How to Design a Basement Bar

No doubt about it, a home bar is a great way to create an entertaining space and make your guests feel welcome. But designing and outfitting one can seem daunting. Not to worry—with the right tips, it’s easy to create a space that’s both stylish and functional. In this post, we’ll give you some ideas on how to get started. So if you're looking to take your hosting abilities up a notch, keep reading for some helpful tips.

Before You Start: Should You DIY a Basement Bar?

Building a basement bar is a great way to add value to your home and make the most of extra space. But it’s not a project for everyone. If you’re unsure about whether or not you have the time, skills, and resources to take on a project like this, we recommend working with a professional.

If you're wondering whether to take on a DIY remodel, consider how ambitious your particular basement bar project is. If your bar will require renovations like:

• Adding new plumbing

• Electrical work

• Demolishing walls

• Foundation Repair

You should consider calling in a professional to make sure the end result is up to code and properly permitted.

Step 1: What Are You Working With?

When planning the layout of a home bar, one of the most important considerations is the dimensions of the space. The standard recommended dimensions for a home bar are 6 feet long to accommodate three bar stools or 8 feet long to accommodate four bar stools—about 24 inches of space per person. The bar should generally be about 24 inches deep to provide adequate counter and preparation space. You can lay out the shape of the bar on the floor with painter's tape to better visualize the size.

When it comes to designing the shape and size of the bar itself, the exact dimensions will depend on the size of your home and the available space. L shapes, horseshoes, and other shapes besides straight can help a bar fit into your home's specific dimensions. Most bar stools are 30 inches tall, so plan on the bar being no lower than 42 inches tall.

However, another important factor to consider is traffic flow. There should be enough room for people to move around easily, without having to squeeze past each other. To ensure that your home bar is both functional and stylish, it's important to take the time to measure out the space and plan the layout carefully.

You should also take note of any existing plumbing and electrical outlets, as you'll likely want a refrigerator and sink in the bar area. In addition, take into account leaving room for shelving or other storage units.

Step 2: Deciding What You Want

Next, consider the purpose of your bar, as that will inform many of your design choices. If you’re looking to create a sophisticated space for entertaining guests, you’ll want to focus on creating a sleek and elegant design. If you’re more interested in having a fun, casual space where you can relax and unwind after a long day, then you can be more creative with your design.

Some other important factors to consider when planning your basement bar include:

• What type of atmosphere do you want to create?

• How much storage space do you need? Do you just want a space to mix a few drinks or do you want to display a large alcohol collection?

• What kind of appliances and fixtures will you need? Will you have to install additional outlets or run additional plumbing?

• What other activities do you want to include? Do you want to have space for a pool table? Are you planning on having football watch parties?

• Do you want one or more of the bar elements to be portable? How easily do you want to be able to rearrange or redecorate the space?

Based on your answers to these questions, you can start thinking about the overall look and feel of your home bar.

Step 3: Deciding How You Want It

This is possibly the most fun part of building a basement bar (short of having it finished and ready for you to party)! With so many different possibilities, the sky’s the limit when it comes to design. To create a cohesive space, it's a good idea to start by choosing a theme and color scheme for your bar.

Many themes and color schemes have classic pairings, such as choosing a color palette of dark neutrals like navy and accents like chrome for a sleek and sophisticated look, or earthy reds and wood tones for a rustic aesthetic. However, if you want to break a few design molds, you can combine elements of different styles in unexpected ways to achieve a unique showstopper.

For inspiration, you might look to interior design trends to help make the bar cohesive with other rooms in the house or find an interior style that fits you best. Browse through hardware and furniture stores in your area, create a Pinterest board, or do some of your own sketches—the most important thing is that you attain a good idea of what you want the end result to look like.

Step 4: Build In the Basics

Once you've chosen the layout and style, you'll want to build the bar itself. It might be easiest to start with the space behind the bar first, as the area will be harder to maneuver in once the front bar is installed. If you're planning a full back bar, get the shelving anchored and any backlighting you want set up. Be sure to make space for shot glasses, wine glasses, and other glassware in your shelving design. No bar is complete without the right glassware. Also, consider getting a variety of sizes for different types of shots or cocktails.

Choose materials for your bar rail, install a foot rail if desired, and get any bar fridges, kegerators, ice machines, and other equipment installed and hooked up.

Here are some fun ideas for you to consider during this phase of building your bar:

• Under-bar lighting

• Chalkboard paint along the back wall

• Mirrored shelves or cabinets to display glassware and bottles

• TV mounted behind the bar

Once you've gotten the stationary parts of the bar built, you can bring in the moveable elements like bar stools and wall art.

Step 5: Decorate!

It's time to go all-out on the finishing touches and themed decor. Your goal should be to create a space that feels inviting and comfortable, so choose décor items that reflect your taste and that complement the overall design of the bar.

Some ideas for bar décor include:

• Themed pendant lights

• Retro posters

• A scoreboard for bar games

• Your favorite liquor bottles

• Plants

• A feature piece above the bar

• Armchairs or other furniture set up to allow guests to chat

Remember, the goal is to make your basement bar feel like a destination—somewhere you and your friends will want to spend time relaxing, socializing, and enjoying each other's company. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can achieve the perfect space for the perfect parties.

Get Ready to Turn Your Basement Into the Perfect Entertaining Zone

If you’re looking to add a little extra fun to your home and want a space where you can entertain guests, consider designing a basement bar. By planning out the space and deciding on a theme, you can create a party-worthy spot in your home. And don’t forget the finishing touches—finding just the right statement piece can really bring your basement bar to life.