Small contemporary single-wall wet bar in Denver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, marble benchtops, carpet, beige floor and white benchtop.

Parade of Homes 2016

Distinctive Marble and Granite

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall wet bar in Columbus with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, beige splashback, timber splashback, light hardwood floors, beige floor and white benchtop.

Bar

SH Cabinetry/ Snug Harbor Tile

This is an example of a transitional single-wall home bar in Boston with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, light hardwood floors and white benchtop.

Craftsman House

Jon Hammond Builders

This is an example of a large arts and crafts single-wall wet bar in New York with dark hardwood floors, brown floor, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback and white benchtop.

Contemporary bar

Meyer Design

Great home bar in this contemporary basement. Beautiful exposed white brick wall on one wall and a gorgeous tiled backsplash. Architect: Meyer Design Photos: 716 Media

Before and After Photos

Planit Construction Inc.

This unfinished basement was transformed into a beautiful entertainment space with this custom bar and 160-bottle wine storage cabinet. It was all hidden away from the children's play area by a custom made hidden door/bookcase.

Lake Zurich

Matrix Home Solutions

This is an example of a mid-sized modern l-shaped wet bar in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Lake Zurich

Matrix Home Solutions

Photo of a mid-sized modern l-shaped wet bar in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Espresso Bar

Urban Vista Cabinets Inc.

Espresso bar display in medium wood Cabinet style: Modern Door style: C Channel Countertop colour: Pearl white
Mid-sized modern l-shaped seated home bar in Vancouver with open cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops and white benchtop.

Orange Home Bar Design Ideas with White Benchtop

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.