How to Plan and Design Your Home Bar

Your home bar is not just a place to drink, it is an area that is enjoyed by you as well as your guests. If you plan to use this space often planning and interior decorating plans for your home bar are important. Here are a few ideas to make your home bar welcoming, enjoyable and functional.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Area to build a home bar.
• Research to find the correct home bar style for you.

1. How To Plan Your Home Bar
   
   *Explore The Bar Styles.*
   
   You should decide how you will be using your new 'social gathering' home feature, then select the bar design that will fit your usage and the available space you have.
   -A portable bar allows the flexibility to move it to different locations and be put away when not needed.
   -A wet bar gives you the use of water to use for cleanup, wash glassware, etc.You will need a stationary bar to run water to and drainage from it.
   -Full back bar is a more professional style where storage of bottles, etc. are displayed. You could also use wall shelves for a more casual look.
   -Do you want a full beer draft system or stock bottles or cans of beer. Think about the refrigeration needs you will need.
   -Will you use a built-in ice machine or can you use ice buckets or other means for ice?

2. Layout Of Your Home Bar.
   
   *Get ideas and from your local sports bar or tavern. Go to these establishments for answers.
   -How tall is the bar?
   -What types of bar surfaces are used?
   -Are the bar stools comfortable?
   -Are there added wood details or trim you like the look of?
   -What type of draft beer system styles (including beer towers, tap handles) are used?
   -Does the bar have foot rails and how high off the floor are they?
   -Is there bar décor that catches your eye?
   
   Now look at the space you have for your home bar.
   -Is there access for overhead lights?
   -What is your ceiling height?
   -Are there any concerns with windows, doors or stairs?
   -Do you know where the electrical outlets are located?
   -Does this area have access to cable TV hookups?
   -Is there access to waterlines?

3. Home Bar Design
   
   Your know what you want your bar to look like and have decided where it will be located. Now it is time to put all your ideas onto paper and draw a blueprint of your home bar. Here is some information to help you.
   
   -Size - Average height is 42" and 24" deep. Bar stools average height is 30".
   -Shape - Choose from L-shape, horseshoe, rectangular, or what shape fits your area.
   -Features - Include sinks and refrigeration needs while drawing your home bar blueprint.
   -Media - Will you be putting a TV in the bar area? Stereo needs should be drawn into the blueprint.
   -Lights - Make plans for lighting in the bar that can be adjusted up or down
   -Decorate - If your decorations include a clock or lighted bar sign be sure to note their locations.

4. Building Your Home Bar.
   
   Be true to yourself and know if you are handy enough to build your home bar or if you should hire a contractor. It will be challenging and is more than a weekend project.so consider the time and messy inconvenience before making your decision.

5. Stock With These Home Bar Essentials.
   
   Stock your new bar with alcohol, mixers and bar accessories. The basic list, the must-haves, for your new bar include:
   
   *Alcohol*
   -Rum, Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Bourbon, Tequila, Schnapps, Triple Sec, Scotch ,and both red and white Wine.
   
   *Mixers*
   -Dry vermouth for martinis, grenadine, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, orange grapefruit, pineapple, tomato, and cranberry berry juice, iced tea, tonic water, seltzer, cola, diet cola, lemon lime and club soda.
   
   *The drink details*
   Ice, lemons, limes, olives, cherries, celery stalks for Bloody Marys, and salt for Margaritas.
   
   *Bar accessories to mix drinks properly.*
   -Shot glasses, cocktail shaker, bottle openers, blender, bottle pourers, straws and stir sticks, assorted glasses and napkins.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the bar is finished and stocked it is time to invite your friends and family over to help you enjoy your stylish home bar.

Resources

• How to Stir Up A Few Friends - Cocktail Party
• How to Decorate a Home Bar Tuscany Style
• How to Find Free and Printable Home Bar Plans

[wannawrkfrmhome]

on 9/17/2009 Oh gosh you just reminded me of all the things we had to plan for when we finished our basement! There is more to it than one thinks! My favorite things that we included were an ice maker and the wine rack/stem holder! 5*

[cherry67]

on 8/5/2009 very nice!!

[wordstock]

on 1/22/2009 Wow, this is great information.

[CandyStore]

on 12/26/2008 nice job good for all home owners

[01KendraWrites]

on 10/8/2008 Very in-depth article. We are thinking about building a bar, but didn't really know where to start. Thanks