Like many 70s-inspired designs, the once-popular wet bar is making its way back. A well-styled wet bar can be a welcomed addition that makes entertaining easy and enjoyable. Not sure what a wet bar is? Our guide covers everything you need to know about this hosting must-have. Keep reading to learn more about wet bar designs and how to create your own.

What Is a Wet Bar?

A wet bar is a small bar that features a sink with running water, often used to prepare cocktails, coffee, or other beverages. They're an excellent addition to spaces where you like to entertain, such as living rooms, dining rooms, or patios. This design perk can boost your home's value and level up your hosting skills.

Because wet bars have a small sink, it's easy to wash the glasses, prepare drinks, or grab a glass of water without straying too far while entertaining. They can also be designed to include a beverage refrigerator to keep drinks cool and close by, storage to organize barware and spirits, and small countertop appliances like ice makers, blenders, or espresso machines.

Tip!

If you're not sure if you should build a wet bar or a dry bar, the key distinction is that wet bars must be connected to plumbing since they feature a small sink. While dry bars don't require additional plumbing, wet bars add plenty of convenience to spaces that aren't close to the kitchen, like an entertainment space in the basement.

Wet Bar Pros & Cons

Though there are plenty of reasons why you might want to build a wet bar setup, you should consider if it's right for your space and your lifestyle. Here we break down the pros and cons of installing a wet bar:

Pros

• Wet bars save you a trip to the kitchen while washing cocktail glasses, wiping up spills, and filling up a glass of water.
• Beverage refrigerators free up your kitchen's refrigerator by storing canned beverages and bottles of wine.
• A wet bar creates a designated area for you (and your guests) to prepare drinks, which can cut down on traffic through your kitchen and other spaces throughout your house.
• Your wet bar can be catered to whichever type of beverage you like making most. While wet bars have been historically used for mixing cocktails, you can use yours for blending smoothies or brewing your morning lattes.

Cons

• Wet bars need close access to plumbing lines, which means you'll have to choose a strategic location for your wet bar near existing lines or install new ones.
• Depending on the overall design and features, you'll want to consider if the cost is worth the convenience.
• It might not make sense to install a wet bar in a home with an open layout or where the wet bar would be too close to the kitchen.

Ways to Design a Wet Bar Area

If you've decided that a wet bar is a worthwhile addition, these steps can help you plan your own wet bar design.

1. Find the Right Location

Location is key to installing a wet bar. You'll need to consult the home's layout to determine which spot is near an existing water line to hook up the sink for the wet bar. You'll also need to find where in the room you'd like to place the wet bar. Do you want the wet bar to be the focal point of the space or would you rather it blend in? Does the wet bar make sense in the flow of traffic through the room? Is this room too close to the kitchen?

2. Determine the Setup

Once you've scouted the right spot, it's important to map out the wet bar setup and take measurements. Think about where you'd be able to place the sink and how much storage you'll need. Determine if lower cabinets will provide enough storage or if you'll need to install upper cabinets too.

Tip!

Open shelving above the wet bar can show off your glassware collection or the ingredients to your favorite drink.

3. Factor In the Appliances

You need to account for any appliances you plan on adding. Larger appliances like beverage refrigerators, dishwashers, or under-counter ice makers need to be considered when choosing cabinetry, while smaller countertop appliances like blenders or microwaves can be added later.

4. Focus on the Details

Details like backsplash tile, cabinet color, and hardware finishes can give your wet bar design a stylish and sophisticated feel. Think about how the wet bar complements the other aspects of the space, such as wall color or furniture material.

5. Keep It Organized

After you've installed the essentials like the countertops and appliances, you can start adding glassware, bar tools, and ingredients. Try to organize the wet bar area in a way that feels functional, allowing you to access everything easily and put everything back even easier. This will help your wet bar stay tidy.

6. Add the Finishing Touches

Final touches like framed art, accent lighting, or potted plants can really tie your wet bar together. Lean pieces of art on top of the countertop or shelves for vertical height. Install a pair of sconces above the wet bar area to illuminate the space, or add a chic table lamp for inviting ambience.

Tip!

Find inspiration for your wet bar setup with our guide Wet Bar Ideas for Elevated Entertaining.

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