Both wet bars and dry bars are designed to enhance the convenience of entertaining at home. These dedicated areas within your home, often feature plenty of counter space and provide an area for preparing drinks and the storage of glassware and all the various drinks you'll be serving.
As the name suggests, a wet bar includes a sink with running water, facilitating easy access to water for drink preparation and cleanup. On the other hand, a dry bar lacks a sink, focusing solely on providing a space for drink preparation.
Sink or no sink, this is just one of many features that go into creating your bar area. Below are some of our favorite design features, both functional and aesthetic, to consider when creating this fun space within your home.
1. DISPLAY SHELVES/CABINETRY
One of the great things about a bar area is displaying all the goods! From fancy liquor to gorgeous wine bottles and glassware, these items can be not only functional but a design piece.
Liquor bottles and glassware are on full display in this bar area.
2. CREATIVE BACK SPLASH
This space is meant for entertainment and fun, so be creative! A mosaic or wallpaper are great ways to add some character!
Left: An eye-catching mosaic creates the wow factor; Right: Fun wallpaper adds to this modern/retro vibe.
3. BUILT-IN APPLIANCES
Built-in appliances are definitely a functional item, but ones you'll be glad you planned for. Ice makers, wine/beer refrigerators and even dishwashers are common in bar areas.
Ice makers are a favorite addition to any bar area.
4. GLASS DOORS & DRAWERS
Glass doors and drawers are a simple design feature that add both convenience and showcase all the things! Tip: add under cabinet lighting for that extra wow factor.
This inviting bar boasts a variety of beer and custom glassware on display behind glass doors and a plethora of candy in the glass drawers.
5. WINE GLASS STORAGE
Easy access and a gorgeous display. Show off your stemware with simple wine glass holders.
Grab a glass and pour a drink!
6. OPEN CONCEPT
Your bar area doesn't have to be tucked away within your home. Consider an open concept bar within your living space.
This bar area sits right in the middle of all the action.
7. A LITTLE EXTRA DESIGN
Sometimes elegant design along with the wow factor can set the mood for happy hour!
A bar area with rich, walnut radius cabinetry and mullion doors.
8. A PLACE TO GATHER
A bar isn't just a place for storage and preparation, take it a step further and create a gathering space in your home.
This mid-century bar area invites you to grab a drink and settle in.
9. A WALK-IN SPACE
Perhaps you have kiddos or just want to keep your bar area closed off, consider a walk-in space and adding glass doors so all can see, but not necessarily touch.
Left: This bar with gorgeous backsplash, under cabinet lighting and wine cooler sits on display, but safely behind glass doors. Right: A gorgeous closed-in area, but still on full display in the middle of the home (photo credit: Duvall Ateliers/Rogers & Associates).
10. THE FULL BAR EXPERIENCE
If you have the space...then why not? Go for the full bar experience and bring girls/guys night right to your home. It's next level entertaining and hospitality!
Left: Our Man-Cave project; Right: 2 TVs, leather stools and more!
FINAL THOUGHTS
As you can see, there are plenty of features to consider when designing your bar area in your home. Your actual space, plumbing, budget and how you plan to use your bar are going to be the biggest factors when deciding which items to add and which items to exclude. Our advice - be creative, have fun and make it work for you and your home!