Kevin J. Smith
Design ideas for a small transitional u-shaped seated home bar in Other with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, copper benchtops, brown splashback, timber splashback and concrete floors.

Pub Room in Mason

Neal's Design Remodel

The primary style of this new lounge space could be classified as an American-style pub, with the rustic quality of a prohibition-era speakeasy balanced by the masculine look of a Victorian-era men’s lounge. The wet bar was designed as three casual sections distributed along the two window walls. Custom counters were created by combining antiqued copper on the surface and riveted iron strapping on the edges. The ceiling was opened up, peaking at 12', and the framing was finished with reclaimed wood, converting the vaulted space into a pyramid for a four-walled cathedral ceiling. Neals Design Remodel Robin Victor Goetz

Sports Bar

Mattingly Thaler Architecture

Peter Medilek
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped wet bar in San Francisco with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, dark wood cabinets, copper benchtops, ceramic splashback and dark hardwood floors.

Bar - Copper & Neolith (Iron Moss)

Austin Granite Direct

Home bar area with a copper counter, copper vanity sink finishes, and Neolith backsplash.
Photo of a transitional home bar in Austin with white cabinets, copper benchtops and multi-coloured splashback.

Sands Point, NY

Abaca Interiors

Built-in wet bar in open modern-rustic great room. Photographer: Raquel Langworthy (Untamed Studios LLC)
Photo of a large modern single-wall wet bar in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, copper benchtops, green splashback, porcelain splashback and light hardwood floors.

Sports Bar

Mattingly Thaler Architecture

Peter Medilek
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped wet bar in San Francisco with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, dark wood cabinets, copper benchtops and dark hardwood floors.

Lake Summit Blackhawk

Packard Cabinetry of North Carolina

Kevin J. Smith
This is an example of a small transitional u-shaped seated home bar in Other with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, copper benchtops, brown splashback, timber splashback and concrete floors.

Orange Home Bar Design Ideas with Copper 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.