How to Build a Home Bar on Any Budget

5 Mins read2k Views

Hey there, party people! Let’s talk about something every cool pad needs: a home bar. Whether you’re sipping on a fancy old fashioned or pouring cheap beer for your friends, you can create your dream setup without breaking the bank. Here’s how.

Start Small, Dream Big

You don’t need a massive space or a big wallet to kick things off. Find a corner, a cart, or even a sturdy shelf. That’s your HQ. Think of it as your starting lineup—you can always upgrade later. The size of your bar depends on your space and needs.

A small bar cart works wonders in an apartment, while a larger setup might suit a basement or spare room.

Where to Put a Home Bar?

Choose the Right Room

Where should your home bar go? It depends on your vibe and space. Here are a few ideas:

Living Room: Perfect for entertaining guests and keeping the party central.
Kitchen: Great if you have extra counter space and want easy access to mixers and ice.
Basement: Ideal for creating a full-on speakeasy or dedicated bar area.
Dining Room: Adds a touch of elegance and keeps things close during dinner parties.
Outdoor Patio: Awesome for summer cocktails and BBQs (just make sure your setup is weatherproof).

Living Room home bar for a serious bar enthusiast.

Dimensions for Your Bar

The dimensions of your home bar can vary based on your space and needs. Here are some general guidelines:

Bar Height: Standard bar height is around 42 inches (107 cm). This allows for comfortable standing and works with standard bar stools.
Bar Depth: Aim for a depth of 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) to provide enough workspace and storage.
Bar Length: For a small setup, 4 feet (1.2 meters) is plenty. For larger spaces, consider 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) to accommodate more guests.
Overhang: If you include a countertop overhang, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) is ideal for legroom with stools.

Adjust these dimensions based on the size of your room and how you plan to use the bar.

Building vs. Buying

Here’s the big question: should you build your home bar or buy one ready-made?

Building Your Own: DIY bars can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on materials and size. A simple bar cart or shelf setup can be done for under $200, while custom builds with quality wood and finishes may run closer to $1,000 or more. The bonus? You get to customize everything to your taste.
Buying a Bar: Ready-made bars range from $150 for a small, basic cart to over $2,000 for a high-end piece with built-in storage and lighting. It’s quicker, but less personal.

If you’re handy with tools or want something unique, building is the way to go. If time is short or you spot a bar that fits your style, buying might be your best bet.

Home Bar Buying Options and Ideas

ED Home Mini Bar Cabinet for Liquor, Metal Wine Bar Stand with 4-Tier Storage

Best for small space, entertaining small groups.

Corner Bar Unit Liquor Wine Bar Table Reception Desk for Home Pub

Best if you have an adequate amount of space, and are entertaining medium to large groups.

Home Bar Building Options

In fact, the home bar building options are endless, but here are a few ideas

Marble and Onyx “Up Against The Wall” Home Bar

Best for luxurious residences and villas. Built-in to wall provides a more stealth build that doesn’t turn a room into a party.

Downside: Usually not a DYI home bar set-up.

Home Corner Bar with Overhead Lighting - “Center of Room”

Best for homeowners with space who want to transform a room into a bar atmosphere.. The design can be modified to include less expensive or more expensive materials

Features Every Home Bar Should Have

Your home bar isn’t just a table with some bottles. Here’s what you need to make it functional and stylish:

Storage: Shelves, cabinets, or racks for bottles, glassware, and tools.
Work Surface: A countertop for mixing and pouring drinks.
Lighting: Accent lighting or LED strips for ambiance.
Sink (Optional): A small sink or “wet bar” setup makes cleaning easy.
Power Outlets: For blenders, wine coolers, or other appliances.
Bar Stools: Comfortable seating for guests.
Refrigeration: A mini-fridge for mixers, garnishes, and chilled drinks.
Wine Rack: If you’re a wine lover, a built-in rack keeps bottles organized.
Decor: Personal touches like signs, plants, or artwork to set the vibe.

Essentials First

Every bar needs some basics. Grab a few bottles of versatile spirits. Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey are solid choices. Add a mixer or two—club soda, tonic, or a good cola. Boom. You’re already 80% of the way to being a legend.

Here’s a quick list of alcohol to get you started:

Vodka: A must-have for cocktails like martinis, Moscow mules, or bloody Marys.
Gin: Perfect for gin and tonics, Negronis, or a classic martini.
Rum: Opt for light rum for mojitos and dark rum for cocktails like a dark and stormy.
Tequila: Essential for margaritas and palomas.
Whiskey: Choose bourbon or rye for old fashioneds and whiskey sours.

Optional:

Triple Sec: Great for margaritas and other citrusy cocktails.
Vermouth: Dry vermouth for martinis and sweet vermouth for Manhattans.
Bitters: Angostura or orange bitters for adding depth to cocktails.

Tools of the Trade

Don’t go overboard here. A shaker, a jigger, and a bar spoon are the holy trinity. Got an old mason jar? That can be your shaker. Measuring spoons? Your backup jigger. Improvise like a pro. Other useful tools include:

Strainer: For keeping ice and pulp out of your drinks.
Muddler: Essential for smashing herbs and fruits for cocktails like mojitos.
Good Knife: For slicing garnishes and fruits.
Cutting Board: Protect your surfaces while prepping.
Citrus Juicer: Fresh juice makes all the difference.
Ice Tray: Large ice cubes or spheres are ideal for certain drinks.

Glassware You Need

The right glass makes every drink better. Start with basic tumblers, highballs, and possibly a couple of martini glasses. Here’s a list to cover your bases:

Rocks Glass: For whiskey neat, old fashioneds, and other short cocktails.
Highball Glass: Great for gin and tonics, rum and cokes, or any tall drink.
Wine Glass: Have a couple for red, white, or sparkling wine.
Beer Mug or Pint Glass: For beer lovers.
Shot Glass: Essential for measuring or, of course, shots.

Optional:

Coupe Glass: Elegant for champagne or craft cocktails.
Martini Glass: A must for martinis and other classic cocktails.

You can find these at thrift stores, online, or at local home goods shops. Mix and match for a unique collection!

The Decor Game

This is where your style shines. Hit up thrift stores for funky glasses and vintage barware. Add a neon sign or string lights. Keep it fun. Keep it you.

Upgrade Over Time

No need to splurge all at once. Maybe this month, you snag that fancy bitters set. Next month, upgrade your shaker. Build as you go. That’s the fun of it.