There is nothing that makes us happier than having a nice drink at the end of a long day. Whether that’s your favourite alcoholic beverage, a nice cup of tea or a warming hot chocolate, drinks are the cornerstone of comfort and community!
We’re huge fans of the indoor bar phenomenon. Sometimes known as wet bars, they’ve become increasingly popular over the last decade. Thanks to the Victorian bar cart, indoor bars are usually (but not always) associated with alcohol, a space where guests and homeowners can pour themselves their favourite tipple with class.
Why should you build an indoor bar?
Modern indoor bar have many different functions. Hot chocolate bars, coffee stations, sundae stands and more, all offer non-alcoholic, child-friendly options to make a house homely.
Simply put, indoor bars are fun spaces dedicated to creating the tastiest drink imaginable. Whether you choose to fill your bar with spirits or treats, there’s no denying indoor bars are both fun to make and drink from!
In this guide, we’re going to help you create your dream indoor bar. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a studio apartment or a three story house, we’ve got indoor bars to suit all spaces and styles. We’ve collected home bar ideas, furniture and tips and tricks from all over the web to help inspire you.
So grab yourself a drink, it’s time to build your indoor bar!
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Your complete guide to building your perfect indoor bar
There are three things to consider before you begin building your indoor bar. Space, budget and style.
Space
Firstly, how much space do you have? Be honest! You may want to turn your entire countertop into a bar, but will that become a nuisance in the future? The key is to find a space in your home which is easily accessible but doesn't affect your overall storage.
If you have children you’ll also need to carefully consider where you place your bar. Whether kitted out with alcohol, caffeine or chocolate treats, you’ll want to keep your bar out of reach of little hands.
Scout around your house, testing different locations. Don’t worry if you can’t find a big space. A plain wall or tiny corner can become a bar with the right furniture and a little imagination.
Budget
Now you’ve found your perfect space, it’s time to think about your budget. You can build an indoor bar with any budget – trust us. There’s plenty of ways you can upcycle furniture you already have (we cover this later) and turn home accessories into bar decor.
Be honest with your budget and allocate it into two sections. A money pot for building/upcycling your bar and decorating it, and another for kitting it out! Spirits, mixers, syrups, coffee pods – the essentials can get expensive if you don’t plan ahead and what’s the point of an indoor bar if it’s empty?
Space and budget sorted, now it’s time to think about the fun part: style! There’s two ways of determining your style. Firstly, you could think about your favourite bars, shops or pubs you’ve visited.
What about their style did you like? Was it a particular feel or piece of furniture? Basing your indoor bar off your favourite establishment will help you work out the ideal feel you want to create with your own bar.
Alternatively, you can think about your favourite interior aesthetic. Vintage, farmhouse, industrial, minimal – these are just a few of the aesthetics you could base your bar on.
Still, struggling? Use your current home decor to work out which style you like.
Of course, you can always do a combination of several styles and put your own personal twist on it. Remember, indoor bars are meant to be fun! You may have a minimal apartment but want a full, tropical tiki bar.
There’s no rules! But planning how you want your bar to look (even if you don’t want to strictly follow one style) can help save money and time. Plus, it makes the whole process much less daunting.
These considerations may seem small but they’re crucial. If you don’t consider your space, budget and style you may end up wasting money on furniture and decor you don’t truly love.
Once you’ve got your specs in order, you can move on to your first task – actually building the indoor bar!
Three ways to build an indoor bar
Building your indoor bar can be as simple or complicated as you’d like. There’s three ways of going about it. You can either build your bar yourself, upcycle your bar from old furniture or simply buy an indoor bar from a retailer.
Building your own countertop bar
If you want to build a traditional bar, you’ll need to build a countertop and storage. There are some great tutorials teaching you how to build your own indoor bar as well as a collection of step by step guides.
Firstly you'll need to collect your tools. You'll need your wood, protective equipment and tools. For a bar made from MDF (a great, affordable option) you'll need a screw gun, matching screws, small finishing nails, miter saw, table saw and a spirit level.
Then you'll need to start measuring your space, working out how tall you want the bar frame to be. You'll also need to decide how far from the wall you want your indoor bar.
Once you have your measurements it's time to create your frame! Check out this basic standing bar tutorial for a more in-depth tutorial. They show you how to build your framework as well as build supports and stabilizers.
Now you need to build out your bar. Add MDF boards to the sides and add your countertop. You can then add finishing touches like trim, foot rests etc.
This Old House also has a brilliant bar tutorial which takes you through every step of building a bar. They estimate their bar will take two full days to build but it’s perfect for those on a budget as it only costs them around $500.
Bar building tips!
