If you love entertaining guests and concocting new drinks, then a home bar is a must. Whether you envisage your home bar to be used for hosting a pub-style atmosphere for the next big football match or for a classy cocktail bar in your basement, a home bar can be devised to your preference.
You might consider a home bar to be an indulgence – and it is – but having one is satisfying for that very reason. If you have enough space in your home, a home bar is convenient, private and perfect for those special occasions. Plus, you’re always guaranteed a seat!
With Christmas approaching and plenty of social events upcoming, now might be the perfect time to give your home bar a makeover, ready for the series of festive get-togethers.
The thought of having your own exclusive home bar might seem unattainable but, in truth, it’s a lot simpler than you think. In this post, we run through the types of furniture you will need when crafting your own home bar:
How much furniture do you need for your home bar?
The amount of furniture you need in your home bar will much depend on how much you are willing to run with the idea. How often do you host social events with friends and family? How many people on average come over each time? How much space to you have available in your home?
If you often have large groups of people around regularly then you might consider dedicating an entire room to your home bar area which offers a larger seating area complete with sofas, arm chairs and barstools to keep everyone comfortable.
At the opposite end of the scale, if you have limited amounts of space but are dedicated to having your own home bar, a freestanding home cocktail bar could be added to a kitchen, dining room or living space. For such a bar, all that’s needed will be a handful of bar stools to be propped up next to the bar for while you guests wait for their drinks.
Home bar furniture pieces
The ideal style of your home bar will depend on your lifestyle and entertaining habits as well as the amount of available space. Choice of furniture is an ideal way of making your home bar more appealing without spending big on fixtures and fittings. Here are a few furniture pieces to consider:
Bar stools
Let’s be honest, you aren’t going to have tables and chairs dotted around your home bar. All that’s likely to be needed is a few barstools for guests to perch on while you entertain them and make drinks. Remember, your guests aren’t customers!
Bar stools come in a range of different materials, styles, sizes, colours and finishes. Depending on your preference, you can get bar stools with or without a back and arm rests, and different heights.
There a stools to match every theme you’re looking to achieve. If you are trying to recreate a classic pub theme, try a traditional pub stool – just like one you’ll find up against the bar in your local pub. For a classier bar, try some art deco, vintage bar stools.
Sofas and armchairs
If you have enough space and are dedicating an entire room to your home bar, a basement area for example, you will need some sofas and armchairs to accompany your bar stools.
Because this room is solely for your hosting events, it’s where you and your guests will remain for the majority of the night. Sofas and armchairs will allow guests to fully relax.
The Chesterfield sofa and Portobello armchair are perfect additions for a large home bar area.
Storage
Every bar, including your home bar will need some storage space. Where else are all the glasses, equipment and liquors going to be kept? Wine racks, cupboards and drinks cabinets all spring to mind first but you could also add a stationary island which includes cupboards, add shelves on the wall so that you can proudly display your glassware, and transform an old bookshelf into a unique drinks cabinet.
Finishing touches
There are some small additions to remember before you reveal your finished project to your guests. Add some glamour to your bar area with a metal drinks trolley, ice bucket and cocktail shaker. Around the seating area remember to position some lamps, ornaments and artwork. If you really want to make an impact, how about a jukebox and pool table?