Give Your Space a Boost with a Stylish Built-In Living Room Bar

A living room bar can take your entertaining to the next level. With a built-in bar, you can have drinks readily available for impromptu gatherings without sacrificing style or valuable floorspace. Read on to learn how a built-in bar can give your living room a stylish boost.

Integrating a bar into your living room delivers form and function. You can enjoy cocktails and conversation without retreating to the kitchen or a basement den. A built-in bar blends seamlessly into your decor while providing dedicated drink storage and prep space. The result is an elegant, multipurpose addition to your main living area.

Planning Your Built-In Bar

Assessing Your Space

The first step is taking measurements of the wall you plan to use for the built-in bar. Consider traffic flow through the room and optimal furniture placement. You want to allow enough space for people to move freely without the bar feeling obtrusive. An experienced contractor can help assess the layout.

Also account for plumbing if you want to incorporate a sink. This may limit your placement options. But a wet bar can be incredibly useful for cleanup while entertaining.

Setting Your Bar Budget

Costs for a built-in bar vary based on size, materials, and features included. Using repurposed cabinets and countertops can help cut down on expenses. Opting for a more basic bar without high-end finishes also reduces the budget.factor in costs for professional installation, especially for electrical and plumbing work.

Creating the bar yourself rather than hiring a contractor is one of the best ways to save. But make sure you have the necessary DIY skills before taking this on.

Choosing a Bar Style

Consider both form and function when selecting a style. Freestanding bars don't require installation but do take up floorspace. Fully integrated bars seamlessly blend into the wall design. The style should fit your decor and architecture. For example, sleek metal or stone suits modern spaces, while classic wood fits traditional homes.

Think about how you entertain and if you'll use the bar for casual gatherings or more formal cocktail parties. Your lifestyle can help determine if you need ample seating, extensive storage, or even a sink.

Design & Construction

Layout & Dimensions

Standard counter height for a living room bar is 42-44 inches. This allows comfortable seating and drinking. Interior designers recommend a counter depth of 18-24 inches. An overhang of 6-12 inches accommodates seated guests.

When planning dimensions, make sure to leave enough knee space and leg room if you will have barstools. An experienced contractor can help optimize the layout.

Cabinetry & Storage Solutions

Well-designed cabinetry discretely keeps everything organized yet accessible. Glassware racks above the counter provide easy access to martini, wine, and collins glasses. Mini-fridges or wine coolers keep drinks properly chilled.

Integrate cabinets below to store spirits, mixers, garnishes, and bar tools. Drawers, shelves, and hideaways all help maximize storage. Having supplies on hand is key for a functional bar area.

Countertops & Backsplashes

Countertops should be durable and waterproof. Quartz, granite, marble, and high-quality laminates resist damage from spills and condensation. Tile or stone backsplashes also hold up well and provide an eye-catching accent.

For a true wet bar, incorporate drains and sinks directly into the countertop design. This enables easy cleanup while entertaining guests.

Decorating Your Built-In Bar

Essential Barware & Glassware

Having the right barware is essential. A cocktail shaker, strainers, and jiggers help craft properly mixed drinks. Muddlers are useful for crushing herbs and fruits. Stock a full range of glassware like rocks, pilsner, and martini glasses.

Invest in good quality ice buckets, coasters, and napkins. Consider personalized items like monogrammed glasses or custom swizzle sticks.

Accessoring Your Bar

The right accessories promote convenience and style. Always keep coasters on hand to protect your surfaces. Cocktail picks, toothpicks, and drink stirrers add nice finishing touches.

Display favorite bottles and tools like wine stoppers. Glass racks show off your stemware collections. Small cutting boards, cheese knives, and fruit trays encourage self-service.

Ambiance & Final Touches

Lighting helps set the mood. Incorporate task lighting over the counter along with accent lighting. LED strips and pendant lights work beautifully. If you entertain at night, make sure there is adequate illumination for mixing drinks safely.

Add barstools, ottomans or small tables to provide seating for guests. Plants, artwork, and mirrors give visual interest. A rug underneath defines the space while adding comfort and style.

Stocking Your Home Bar

Having the essential spirits, mixers, and garnishes in stock makes hosting effortless. Base selections include vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. Vermouth, bitters, and simple syrups cover cocktail bases.

Fill your fridge with juices, sodas, sparkling water, and lemon-lime for mixing. And don't forget the garnishes like olives, citrus fruits, and maraschino cherries. Make sure to offer non-alcoholic beverages as well.

Maintaining Your Living Room Bar

Regularly restock popular alcohols and beverage mixers so you don't run short when guests arrive. Wipe down all surfaces and properly wash glassware after each use.

Take inventory and note any items running low. Organize bar tools like shakers and strainers so they are readily available. Rotate seasonal garnishes, ingredients, and decor to keep your bar feeling fresh.

By dedicating just a bit of care and upkeep, your living room bar will be party-ready anytime. Use it as motivation to host get-togethers and enjoy the space.

Adding a built-in bar amplifies your living space with style and function. With proper planning and design, it becomes an inviting spot to enjoy cocktails and conversation without cluttering the room. Your guests will love the convenience and ambiance.

When hosting, always practice responsible service to ensure everyone drinks safely. Take measures ahead of time by stocking non-alcoholic beverages and providing food menus. With the right precautions, your living room bar can be a wonderful spot to gather.

You can elevate your decor with an integrated bar. It becomes an accent that unifies your design while offering guests a dedicated place to mix, mingle, and imbibe in style.