What you can make an indoor bar from? You can make your indoor bar from a wide range of materials. High-quality walnut, oak and plywood can all be used for building your countertop. They’re great options as they’re sturdy and wear well.
Remember to add varnish or a clear acrylic top to your wooden bar top to keep it waterproof. This will also allow you to clear spills up easily!
How big is an indoor bar?
On average most bars are 42 inches high and 24 inches deep but this is completely customisable. It all depends on your space!
A typical bar overhang should be around 25-30cm (10-12”) but again this is customisable.
If you’re attaching a foot rail, it should be about 6 inches from the floor. Any higher it will be uncomfortable for people sitting on stools to rest their feet on. Any lower the rail will be on the floor!
Buying a bar countertop
Customisable bar
- Buy your wooden bar from Amazon
If you have the budget then we’d recommend buying a countertop. It’ll save you a whole lot of time and you can pick the design and finish to suit you.
This U-shaped bar by Generic is a standard size, design and shape. It’s on the cheaper end of the pre-bought bar category and can be customised with paint, varnish or other decorative finishes.
We love that it has built-in shelves, giving you space for your drinks and glassware.
Fully finished bar
- Buy this finished wooden bar from Etsy
For those of you who want the job done and dusted, this is the bar for you. ReCreatedbyCrighton sells these gorgeous fully finished bars on their Etsy store.
You can buy the basic bar itself or add a huge range of extras for an additional cost. You can add LED lights, a sunken ice bucket, and their other bar (the XL bar) comes with matching bottle storage!
Quirky bar
- Buy this quirky wooden bar from Etsy
Looking for something a bit different? Coach House Creations has you covered. Their incredible Scotch whiskey barrel bar not only looks amazing but can be personalised with your name!
It’s on the pricier end but the quality is unmatched. Each of the barrels contains glass and bottle storage and the entire bar is made from reclaimed wood. It’s been finished with a stunning Jacobean dark oak stain and sealed with clear varnish.
Upcycling your current furniture into a small indoor bar
One of the most cost-effective (and eco-friendly) options for building an indoor bar is to upcycle furniture you already have. Whether this is turning wooden pallets into a countertop or upcycling shelving into a new home for your spirits, repurposing things around your home will give a unique edge to your indoor bar.
You wouldn't recognise Melaine Lissack’s bar cabinet after its upcycle! The simple cabinet has been transformed with paint, racks and a beautiful DIY scalloped design. Meliane has proven you can get a luxury look through upcycling.
Upcycling indoor bar hacks
- Change out the hardware to give your bar a professional look!
- Add glassware racks to maximise storage
- Use a waterproof lining inside and on the top to make your bar easier to clean
- Feature fresh fruits to bring a natural touch to your bar
- Use bottles with character to give a high-class feel
- Upcycle old mason jars into fun cocktail glasses
- Raid the charity shops for cocktail equipment, stirrers and vintage glassware
Alternative home bar ideas
Bar carts
If you don’t have enough room for a countertop indoor bar don’t worry. There are plenty of alternative home bar ideas. Bar carts make great indoor bars and take up very little space. These can be both bought, made and upcycled. Head over to our collection of DIY bar cart ideas which includes lots of nifty carts.
Bar Shelves
Haven’t got enough floor space for a bar cart? Don’t worry, we’ve still got you covered!
We collected the best DIY bar shelf ideas to help you put your bar on the wall! Bar shelves are perfect for those renting, families with kids and those with a smaller budget.
What should my indoor bar contain?
Your indoor bar can contain anything you like! It’s completely down to you what type of drinks you want to serve at your bar.
If you’re a bit stuck on what to kit your bar out with then here’s some of our suggestions. For a classic, alcoholic bar we’d recommend including:
- Your favourite spirits (rum, vodka, tequila)
- Your favourite alcoholic beverages (beer, cider, wine)
- Your favourite mixers (Coke, tonic, ginger beer)
- A mix of glassware (wine glasses, pint glasses, champagne flutes)
- A cocktail making kit
- Fresh fruits and herbs for garnish (lemon, lime, mint)
- Stirrers and spoons
For non-alcoholic indoor bars you could include:
- Coffee pods and sachets
- Tea and herbal teas
- Hot chocolate powder
- Non-alcoholic beverages (0% alcohol beers, fizzy drinks, flavoured waters)
- Sugar and flavoured syrups
- Toppings (sprinkles, dustings, marshmallows)
- Milk frother
- Mugs, glasses and spoons
Make your indoor bar comfy and practical with these pieces!
You’ve got your countertop, cabinet or cart but now you need some additional pieces to bring it to life. Using extra furniture and wall storage will make your bar feel more professional. Plus it’ll make your drinking experience all the more fun!
