A proper home bar is one thing every grown-up household should have. Even if you are not a drinker, you might want to have something on hand to offer guests. If not for any other reason, a home bar can add an unexpected element of design to any space. Whether you are only just at the beginning of learning to make cocktails and have an appreciation for spirits or you’ve been a mixologist for years, knowing how to set up a bar space that not only has all the essential tools but is also aesthetically appealing to you will help inspire you to create and try new things in the comfort of your own home.
First, we’ll talk about how to design and arrange your bar and then we’ll discuss the must-have essentials and bar tools. Whether you only have space for a single tray or you have a full built-in bar, here are a few ideas that you can use to set up your own at-home bar.
Decide On A Theme
If you are going for a more classic, classy, or chilled bar you are allowed to express it. If you want something classic you can go for marble counters, but if you want something more fun you can always throw in a few beer neon signs, as your at-home bar is your own to decorate and turn into your perfect idea of a bar. Also if you have a wet bar in your home you have no excuse not to sharpen your mixology skills. In addition to all of the other bar essentials you need you should also keep a bar towel on hand. Moreover, keep a small trash can under the bar.
Add A Set Of Stools
Adding some seating to your bar is great when you want to have a designated space for entertaining instead of a simple display, something we will discuss later. Your seating stools should go with your décor and allow the space to feel cohesive, well put together, and great without distracting from what you already have present. The idea is to allow your decorating style or theme to be present throughout even with your stools.
The Bar Cart
If you do not have a built-in bar there are other options to help you set up your own bar. A bar cart is currently one of the most attractive furnishings around. You will be hard-pressed to find a chic space that is without one. If you don’t have room for a bar but have room for a bar cart, it can make for a great dedicated area in which to mix up a drink or two. They’re also welcoming enough that guests are able to feel comfortable enough to walk up and make their own drink. Be mindful of the fact that they need to be organized neatly. To achieve this you might even want to consider storing your less frequently used items in a pantry so that it doesn’t look terribly cluttered or messy.
The Console Table
Transform any console table or even a credenza into a bar by simply topping it with a stylish tray. Round up your bottles, decanters, bitters, and glasses on top of the table, and store your essential bar tools in a nearby drawer or in your choice of storage container. This is a really good option if you are in need of storage and have a lot of bartending tools. You should leave a little bit of room for small décor elements, such as lamps to keep your console functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Essential Bitters
If you don’t know what bitters are, bitters are a type of high-proof alcohol infused with herbs, roots, and/or spices that are used in small amounts as a botanical additive to one’s drink. A sort of cocktail mania, a renaissance if you will, has swept across the nation, and gone are the days when one would find only one lonely bitter bottle behind the bar. Nowadays, you can find everything from coffee bitters to rhubarb bitters in your local liquor store! You don’t need to search far and wide for the good stuff.
Must-Have Bar Tools
As you develop your skills as a bartender and mixologist, becoming more and more interested in making drinks, you may find yourself buying gadgets that make things even more fun. The beginner bartender doesn’t need too many bar tools to develop their skills. If you are just beginning you should not worry too much about getting specialty gadgets unless you are wanting to make a specific cocktail.
Those are just a few pieces of advice useful for any homeowner that is thinking about setting up a bar. Happy mixing and creating a perfect place for sipping drinks.