Small Home Bar Ideas to Transform Even the Smallest of Spaces
Bring happy hour home.
You don't need a large space to achieve your home bar goals – there are so many creative ways to add a mini bar to your space. From space-saving furniture to creative layouts, we’ve compiled a list of small home bar ideas to help you make the most of happy hour, no matter your square footage.
1. Get Things Moving With a Bar Cart
Bar carts offer function and flexibility which is why they're a must-have on our list of small home bar ideas. The wheels allow you to easily move the bar cart from room to room, while built-in wine racks, glass holders, and tiered shelves offer versatile storage options. Bar carts come in a variety of sizes and designs so you’ll be able to find one that fits in your style and layout.
Tip!
Looking for a minibar you can store between dinner parties and gatherings? Opt for a foldable bar cart that you can tuck away when it’s not in use.
Want to keep your home bar out of sight? Try converting a spare closet or a freestanding wardrobe into your own secret mini bar. This is a creative storage solution for homes with children too – simply lock the wardrobe and your alcohol and fine glassware is kept safely tucked away.
Achieve your drink station goals by rethinking the way you use your current furniture. We love the look of a bookcase-turned-cocktail bar because it adds a decorative flair and helps you fill in any bare shelf space. Add your favorite bottles, glasses, and bar tools so you can unwind with a good book and a drink close at hand.
Construct your own small-space bar by focusing on a bare spot in your home and going all out. Start by measuring the width of the wall and the distance from the wall to any furnishings, doorways, and potential obstructions. This will help you determine the right width for the bar counter and bar stools. Add wall shelves to store extra drinks and barware, or use the wall space to hang a fun abstract print or bar sign.
Make even the smallest of bar stations stand out by lighting up your bar cabinet. It's always helpful to illuminate your drink selection, particularly if your bar sits in a dark corner beneath the stairs, in a closet, or in a room with more relaxed nighttime lighting. Try under-cabinet lighting (battery-operated for extra convenience) or string lights to set the mood.
Tip!
Get more ideas on how to light up your at-home bar space in our guide How to Contour Your Space with Light.
6. Make the Most of Your Counter Space
You don’t need a fancy setup to enjoy a nice drink at home. Make the most of what you already have by converting unused counter space into your very own mini bar. Display a nice set of bar tools or your favorite glassware to make it feel both decorative and functional.
A decorative tray placed on a side table or accent cabinet serves as the perfect spot for a minibar setup. Store your go-to bourbon, gin, or wine on the tray along with a few glasses so you're always ready to entertain. A tray also gives you the flexibility to easily transport all your drink necessities throughout the house.
Save space and get creative by designing a multipurpose bar setup. Keep wine close by swapping your TV stand for a sideboard. Fill the shelves with additional drinkware, bottles, and barware accessories to maximize space in the small bar area. This way you can easily retrieve wine glasses and select a drink to kick off your relaxing evening.
Transform a secretary desk into the ultimate minibar. Fill the bottom area with bottles and glassware and use the drawers to store small bar tools. Keep the desk portion folded down to act as a makeshift prep station for slicing ingredients, mixing beverages, and adding garnishes. Level up your mixology skills by adding a sparkling beverage maker to the bar.
Choose from a variety of small kitchen islands that can double as a prep spot and an at-home bar station. Opt for a kitchen island cart with built-in wine bottle and glass storage as well as movable wheels for added flexibility. Already have a kitchen island but don't have extra space to store and prep drinks? Choose a small kitchen island that’s the same width as your existing one and place it against one end of your current kitchen island. This can be your designated home-bar station.
Embrace a corner bar cabinet for ample drink storage and prep room in a space-friendly profile. Corner bar designs allow you to transform the smallest nook into a functional drink station. Have extra space to play around with? Position a curved or L-shaped bar counter in front of the corner cabinet and grab a couple bar stools for your friends to sit as you mix up cocktails.
Make the most of vertical space and keep your countertops clear by mounting your bar on the wall. Choose a spot in your kitchen or dining room that is easily accessible and use two wall-mounted wine racks to create the ultimate floating bar. Select a wine rack with a built-in wine glass holder so you can suspend large wine or cocktail glasses below and display your favorite bottles and drink-making essentials up top. Mount another wine rack above so you can securely store wine bottles or other beverage bottles of the same size. Finish it off with a pair of wall sconces to either side of the shelves or directly above to highlight your collection.
Maintain an open feel in a small living space by opting for bar furniture with glass or metallic details. Choose a bar cabinet with exposed sides like the one pictured above for an open, airy vibe. This keeps your bar furniture from feeling overwhelming in the space and ensures an equal distribution of light throughout the room. Not to mention, the glassy metallic aesthetic creates a cool, refined atmosphere in your home.
We love home small bars that offer space-saving functionality disguised as intentional decor pieces. The globe drink trolley pictured above captures this concept well. The top of the globe opens to reveal a roomy storage space for a few bottles and an ice cooler, while the bottom portion has individual holders for overflow drink bottles and selections best served at room temperature.
Patios and porches are the perfect places to create small-space cocktail hangouts. Go for small-space patio furniture like a bistro set that comes with a foldable table and chairs. This way you can host happy hour outside and easily make room for an outdoor yoga session by folding everything away.
Tip!
Thinking about adding a small bar to your patio space? Breeze through these 12 Outdoor Bar Ideas or take a look at our Outdoor Bar Stool Sizes guide to help with your bar furniture search.
16. Did Someone Say Coffee Bar?
Your small home bar ideas don't just have to be about alcoholic beverages. If you're more partial to caffeine, go for a small coffee bar equipped with a coffee maker, mugs, coffee-making ingredients, and a baked good or two. Or merge these concepts with an espresso martini–making station for your next Sunday brunch.
Tip!
Want more coffee bar inspiration? Check out 13 Coffee Bar Ideas for Every Space.
