How to Design a Curved Bar

Bars make outstanding additions to entertainment rooms.

Bar areas are a common feature inside residential homes. Many homeowners find true pride in having the ability to design their own bar to suit their space. For a more modern appearance, a curved bar area can be designed and placed inside the home. To design a curved bar, use a series of circles derived from a circle template to come up with the exact product you want.

Things You'll Need

• Drawing paper
• Circle template
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Tape
• Tape measure
• Kitchen template
• T-square

Instructions

1. Tape the drawing paper to a flat surface, ideally a drafting table. Line the T-square to the edge of the table and line the bottom edge of the paper with the T-square. Tape the paper to the table to secure the sheet and keep it in place.

2. Measure the length and width of the room where the bar will be placed. Draw the room on the paper to a ¼-inch scale. If you are unfamiliar with scales, the ¼-inch scale means that every ¼ inch drawn is equal to 1 foot actual size.

3. Decide where to place the bar in the room. Allow at least 3 feet of space between the bar counter and any permanent structures such as walls, stairs and any built-in furniture.

4. Place the circle template on the paper and draw a half circle using the guidelines provided by the template. This half circle should be the largest possible curve that can fit in the room space provided.

5. Draw a vertical line ½ inch up at both ends of the half circle. Use the straight edge and the T-square to mark true vertical lines.

6. Draw the previously drawn half circle one additional time beginning at the end of the ½-inch lines. This will encase the total bar area. Since 1/4 inch equals 1 foot, this means that your bar will be the standard 2 feet deep.

7. Use the kitchen template to place a sink on the countertop. A bar sink will fit on any bar surface, straight or curved, due to its size of 18 inches. Use the ¼-inch scale to draw in the kitchen components so that they will appear to scale.

Tips & Warnings

• Use curved bricks or 1/4-inch-thick wood panels to wrap around the bar structure.

• For each seat, 24 inches of moving space is needed for a comfortable arrangement.

• Circle templates and kitchen planner templates can be purchased at most craft stores or online for under $10.

References

• Ask the Builder: Bar Plans and Construction Tips

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Modresdes: Curved Bar Designs
• Art Supplies from Utrecht