Craft a cocktail space to get the party started at your place with this guide to elevated home bar ideas
These aren’t your grandparents’ home bar ideas. Long gone are the days of wood-paneled watering holes decked out in light-up beer signs, linoleum flooring, and clunky vinyl-covered stools. Nowadays, enjoying a tipple on your own turf can be as chic as heading to a swanky wine bar or perfectly appointed lounge. Part of that sophistication comes from the fact that modern home bars are no longer relegated to the basement—they’ve made their way into our main living spaces, with drink stations added to kitchen designs, wine alcoves carved into dining rooms, and cocktail corners thoughtfully allocated to living rooms. The resurgence—and redesign—of the home bar is thanks in part to the rising popularity of craft cocktails, plus a reaction to 2020’s COVID-19 lockdowns, when so many of us became at-home master mixologists.
To get the party started under your own roof, we’ve rounded up bar design ideas from pros across the globe.
Take advantage of vertical space
For a bathroom converted into a bar, the team at London-based Studio Vero incorporated wall-mounted wood cabinetry by Gio Ponti to hold glassware, decanters, and liquor, leaving plenty of room for a pair of armchairs. “This room—originally the eighth bathroom in the residence—was concealed behind a ‘secret’ jib door,” says Romanos Brihi of Studio Vero. “We transformed it into an unexpected and indulgent secret bar-slash-smoking room, creating a luxurious retreat within the home.”
Create an indoor/outdoor bar
“Home bar design is evolving, and one of the most exciting trends is the seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Dan D’Agostino of the AD PRO Directory firm Plan Architecture in Washington, New Jersey. This home bar design boasts sliding doors that easily open to an outdoor patio. It also features integrated lighting within the shelving—a must, according to D’Agostino. “It adds a layer of sophistication and highlights your collection,” he says.
Craft a stealth staircase bar
Secret speakeasy-style bars are all the rage, but even if you don’t have a full room to dedicate to the idea, you can create a covert liquor cabinet that pulls out from a bookshelf or staircase, as seen here. “At a town house we designed in [London’s] Holland Park [neighborhood], we had a staircase going to a roof terrace off the main formal living area,” explains Steve Clinch of Echlin in London. “Rather than just have large cupboards, we wanted to bring a sense of purpose and unexpected excitement by incorporating a pull-out hidden bar.”
Aim for a dark, moody design
Dark countertops, wood cabinetry, and paint set the tone for a high-drama small home bar area here. Lighting is also key, per Lucas Goldbach of the AD PRO Directory firm En Masse Architecture and Design in Chicago. “Low lighting is essential for creating a swanky, inviting atmosphere. A small vintage lamp with a warm glow or a sleek, cordless modern lamp provides just enough light for mixing drinks while adding a stylish touch.”
Get reflective with a mirror blacksplash
The inspiration for this cocktail spot within a living room comes from “the sophisticated charm of a classic hotel bar, but with a softer, more inviting feel that complements the warmth of the home,” says Samantha Liu of Untold Interiors, based in London, the Cotswolds, Geneva, and Hong Kong. The mirror backsplash offers a traditional touch, while the curved timber arch that frames the bar adds modern flair. The space is also super functional, with generous open shelving for wine bottles, wine glasses, shakers, and a crystal ice bucket, as well as a discreet wine fridge below the bar counter.
Give glassware the spotlight
In this basement bar, the glassware and barware are on full display with open shelving, making for both easy access and aesthetic appeal. “Much like accent pillows can refresh a sofa, glassware brings personality and visual interest to a bar,” says Sarah Goesling of Goesling Group in Park Ridge, Illinois. “Cut crystal enhances light reflection, metallic accents tie into hardware and fixtures, and colored or patterned glass adds a personal touch. Thoughtfully curated glassware elevates the entire space.”
Lean into lounge vibes
Bar stools aren’t required for your at-home watering hole. Instead, consider comfy seating that creates more of a lounge feel—the technique works especially well when you don’t have a full bar room. “We’re seeing home bars in smaller, unexpected places in the home,” says Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors in New York City. “A home bar doesn’t necessarily need a dedicated room of its own. In the corner of a larger space, it can create an inviting and cozy moment.”
Curate a fusion of color and texture
Moody isn’t the only way to go for a home wet bar. This look—inspired by the client’s South American heritage and their passion for entertaining—has a more celebratory style with brightly colored accents, including a red-and-white-striped ceiling and Bordallo Pinheiro fish platters. A tile backsplash and wood cabinets complete the look. “It’s a fabulous fusion of color, texture, and pattern,” says Studio Vero’s Brihi. “We designed book-matched pippy oak cabinets and paired them with earth-toned ceramic wall tiles, offsetting the inky, greenish-blue lava stone worktop and shelves.”
