Bar Room

The bar room transforms home entertaining by providing a dedicated space for mixing drinks, hosting guests, and enjoying cocktail hour. Whether a corner wet bar, a full basement pub, or a sleek modern cocktail station, home bars create atmosphere and functionality that elevate at-home gatherings to bar-quality experiences. Designing a home bar means considering workflow, storage, and atmosphere. The best home bars feel like favorite establishments—with proper equipment, adequate storage for spirits and glassware, comfortable seating for conversation, and ambiance that encourages guests to linger over drinks and conversation.

Key Design Considerations

✓Water access for wet bar functionality
✓Adequate storage for bottles and glassware
✓Work surface for mixing
✓Seating for guests
✓Ambient lighting for atmosphere
✓Easy cleanup with proper materials

Layout Tips

Position the bar as a destination, not blocking traffic flow. Include seating on the guest side—bar stools at counter height (42 inches). The work surface should be at standard counter height (36 inches) with adequate space for tools and bottles.

Lighting Recommendations

Ambient lighting creates bar atmosphere—consider pendant lights over the bar, under-cabinet lighting to illuminate bottles, and dimmers throughout. Avoid harsh overhead lighting. Neon signs or LED accents add personality.

Storage Ideas

Open shelving displays bottles attractively—consider glass shelves with backlighting. Closed cabinets store less photogenic items. A glassware rack keeps stemware accessible. A built-in wine fridge stores wines at proper temperatures.

Popular Features for Bar Room

Bar counter with overhang for stools

Backlit bottle display

Built-in wine cooler or refrigerator

Sink for wet bar

Decorative backsplash

Recommended Design Styles

These design styles work particularly well for bar room spaces:

Art Deco Industrial Modern Glam Mid Century Modern Speakeasy Pub

💡 Pro Tip

A functional home bar needs more than looks—include a small sink (wet bar), undercounter refrigeration, ice access, and dishwasher-safe surfaces. The glamorous bar that's impractical to use gathers dust; the functional bar gets used for every gathering.