Creating a home bar is a delightful way to add personality and entertainment value to your space. Whether you’re an avid mixologist or just enjoy the occasional cocktail, having a dedicated area for your beverages can elevate your home’s style and function. When I was growing up, we always had a bar, whether it was free-standing or in a nook. If you missed Part One, you can check it out here.
From sleek bar carts to cozy bar nooks, and even repurposing furniture or vintage industrial carts, there are countless ways to design a home bar that fits your taste and lifestyle. In Part 2, I am showing you how to style a bar in the best way and have fun while doing it. I’ve included my bar and how I’ve styled it. I had so much fun! So sit back, enjoy and get your drink on.
Bars With a Twist
Bars can literally be made out of anything. Get creative and have a vision. For example, the bar below was made out of three red wagons. Can you believe it? I’m aging myself, but I remember the radio flyer wagons too.
Take a plant stand and turn it into a bar. The different levels will add interest. This gold plant stand could go with any design style.
Image via Pinterest Domino Magazine
Yes, you can take an old tv, hollow it out and turn it into a bar. Very retro and fun.
Vintage Industrial Bars
I love when people take an old industrial work table or cart and turn it into a bar. This yellow one is distressed but all you have to do is seal it with a coat of poly and you’re in business.
This old wooden work table still has paint stains on it, but in my opinion that’s the beauty of it.
Here’s another rusted green work table. I love this so much.
Put three vintage metal carts together to give you a lot of impact.
This would be so cool in a bachelor pad or man cave.
Image via Revista Casa e Jardim
Hidden Bars
This one is close to my heart because it’s the kind of bar that I own. A vintage art deco cabinet with a mirrored interior. Very special and passed down from my mother.
I love how this piece of art hides the bar behind it. A fun surprise.
You can take any closed cabinet and turn it into a bar, but this one by Soho Home is so fabulous with the detailed doors and marble top.
A closet with a door is the perfect area to build a bar. Paint the inside a pop of color, including the inside of the door, and it’ll make you happy every time you open it.
Red has been the hot color for 2024 and this bar is definitely what you need to make a statement. Love how the inside of the door has glass storage.
Image via Architectural Digest
Bar Styling
Styling makes all the difference with anything in design. Whether it’s fashion, interiors, exteriors or even hair wouldn’t you agree? Try signage in neon for a fun pop whether it’s night or day.
Neon
“Gin & Tonic” on a tropical wallpaper is a fun and free spirited take on a bar.
Image via Three Birds Renovations
“Drink” is straight to the point and lets people know fun times are ahead.
Collections
Bottle stoppers can be found in vintage stores, online or in your local home goods store. Mix and match for an eclectic look.
When I was growing up, my Mom had a collection of matches and matchboxes in an old fish bowl so this really spoke to me. Try wine corks, bottle caps, etc.
Wall Storage
Wine storage is a big one for a lot of people and besides being incorporated into the bar cart, cabinet, fridge etc., how about putting it up on the wall? Think of putting pegs on the wall to hold the bottles. Don’t forget to get holders that have a cap on the end so they don’t roll off.
Staying in the theme of getting storage up on the walls, these gold wine glass holders are perfect.
Art
I love art surrounding the bar. Take a look at this modern arrangement with pops of color. From the red chair, the yellow gumball machine and the yellow flowers, everything supports the colors in the two art prints.
Try a chalkboard to have an interactive bar. You can have drawings, cocktail recipes, jokes, welcoming messages, etc. The sky’s the limit.
I’m a fan of digital art and Etsy has a plethora of digital art companies where you can download art relating to bars and drinks. Go to a local copy shop to print it out, frame it and you’ve got some one of a kind art for your bar.
Image via Etsy Wonder Walls Prints
All the Things
Styling is my favorite thing to do because I get to really express myself with a mix of vintage and modern items. I even take things out of context and use them for something totally new. With my bar I styled the top with artwork, a collection of shot glasses on a tarnished silver oval tray, added some of my used corks to a glass vase and used an old Galliano bottle for greenery. A candle and some glassware fill out the top.
When you open the door to see inside, there are mirrors so anything I do would really pop. I styled with different containers for toothpicks, hors d’oeuvre spears and stirrers.
I love all of the different materials in this bar. The rattan wallpaper, the red flowers, the greenery, art, brass container, a bowl of fruit, a tray and a tortoise shell ice bucket. Mix and match to come up with something very personal.
Add a fun lamp, artwork, books, and a modern tray to contrast with old silver and you’ll end up with a visually interesting bar like below.
A home bar is more than just a place to store drinks; it’s a stylish feature that can enhance the ambiance of your living space. Whether you choose a chic bar cart, transform a piece of furniture, or create a dedicated bar nook, the possibilities are endless.
Vintage industrial carts add a unique touch, combining practicality with rustic charm. Are you ready to elevate your home with a personalized bar area? Start planning your dream home bar today, and don’t forget to follow for more design inspiration and tips on creating spaces that reflect your unique style!
See ya next time.
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