The home bar is very much in! We're mixing up the perfect cocktail of inspiration and motivation with these top decor ideas for all budgets and styles.
Maybe it's because the 70s and the 1920s retro vintage looks are back in. Maybe it's because of the pandemic when we all spent far too long staring at the shed and missing the pub. But the home bar is a hot trend right now, no longer relegated to the realm of your parent's dodgy home brew or heavy-on-the-Gin mixes. Cocktails and mocktails are a booming business and, with the cost of living biting many of us in the margaritas, loads of us are looking to do drinks at home.
The home bar can be as big or as small as your space and budget allow. It's a great idea for the box room you've currently got full of old boxes. But a mini bar can work just as well as a statement drinks trolley or cabinet. You could even opt for an outdoor option! We've pulled together some gorgeous inspiration ,with our top Furniturebox picks, to get the cocktail/juice bar of your dreams, whatever your taste and budget.
How To Create A Home Bar On A Budget
Creating a stylish home bar doesn't need to cost a fortune. Start with a compact drinks cabinet, sideboard or bar cart and build your collection over time. A few key pieces such as cocktail glasses, a drinks tray and some decorative lighting can instantly elevate the look.
If you're working with a small budget, focus on pieces that serve multiple purposes. A sideboard can store bottles, glasses and accessories while also providing valuable display space. Add a couple of bar stools or occasional chairs nearby and you've got an entertaining space that's both practical and stylish.
The Spare Room Home Bar
If you've got a box room that you have no idea what to do with, maybe a spare room home bar is the answer? A counter lined with bar stools plus a dining table or sofas for more relaxed entertaining can be a great socialising space.
Furniturebox's Pick
Our Juniper blue velvet bar chairs with gold legs would be the perfect addition to your spare room bar! The statement mix of bold jewel-toned velvet, fluted back and angled gold legs is a maximalist must-have.
The Drinks Cabinet Home Bar
For something a little more sedate, a smaller sideboard or cabinet makes a perfect home mini bar. Go for sleek black metal cabinet for a sophisticated look, or opt for a more colourful metal cabinet for a more whimsical look.
Furniturebox's Pick
Penrose Walnut And Cream Marble Effect Sideboard
Our Penrose sideboards would be perfect as a drinks cabinet. There's plenty of space inside to store bottles and glasses, and plenty of flat surface on top to prepare your drinks. Set against a wall or make into a statement focal point of a room.
The Garden Home Bar
Nothing gives ‘cocktails by the pool’ vibes more than an al fresco bar. Whether your budget allows for a fancy pool-bar inspired garden room or a converted shed Tiki bar, it’s a surefire way to bring those holiday feelings home. Dress a shed-bar with fairy lights, a firepit or tiki torches, potted palms, a few flamingoes and bold tropical colour palettes to capture all the fun of drinks in the sun.
Furniturebox's Pick
Our Colton Tolix-style red metal stools will add some colour to your bar area. They're durable and stackable, too. The perfect perch for sipping mojitos at sundown. Make sure these are kept under cover as, though they are metal, they're not specifically designed for outdoor use.
The Coffee Bar
A home bar doesn't have to be about alcohol. A juice bar, tea table or coffee station are equally lovely ways to dedicate a space to your favourite beverage and socialise with friends and family. Warm neutrals will always give off coffee shop aesthetics, and more colourful palettes would look amazing for a juice bar.
Furniturebox's Pick
Our Rye cream and oak wood bar table with 2 matching bar chairs would make an excellent coffee station. There's room on the tabletop to store your coffee machine or teapot and mugs. Some dedicated shelving above could house all the extras we love to keep on hand. And, there's room to sit and enjoy your morning brew. Perfect!
Small Home Bar Ideas For Compact Spaces
Don't have a spare room to dedicate to a home bar? No problem. Small home bars can work brilliantly in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and even unused corners.
A slim drinks cabinet, compact bar table or stylish shelving unit can create a dedicated drinks station without taking up too much floor space. Mirrored accessories, glassware displays and ambient lighting can also help make smaller areas feel more luxurious and inviting.
What Next?
We love seeing how our customers style their Furniturebox products so be sure to give us a follow on Insta and tag us in your product pics. We've also got links to lots of useful info there. And we've also got heaps more inspiration over on Pinterest so give us a follow there, too!
Home Bar FAQs
What is the best furniture for a home bar?
Drinks cabinets, sideboards, bar carts and bar tables are all great options, depending on the space available.
How do I create a home bar in a small space?
Use compact furniture, wall shelving and multifunctional storage to maximise space without overcrowding the room.
Can I create a home bar in my living room?
Yes. Many homeowners use sideboards, bar carts or shelving units to create a stylish drinks station within their living room.
What should be included in a home bar?
Storage for bottles, glassware, bar tools and a surface for preparing drinks are the key essentials.