Allow your accessories to pop
In this minimalist wet bar, the glasses, bottles, and even deluxe espresso machine become part of the decor. “We designed this space so that the millwork would blend into the statement quartzite backsplash. This allows the collected accessories and glassware to pop,” says Steph Schlegelmilch of Studio Seva in Westport, Connecticut.
Integrate lighting into cabinets
“A layered lighting approach works best,” says Alexander Adducci of Chicago-based 210 Design House. “Flush and integrated interior lighting can highlight shelves and glassware, while ceiling or mood lighting helps create ambiance beyond just task lighting.” Here, cabinet lighting bounces off crystal and silver glassware, and a pendant light adds a punch of personality.
Build a bar around a single table
For small spaces, all it takes is a tabletop to DIY a corner bar like the one seen here. “While the idea of an open bar in a home is debatable for some, I have always felt that a home bar, no matter how small, gives a space a bit of an Old World feel, injecting some of that gentlemanly energy into a room,” says London-based designer Christian Bense. “The demi-moon console table is quite traditional in itself, but we painted it a cherry red to ensure that it still felt contemporary, preventing the vignette from feeling too contrived.”
Opt for open shelving
Floating shelves provide the perfect opportunity to show off a thoughtfully curated collection of glasses, antique treasures, and artwork. A touch of greenery and a tabletop lamp also make for an artful arrangement here. “We’re loving the trend of tiny cordless lamps as a stylish and functional way to add ambient lighting to a bar cart or countertop,” says Christina Samatas of Park & Oak. “The key is layering light to make the space feel inviting.”
Focus on hospitality
“We have seen a demand for more statement and hospitality-style basement lounge areas,” says Sarah Kuchar of Kuchar Studio in Chicago. So instead of a traditional bar setup with a counter and stools, think of a multifunctional space where family and friends can gather for a round of drinks while playing board games or sit comfortably to catch a game—like this home bar idea that’s spacious and inviting enough to rival true bars out in the wild.
Prioritize coffee over cocktails
“In-home coffee bars are having a major moment right now,” says Leah Bolger of Leah Bolger Design in Chicago. In a recent project, Bolger and her team designed an upscale barista bar with a commercial espresso maker for the coffee-loving homeowners. “We used custom rolled steel cabinet panels and incorporated glass doors for displaying personalized mugs, glassware, and utensils,” she says. “The countertop is double black quartzite with a hint of light gray, ensuring it’s both functional and personal while seamlessly complementing the home’s modern aesthetic.”
Add a drink station to a dining room
“A well-placed bar can serve a dual purpose,” says D’Agostino. For example, adding a bar area to an existing dining room means you already have plenty of seating and guests can easily top off their cups without needing to travel far. It can also add additional storage and counter space for serving dishes. “It’s about making the bar a versatile centerpiece, rather than just a standalone feature,” he says.
What are current trends for home bars?
One of the biggest trends in home bars is catering to those who don’t drink. “Clients are expanding their bar setups beyond traditional beer, wine, and spirits,” says Goesling. “Sparkling water, coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and crafted mocktails are redefining how these spaces function throughout the day. As a result, versatile storage, specialized chilling solutions, and multi-use accessories are becoming essential.”
Speaking of versatility, stealth setups are another trend, especially as home bars climb out of the basement. Goldbach says, “Increasingly, home bars are designed to be concealed when not in use. Pocket doors, operable walls, and closed storage solutions are becoming more prevalent, allowing these spaces to blend seamlessly into the home.”
Are wet bars in style?
The wet bar, a staple in the well-to-do homes of the 1970s, seemed to disappear for a few decades. But it’s back. “If you have the room, a wet bar is the way to go,” says Renee DiSanto of Park & Oak in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. “It adds convenience with a sink and running water, making prep and cleanup seamless.” Its countertop-centric cousin, the dry bar (basically a wet bar minus the sink), doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but is still useful—especially if you’re simply pouring wine and beer rather than mixing cocktails.
Are bar carts on trend?
“Bar carts remain a popular choice, though their appeal has shifted,” says D’Agostino. “They are now celebrated for their charm and practicality in smaller spaces or settings where a larger bar installation isn’t feasible.” Though if you have a small bar space and don’t need the mobility of a rolling cart, a bar cabinet or repurposed console table are similar decor ideas.
How much does it cost to build a home bar?
The variety in home bar design means the cost can vary widely as well. “On the more accessible end, a simple setup—incorporating a bar cart and custom shelving—can range from $2,000 to $3,000,” says D’Agostino. On the other end of the spectrum, a luxe space with marble countertops, plumbing installation, and a full-fledged lounge area can run over six figures. “A high-end home bar with premium materials, custom cabinetry, appliances like ice makers and wine refrigerators, and finishes such as brass fixtures or bespoke upholstery can easily cost $100,000 or more,” he says. “It’s about finding the blend that suits both your lifestyle and your budget.”
By Architectural Digest, Amelia Mularz, February 2025