Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO
Traditional wet bar in New York with glass-front cabinets and blue cabinets.

Large traditional single-wall seated home bar in Toronto with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, marble benchtops and white benchtop.

At-home bar

Creation Cabinetry

This photo reveals the foot rail at the bottom of the bar, and also does a fantastic job of displaying some of the details in the bar.
This is an example of a large traditional u-shaped seated home bar in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops and dark hardwood floors.

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Entrance to Movie Theater

John Kraemer & Sons

A recent John Kraemer & Sons built home on 5 acres near Prior Lake, MN. Photography: Landmark Photography
This is an example of a traditional home bar in Minneapolis.

5650 Comstock

NIH Homes

Spacecrafting
Design ideas for a large traditional home bar in Minneapolis with glass-front cabinets, distressed cabinets, matchstick tile splashback, carpet and beige floor.

Belle's Chateau

Jennifer Stoner Interiors

This was a unique nook off of the kitchen where we created a cozy wine bar. I encouraged the builder to extend the dividing wall to create space for this corner banquette for the owners to enjoy a glass of wine or their morning meal. Photo credit: John Magor Photography

Wet Bar

JMDG Architecture | Planning + Interiors

Interior design by SOCO Interiors. Photography by Giovanni. Built by Stock Development.
Traditional seated home bar in Miami with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, multi-coloured splashback and beige floor.

Brookside: Eagles Nest

Everything Home

Unique textures, printed rugs, dark wood floors, and neutral-hued furnishings make this traditional home a cozy, stylish abode. Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/

Casco House

Landmark Building Contractors LLC

This new home is the last newly constructed home within the historic Country Club neighborhood of Edina. Nestled within a charming street boasting Mediterranean and cottage styles, the client sought a synthesis of the two that would integrate within the traditional streetscape yet reflect modern day living standards and lifestyle. The footprint may be small, but the classic home features an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, and refined finishes throughout.

Artisan Home

Custom One Homes

Landmark Photography
Photo of a traditional seated home bar in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, open cabinets and dark wood cabinets.

Window Reno

House of George LLC

Inspiration for a large traditional u-shaped seated home bar in Portland with carpet, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and wood benchtops.

Lower Level Bar Area | East Coast Shingle Style Home

Studio M Kitchen & Bath

This East Coast shingle style traditional home encapsulates many design details and state-of-the-art technology. Mingle's custom designed cabinetry is on display throughout Stonewood’s 2018 Artisan Tour home. In addition to the kitchen and baths, our beautiful built-in cabinetry enhances the master bedroom, library, office, and even the porch. The Studio M Interiors team worked closely with the client to design, furnish and accessorize spaces inspired by east coast charm. The clean, traditional white kitchen features Dura Supreme inset cabinetry with a variety of storage drawer and cabinet accessories including fully integrated refrigerator and freezer and dishwasher doors and wine refrigerator. The scullery is right off the kitchen featuring inset glass door cabinetry and stacked appliances. The master suite displays a beautiful custom wall entertainment center and the master bath features two custom matching vanities and a freestanding bathtub and walk-in steam shower. The main level laundry room has an abundance of cabinetry for storage space and two custom drying nooks as well. The outdoor space off the main level highlights NatureKast outdoor cabinetry and is the perfect gathering space to entertain and take in the outstanding views of Lake Minnetonka. The upstairs showcases two stunning ½ bath vanities, a double his/hers office, and an exquisite library. The lower level features a bar area, two ½ baths, in home movie theatre with custom seating, a reading nook with surrounding bookshelves, and custom wine cellar. Two additional mentions are the large garage space and dog wash station and lower level work room, both with sleek, built-to-last custom cabinetry. Scott Amundson Photography, LLC

Coastal Home Man Cave Bar

Michael James Design, Inc.

This "Man Cave" Bar features dark cherry cabinetry by Medallion Cabinetry. The amber glass on the pendants and ceiling lights coordinates beautifully with the tones in the "Magma Gold" granite and gives the bar an "Old World" feel.

South Tampa

Artful Conceptions, LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional single-wall seated home bar in Tampa with raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops and mosaic tile splashback.

Basement Kitchen Detail

Kinning Design Build

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped home bar in Other with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, stone tile splashback and ceramic floors.

LA Highlights

Jay Greene Photography

Jay Greene Photography The Agency, Bel Air home for sale
This is an example of a traditional u-shaped seated home bar in Los Angeles.

Beaded inset Cabinetry

Wende Woodworking LLC

Basement bar. Kern Group
Traditional home bar in Kansas City.

Pennbrook Pub - Far Hills Basement

Dan Ruhland Designs LLC

Restoration Hardware Stools, Hudson Valley Lights, Daltile Mosaic Floor
Traditional seated home bar in New York with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets and porcelain floors.

Ocean Project

Wolf in the Woods Inc

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional galley wet bar in Miami with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, an undermount sink and porcelain floors.

Traditional Home Bar Design Ideas

A traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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.

Curved family room bar

Terri Slee Interiors

Lower level bar in lake home.
Traditional seated home bar in Columbus with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, wood benchtops, limestone floors and brown benchtop.