“Having a Home Bar isn’t a ‘Must Have’, but it is a ‘Nice to Have’. If you’ve ever thought about having one, just scroll through these pictures and get inspired to have a party!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
A bar definitely isn’t an essential in any home, but it’s most certainly a great addition – both aesthetically and functionally. And the great thing about it is it can be as in-your-face or unassuming as you like.
You don’t need much cash to splash either; some of the most chic bars around are made from upcycled items or repurposed Ikea furniture. Buying the alcohol to fill it will be the main expense involved.
From gorgeous gold bar carts to industrial drinks cabinets, get inspired with these genius ideas…
[Photos: Pinterest]
The Retro Drinks Cabinet
This vintage cabinet wouldn’t look out of place in Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment and will slot into almost any style of home seamlessly. It won’t take up much space, either, and fits a fair amount of booze in it.
The Tray Stand Bar
If space is limited, this is the bar for you. Perfect for positioning beside the sofa or in the corner of the kitchen when friends are over for dinner, it’s beautifully styled and gender neutral to boot.
The Beach Bar Cart
If nautical style’s your bag, this wicker bar cart is a must. We love the fact that it’s on wheels, so can be scooted to whichever room the party’s in.
The Bookcase Bar
Got an old, unused bookcase lying around? Give it a second lease of life by transforming it into a home for your glass – and alcohol – collection.
The Bachelor Bar
This stained wood bar screams style and would certainly be great for entertaining. We love how it all folds away so neatly at the end of a wild night in, too.
The Wine Barrel Bar
If you love nothing more than salvaging rustic furniture and drinking good wine, you need this bar in your life. Granted, it may be a little tricky to put together on a small budget (does anyone know where you can pick up old barrels?!) but if your pockets are a little deeper you can splurge on this one on Etsy.
The Ironing Board Bar
This proves that you literally can create a bar out of any old item in your home – and how great does it look? Perfect for slightly kooky homeowners that like to think outside the box.
The Sideboard Bar
Sideboards were all the rage in the past, but appear to have gone out of fashion now. Nonetheless, they still make the ideal bar as most boast plenty of room to house all of your boozing equipment.
The Suitcase Bar
This would make a fantastic present for a friend – or just a darn cool bar for yourself. Granted, it wouldn’t fit a whole lot of alcohol in it, but it’s great for those of you who just enjoy the odd glass of the strong stuff.
The Piano Bar
The bar of ever music lover’s dreams, this definitely has the wow factor. Of course it does mean that you can’t practice Chopsticks (or more likely the Rugrats theme tune) anymore. But you’ve got an epic bar, so who cares!
The Ultimate Bar Cart
If you’ve got space to fill, a bar cart this huge wouldn’t be overkill by any stretch. It puts every dinky bar cart to shame.
The TV Bar
Seriously, could things get any more ‘Mad Men’? We’ll take a dry Martini, please.
The Foldaway Bar
Wall-mountable, this bar would squeeze into even the smallest of houses. The definition of ‘neat’.
The Oh-So-Chic Cocktail Trolley
Every girl’s gold-coated dream, the styling on this cockatil cart is what makes it. From the gold-topped cocktail shaker to the two-tone straws, it screams “YOU WANT ME”. And we do. We really do.
The Bar Trolley
You’ll probably recognise this Ikea three-tier caddy. But forget about using it as bathroom storage or as a bedside table, it makes an epic bar.
The Basket Bar
There’s something so chic and oh-so-Anthropologie about this wire basket bar. Love. It.
The Minimalist Bar
If your house is pretty simple and you’re after a bar that slots right in without shouting it’s arrived, go for a classic style like this. It’s unfussy – but still stylish.
The All-Out Bar
Party animals, say hello to your new must-have furniture buy. Complete with in-built lights, bar stools and oodles of space for every type of mixer and spirit you can imagine, it’s definitely waiting for the party to start.
The Rustic Drinks Cabinet
This would look perfect in a French farmhouse style dining room – it’s definitely got that rustic appeal.
The Industrial Bar
Industrial furniture’s all the rage – hence why it’s used in so many restaurants and bars. And this metal drinks cabinet shows that it doesn’t have to look out of place in a home filled with soft colours and furnishings.
The Repurposed Door Bar
It used to be a door, and now it’s a bar. So simple, yet so effective.
Originally Published on Tumbler by Alison Coldridge