Stools and chairs
- Buy your bar stool from Amazon
No one wants to stand at the bar after a long hard day so comfy seating is a must! For those of you wanting a more traditional feel to your bar, stools are essential.
These lovely bar stools by AINPECCA are made from soft velvet and cushioned with a thick seating pad. Available in a wide range of colours, they’re much comfier than your classic bar stool.
- Buy your armchair from Amazon
If you’re opting for a cart, shelf or cabinet bar then a squishy armchair is the way to go. There’s a huge selection of armchairs available including this beauty from Wahson. A huge colourway is available and it comes with a matching footrest for maximum comfort.
- Buy your arm chair covers from Amazon
If you’re hoping to upcycle furniture you already have then cushion covers are a fun choice. You can find them in an array of patterns, colours and materials. They’re a great option for giving old furniture a new lease of life.
Wall storage
Proudly display your beverages with your own display units. Maximising the space behind your indoor bar will keep your space clutter-free and looking fab. You can use shelving to hold spare liquor, hang mugs or add decorative elements.
- Buy your shelving unit from Amazon
Glass, metal, wood – bar shelving comes in lots of different styles and sizes. This unit from Amazon has shelves and wine glass racks utilising your space brilliantly.
How to accessorise your indoor bar
It’s time for the exciting part! Decorating your indoor bar allows you to add your own personal stamp on it. It can take your bar from boring to beautiful!
There’s plenty of ways you can accessorise your bar to make it feel more you. Here’s a few decorative suggestions to help you brighten up your bar.
Lighting
- Buy LED light strips from Amazon
Nothing says party quite like neon lighting! Pop LED light strips under your countertops, over your shelving or even in old bottles to add an ambient glow. These LED light strips are cool because they have endless colour options and modes.
You could also use fairy lights or battery-powered lights for a more affordable option. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated lighting option add lamps or wall sconces.
Personalised signs
- Buy your personalised bar sign from Etsy
Every bar needs a bar sign! Add neon signs and personalised decor so everyone knows exactly whose bar they’re drinking at. You can have some brilliant bar signs made through Etsy. This fun LED lamp can be personalised with your name and date of establishment.
Practical accessories
- Buy your cocktail-making kit from Amazon
Think of the equipment you use every day when making your favourite drink. Milk frothers for coffee stations, sugar shakers for hot chocolate bars – no matter what your choice of drink there’s always tools to up your drink-making game.
Pretty and practical, cocktail making equipment always makes stylish bar decor. They look great nestled among spirits and can be whipped out when you’re hosting!
Bar gadgets
- Buy your mini bar from Amazon
Be the coolest bar on the block with all the latest gadgets and gizmos. Rotary drink dispensers, ice machines, infusion devices – there’s plenty of impressive bar tech on the market.
Arguably the best and most used piece of bar tech will be a mini fridge. It’ll keep your drinks cool and enable you to do all your preparing and making at the bar (rather than having to go back and forth to the kitchen).
Handmade touches
One of the simplest (and most effective in our opinion) of decorating your bar is with handmade flourishes. DIY bunting, self-made artwork and customised glasses are all a lovely way of incorporating your creativity into your bar.
We have lots of wonderful projects for you to make here on Gathered. Why not customise your bar glasses by learning how to do glass painting? Or make your own mini paper umbrellas?
Making your non-alcoholic indoor bar
Adapting your bar into a family-friendly, alcohol-free space is really easy. You can use all the same furniture, storage and seating as a traditional bar but tailor the decor to your drink of choice.
Tea and Coffee bar station ideas
For caffeine addicts, you should build one of our DIY home coffee bar station ideas. Coffee bar stations fit in every type of space and can be incorporated into even the smallest of homes. It’ll become the number-one place in your home for refuelling!
Hot chocolate bar ideas
Families will love building one of these DIY hot chocolate bar ideas. They make the perfect winter treat and can become part of your Christmas decor! Display your favourite mugs and toppings and you’ve already got yourself a basic hot chocolate bar.
Finding the perfect indoor bar for you
Indoor bars provide people with a place to drink, relax and come together. There’s something about designing your own bar and delegating a space to relax that feels extra special.
Your indoor bar can be completely customised to suit you, your style and your space. Whether that’s a countertop, a bar cart or a shelf, kit it out with all your favourite beverages and use it as a space to unwind.
Make more relaxing spaces in your home with Gathered
Now you can relax at your indoor bar, why not also create your own craft sanctuary?
Browse our collection of the best sewing room ideas and dedicate a space to your crafting passion.
