How to Design a Mini Bar

A discreet minibar.

A minibar is a nice addition for many well-appointed homes where the homeowners like to entertain guests and want to be able to present a selection of fine drinks. The minibar should have a contained space where everything necessary for a limited selection of alcohol can be safely and attractively stored and served. Many cabinets can be converted to minibars by designing additional features.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Notebook and pen

Instructions

Designing A Minibar

1. 

   Measure the wall space where the minibar will sit. In a notebook write down the width. List exterior features needed. These may include a top that will not be damaged by liquid spills. Other considerations are cabinet doors to hide the alcohol. The bottles will quickly attract dust and begin to look dirty due to tiny amounts of alcohol left on the bottles after pouring.

2. 

   List the interior features that should be included. This should include storage for 6-8 basic types of alcohol, a few specialty mixers and room for tonic water. There needs to be storage for a bottle opener, stir sticks and napkins. Include at least one shelf for 4 types of glasses (shot glass, tumbler, four ounce and eight ounce), in addition, there should be some stemware (these can be limited to 2-4 pieces of each basic type).

3. 

   Consider that opened bottles cannot lay flat so there needs to be a shelf tall enough for bottles with pour spouts to stand up. With some drinks the lips are salted and a salt bowl is stored in the cabinet. You might want a bartender's guide to mixing drinks, martini mixers and other specialty pieces. A well-stocked bar will also have a blender within easy reach.

4. Listing the features that are right for the cabinet being designed will quickly reveal how tall the minibar cabinet will need to be. It is usually desirable to have the top of the cabinet be no more than 42 inches tall. This allows for service from the top of the cabinet. These considerations will aid in revising the design plan.

5. 

   Solving for the size constraints may include designing cabinet doors that include built-in shelves that are deep enough for bottles to stand upright. These look like hinged miniature cabinets (see photo). This type of choice allows for the reduced depth of the cabinet to be laid out to house the glasses, the blender and a couple of drawers.

Tips & Warnings

• Include space in your minibar design for mini bottles of alcohol in flavors or types that you don't use often enough to justify a larger bottle. It is also a good idea to include an electrical outlet or access for wiring so that a blender can be used. Types of surfaces that are good for the top of the cabinet include tiles, stone tiles, laminates or urethane finishes.

• Glassware at the back of deep shelves is difficult to access. Store seldom-used items in the back and use the front of shelves for often-used items.

References

• Mini Bar -- Amazon
• Home Bar Plans
• Precision Images