The addition of a home bar is a must-have for anyone who enjoys hosting social gatherings. Not only is a home bar a great way to create a fun, social atmosphere in your home but the process of making one can be an exceptionally rewarding project to show off your creativity and sense of interior style.
However, before you dive headfirst into making a home bar, there are a few things you should consider. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Your first step in creating a home bar will be to identify the perfect room in which to put it. Consider factors such as available space, accessibility, and suitability for entertaining. For example, Whether it's a cosy nook in the living room, a dedicated party area in the basement, or a stylish corner in the dining room, determining the right space for your bar will set a precedent for your forthcoming decisions, such as its size and how extravagant it will be.
If you don’t have the available space to create a full-sized bar, there are other options that may be better suited for smaller environments. For example, if you want to create a sophisticated dining area for guests, an antique drinks trolley, just large enough for a few glasses and bottles, would be ideal. Alternatively, you could transform an item of furniture you already have, such as a shelving unit, sideboard or dresser. You could even put your DIY skills to the test and make a wall-mounted bar from repurposed wooden palettes.
While you can always purchase a home bar or repurpose an existing furniture item, you may want to get creative. If you’re eager to make your home bar from scratch, exercising caution is essential when working with power tools and sharp objects. When tackling any DIY project, using the correct tools for the job is critical, as using the wrong equipment may result in injury. Additionally, donning the necessary safety gear or personal protective equipment (PPE) is imperative. Depending on the project, goggles, gloves, and a dust mask might be required to safeguard yourself against potential injuries.
Once you have acquired or crafted the bar, you can start stocking it with a good selection of beverages. Regardless of your personal preferences, having a variety of spirits is recommended to ensure your guests are always well accommodated. Consider at least one bottle of vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, rum, and bourbon, as these are crowd-pleasing options that can be used to make various classic cocktails. Either display your drinks in their original bottles or decant them into attractive glass or crystal receptacles.
Accessorising your bar will give it personality and uniqueness. For example, you could add artwork or photographs for an appealing visual focal point, encouraging conversation among houseguests. Additionally, don't underestimate the power of greenery - placing some well-chosen plants on your bar can truly liven up a space with verdant charm. You could even add extra seating in the form of polished wooden bar stools for the perfect balance between timeless and contemporary.
Your choice of glassware will largely depend on the type of drinks you plan on stocking in your bar. For example, if you’re a red wine connoisseur, you will need large-bowled, round glasses to allow the intricate flavours and aromas to aerate, improving the taste. Alternatively, if you and your regular house guests are partial to a glass of neat whiskey after dinner, you could truly impress them with a set of crystal-cut Glencairn glasses.
Constantly making kitchen trips during a dinner party to refill your guests' drinks can quickly become exhausting. A dining room bar can be a great solution, allowing you to conveniently serve and store beverages in one area. However, there might still be instances where you need to access the kitchen for items like beer, mixers, and chilled soft drinks. Having a mini fridge or drinks cooler as part of your bar gives your guests access to ice-cold beverages throughout the evening. While a mini fridge may not seamlessly blend with the aesthetics of a traditional dining room, you can always conceal it in a cupboard.