This is an example of a mid-sized modern galley wet bar in Miami with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, grey splashback, marble floors and beige benchtop.

Hollow Way Residence

William S. Briggs Architect p.l.l.c.

Stephen Reed Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional single-wall wet bar in Dallas with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, brown splashback, timber splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and black benchtop.

Private Residence

Equilibrium Interior Design Inc

This jewel bar is tacked into an alcove with very little space. Wood ceiling details play on the drywall soffit layouts and make the bar look like it simply belongs there. Various design decisions were made in order to make this little bar feel larger and allow to maximize storage. For example, there is no hanging pendants over the illuminated onyx front and the front of the bar was designed with horizontal slats and uplifting illuminated onyx slabs to keep the area open and airy. Storage is completely maximized in this little space and includes full height refrigerated wine storage with more wine storage directly above inside the cabinet. The mirrored backsplash and upper cabinets are tacked away and provide additional liquor storage beyond, but also reflect the are directly in front to offer illusion of more space. As you turn around the corner, there is a cabinet with a linear sink against the wall which not only has an obvious function, but was selected to double as a built in ice through for cooling your favorite drinks. And of course, you must have drawer storage at your bar for napkins, bar tool set, and other bar essentials. These drawers are cleverly incorporated into the design of the illuminated onyx cube on the right side of the bar without affecting the look of the illuminated part. Considering the footprint of about 55 SF, this is the best use of space incorporating everything you would possibly need in a bar… and it looks incredible! Photography: Craig Denis

Orange County Contemporary Home

Roy Miller Painting, Inc.

Photo of a contemporary l-shaped seated home bar in Orange County with open cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, concrete floors and beige floor.

The Back Road

Talie Jane Interiors

Brad Scott Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized country galley seated home bar in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, grey splashback, metal splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and green benchtop.

Ayrshire

Ames Peterson - International Architecture

Interior of the billiard room.
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean galley seated home bar in Miami with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, timber splashback and carpet.

Backlit Onyx Nuvolato Bar

Aria Stone Gallery

This masculine and modern Onyx Nuvolato marble bar and feature wall is perfect for hosting everything from game-day events to large cocktail parties. The onyx countertops and feature wall are backlit with LED lights to create a warm glow throughout the room. The remnants from this project were fashioned to create a matching backlit fireplace. Open shelving provides storage and display, while a built in tap provides quick access and easy storage for larger bulk items.

New York City Apartment Remodel

Elite Kitchen & Bath/Express Contracting

Stunning home bar with unique light column, gemstone counter top, glass door cabinetry, two level counter-top, fancy bar stools. Opens to dining area, living room area. We built a curved plaster soffit to mimic the curve of the bar. We placed the wall paper on one section of the sheet rock soffit. Creating the curve takes skill and precision. Custom pullouts for alcohol.

Rustic Classic

Versa Homes

The “Rustic Classic” is a 17,000 square foot custom home built for a special client, a famous musician who wanted a home befitting a rockstar. This Langley, B.C. home has every detail you would want on a custom build. For this home, every room was completed with the highest level of detail and craftsmanship; even though this residence was a huge undertaking, we didn’t take any shortcuts. From the marble counters to the tasteful use of stone walls, we selected each material carefully to create a luxurious, livable environment. The windows were sized and placed to allow for a bright interior, yet they also cultivate a sense of privacy and intimacy within the residence. Large doors and entryways, combined with high ceilings, create an abundance of space. A home this size is meant to be shared, and has many features intended for visitors, such as an expansive games room with a full-scale bar, a home theatre, and a kitchen shaped to accommodate entertaining. In any of our homes, we can create both spaces intended for company and those intended to be just for the homeowners - we understand that each client has their own needs and priorities. Our luxury builds combine tasteful elegance and attention to detail, and we are very proud of this remarkable home. Contact us if you would like to set up an appointment to build your next home! Whether you have an idea in mind or need inspiration, you’ll love the results.

Transitional Home Bar

Transitional galley seated home bar in Detroit with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, ceramic floors, mirror splashback and grey floor.

Philadelphia Townhouse

Emma Montgomery

Dining Room built-in bar featuring a new tin ceiling, plaster walls, amber slipper shade sconces, painted frame niche with walnut & onyx bar with a glass backsplash and brass shelves custom fit to our client's needs.

Architectural Splendor

Ellis Custom Homes LLC

Photo by Wade Blissard
Inspiration for a mediterranean u-shaped seated home bar with a drop-in sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, mirror splashback, travertine floors, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Orange County Contemporary Home

Roy Miller Painting, Inc.

Design ideas for a contemporary l-shaped seated home bar in Orange County with beige floor, open cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops and concrete floors.

Gettysburg Hunting

Grassland Granite

This is an example of a mid-sized country single-wall seated home bar in Other with glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets and onyx benchtops.

Backlit Onyx Nuvolato Bar

Aria Stone Gallery

Transitional Family Room and Bar

Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS

The wood is a flat-cut walnut, run horizontally. The bar was redesigned in the same wood with onyx countertops. The open shelves are embedded with LED lighting. The clients also wanted to be able to eat dinner in the room while watching TV but there was no room for a regular dining table so we designed a custom silver leaf bar table to sit behind the sectional with a custom 1 1/2" Thinkglass art glass top. We also designed a custom walnut display unit for the clients books and collectibles as well as four cocktail table /ottomans that can easily be rearranged to allow for the recliners. New dark wood floors were installed and a custom wool and silk area rug was designed that ties all the pieces together. We designed a new coffered ceiling with lighting in each bay. And built out the fireplace with dimensional tile to the ceiling. The color scheme was kept intentionally monochromatic to show off the different textures with the only color being touches of blue in the pillows and accessories to pick up the art glass.

Adrsley Basement

DMC Home Improvement

Large traditional u-shaped seated home bar in Atlanta with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, beige splashback and light hardwood floors.

Private Residence

Equilibrium Interior Design Inc

In this custom illuminated onyx bar topped with three-dimensional open cage-like pendants Equilibrium Interior Design created contrast and a focal point using richly colored oil painting.

The Sundial

ZED Studio

The Onyx bar top and wall backsplash have been leathered for a truly one-of-a-kind tactile experience.
Mid-sized contemporary u-shaped seated home bar in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops and turquoise benchtop.

Orchard lake Residence

McIntosh Poris Associates

Justin Maconochie
Expansive traditional single-wall seated home bar in Detroit with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, glass sheet splashback and marble floors.

Home Bar Design Ideas with Dark Wood Cabinets and Onyx 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.