingideas #friendsgivingdinner
    Nine years ago, I dove deep into the Victorian era Nine years ago, I dove deep into the Victorian era’s mysterious allure and styled this hauntingly beautiful Spooky Apothecary Vignette 🕯️✨. From Edgar Allen Poe’s watchful gaze to the enigmatic poisons and antidotes, each detail was a labor of love. Can you spot all the vintage touches? Let me know your favorites in the comments below 🧐🎃. Happy Halloween, everyone! #halloweenthrowback #victoriandecor #darkacademia
    Some moments lately from my favorite season 🍁🍂
    FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
    classes & courses
    Learn with me

    My Go-To Paint Colors

    search this site
    follow along on instagram
    @ninahendrickhome

    🍁 As the morning sun casts a golden hue over my 🍁 As the morning sun casts a golden hue over my desk, I’m enveloped in the quiet comfort of my favorite room. As I sit here, journal in front of me, I’m struck by the reminder that every corner of our homes has a story to tell. 📔✨

While my heart belongs to creating cozy spaces that speak of warmth and welcome, I’m also beginning to rediscover the joy of filling pages with more than just to-do lists. Maybe it’s the magic of fall, or perhaps it’s the quiet promise of new beginnings ahead, but there’s something brewing here beyond the decor. 🌟🏡

As we journey through this season of transformation, I invite you to join me in this new journey that’s both familiar and fresh. Because isn’t life about exploring new chapters while cherishing the ones we’ve already written? #autumnvibes #writingjourney
    It’s Friendsgiving season! 🍂 Here’s some t It’s Friendsgiving season! 🍂

Here’s some tips for hosting an unforgettable celebration with your friends: 

✨ Plan Ahead:
Choose a date and venue that work for everyone. Don’t limit it to Thanksgiving – flexibility is key!

🎉 Add Some Fun:
Games, activities, and gratitude moments make your Friendsgiving extra special. Pump up the fun factor!

🎁 Create Memories:
Consider DIY favors or personalized gifts to make your Friendsgiving unforgettable. Show your appreciation in style!

#friendsgiving #friendsgiving2023 #thanksgiving #thanksgivingdecor #friendsgivingideas #friendsgivingdinner
    Nine years ago, I dove deep into the Victorian era Nine years ago, I dove deep into the Victorian era’s mysterious allure and styled this hauntingly beautiful Spooky Apothecary Vignette 🕯️✨. From Edgar Allen Poe’s watchful gaze to the enigmatic poisons and antidotes, each detail was a labor of love. Can you spot all the vintage touches? Let me know your favorites in the comments below 🧐🎃. Happy Halloween, everyone! #halloweenthrowback #victoriandecor #darkacademia
    Some moments lately from my favorite season 🍁🍂
    Transforming My Powder Room with Epoxy Magic! ✨ Transforming My Powder Room with Epoxy Magic! ✨ Watch how I turned my ordinary bathroom countertop into a luxurious (faux) Carrara marble dream using this simple kit. You won’t believe the stunning results! 😍 Include “link” in your comment and I’ll DM it your way! 💌 But let’s keep the conversation going: would you try this project? 👇🏻#fauxmarble #diyprojects #lookforless #marblecountertops
    A small step to make our kitchen more eco-friendly A small step to make our kitchen more eco-friendly: a countertop compost bin! Lyla (our youngest) has the chore of emptying the smaller bin into a larger one for collection every couple of weeks. Then, in the spring, we get back a bag of compost for our garden. 🌿 #compost
    Bathroom restock part two! 🧴🫧 My biggest tip Bathroom restock part two! 🧴🫧 My biggest tip if you plan to decant your soaps and shampoos is to get refill bags, it makes it soooo much easier than bottles! #bathroomrestock
    Bathroom restock time! I love when all of the bath Bathroom restock time! I love when all of the bathroom jars are full of my favorite soaps and epsom salts for the bath. #restock #bathroom

    Decorating

    • Design
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Makeovers
    • Seasonal Home Tours

    Entertaining

    • Entertaining Basics
    • Holiday Entertaining
    • Tablescapes

    Organizing

    • Decluttering
    • Goal-Setting
    • Organizing Projects
    • Organizing Printables
    • Time Management

    Projects

    • DIY Tutorials
    • Painting

    Freebies

    • Paint Color Personality Quiz
    • Decorating Style Quiz
    • Free Renovating Guide

    About

    • New? Start Here!
    • Looking for Recipes?
    • Blogging Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    The Fine Print

    Please use all appropriate and proper safety precautions when attempting projects. All projects are attempted at the reader’s own risk.

    Nina Hendrick Home is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases.

    let's be friends

    Instagram YouTube TikTok Pinterest Facebook
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Disclosure
    • Contact

    © 2023 Nina Hendrick Home Media LLC

    • New? Start Here!
    • Decor
    • Organizing
    • Entertaining
    • Classes
    • New! Cape Home Tour
    • Colonial Home Tour
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Shop
    What are you looking for?
    Search