Raise Your Glass to Home Bars in All Shapes and Sizes

Unleash your creative prowess when designing a custom home bar. While a tiny unit can be squeezed into an empty corner, a larger-than-life bar that takes over a whole room can work as a real party starter. Just add swizzle sticks, mood music and a menu of tasty cocktails and mocktails. Which of these bars would suit you best?

Works for: Design devotees. So sophisticated, this marble backsplash encased in timber adds visual impact to the built-in bar. Two wine fridges mean that a cool pinot gris is never out of reach, and another nifty idea is the built-in overhead row of glass racks. Here glasses are easy to find when guests settle in, and they don’t take up any cupboard space.


Works for: Beach babes. Even if the surf is far, far away, this New York bar shack with nautical elements evokes a Gidget-meets-Moondoggie vibe. The aquamarine feature wall works as a strong backdrop, while the much-loved surfboard provides a decorative but functional counter. The string of fairy lights continues the retro feel, giving the bar a sweet, nostalgic air.



Works for: The Great Gatsby. This old-world residence in Melbourne merges traditional elements with contemporary touches. The dark walnut bar with shapely stools works as a centrepiece, while the shimmering circular chandeliers above provide gentle illumination. One of the quirkiest touches is the ornate gilt frame — where liquor bottles work as a changeable artwork.

Stools: Curtis Counter Stool



Works for: Dedicated daydreamers. Anyone for a piña colada, pineapple mojito or banana smoothie? With a thatched roof, rattan furniture and vintage artwork on display here, the only thing missing is Gilligan, the Skipper and Ginger. How wonderfully satisfying to convert a suburban backyard into a tropical wonderland.


Works for: Apartment dwellers. A hallway cavity is often utilized as a compact laundry or broom cupboard — but not in this New York apartment. This sophisticated owner has squeezed a fully fitted bar into the hallway of this tiny apartment. It means that an instant party is always on hand.


Works for: Artisans. Made of reclaimed wood, this Denver bar area with a double-vaulted ceiling is a juxtaposition of rustic charm and old-world elegance. L-shaped bars encourage the conversation to flow — guests can face one another without interrupting the busy mixologist.


Works for: Cocktail connoisseurs. Thanks to the ubiquitous wheelie suitcase, vintage luggage has become more decorative than functional. Here the collection of drinks, cocktail shakers and other accoutrements makes this suitcase bar in Philly a little secretive, a little hip vintage … and a lot of fun.


Works for: Party people. More than just a bar, this is like a second home. Friends and family no doubt flock here — everything from happy snapshots to trophies, mirrors, vintage furniture and more gives the eclectic Tampa, Florida, space real personality. Apart from the novelty aspect, the bar itself is up to the minute with quality appliances and fittings that minimize energy and water costs. The only cost that can’t be saved is the drinks tab.


Works for: Guest mixologists. An empty corner can be easily converted into a well-equipped bar like this one in Atlanta — ideal for occasional cocktail nights, dinner parties or even work functions. It means that guests can help themselves without interrupting the cook in the nearby kitchen.


Works for: Pool parties. The Queensland, Australia, slogan, “Beautiful one day, perfect the next” sums up this stunning pool bar in Brisbane. The fixtures, fittings and furniture are impeccable, but the real wow factor has to be the custom waterfall with colored lighting used as gentle illumination.




Works for: DIY craftspeople. Inexpensive, inventive and irresistible — repurposed crates have been transformed into an industrial-edge bar and shelving units. These days we keep seeing pop-up bars in cities around the world, and this funky home bar in Salt Lake City has what it takes for a fantastic personal impromptu bar. BYO stool.


See more of this house


Works for: Wine buffs. A corner bar is a great option for wine connoisseurs. A glass-fronted shelving unit is a must-have — as we all know, different types of wine require different types of glasses. As a bonus, the burgundy-colored glasses in this Los Angeles bar add real impact to the floor-to-ceiling cabinet.


Works for: Lounge lizards. This outdoor lounging area in Far North Queensland, Australia, has a tropical vibe and features a utilitarian bar positioned at the back. Depending on the mood, a flip-up door can be opened for easy access to the bar or closed when guests refuse to leave!

Check out another angle of this tropical-style outdoor room

Have a great home bar? We’d love to see it. Please upload a photo in the Comments!

More: How to get going on your own built-in home bar

URL: Raise Your Glass to Home Bars in All Shapes and Sizes http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-24707.html