Home Bar Design Ideas to Plan and Build a Home Bar

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 style=" border-top: 4px solid #CCCCCC;" BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B>Categories:</B></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Home Bar Design Ideas to Plan and Build ">Home Page</A></div> <div> <A HREF="contact_us.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us">Contact Us</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_useful_beer_facts_links.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Beer Facts</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_basement_finising.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Basement Finishing</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_home_brew_sites_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Home Brew sites</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_bar_stools.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Bar Stools</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_bar_building_plans.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Bar Building Plans</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_draft_beer_systems.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Draft Beer Systems</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_kegerators.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Kegerators</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_bar_accessories.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Bar Supplies and Accessories</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_kegerators.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Compact Coolers</A></div> <div> <A HREF="contact_us.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us">Report Broken Links</A></div> <div> <A HREF="index_m.htm#from_basement_to_bar_room______a" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Home Bar Design Ideas to Plan and Build ">Free Design Guide</A></div> <div> <A HREF="our_project.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="From Basement to Bar Room">"From Basement to</A></div> <div> <A HREF="our_project.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="From Basement to Bar Room">Bar Room"</A></div> <div> <A HREF="find_a_contractor.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Find a Contractor">Find a Contractor FREE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="useful_links_lighted_bar_displays.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="useful links">Lighted Bar Displays</A></div> <div> <A HREF="power_tools.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Power Tools and Shop Accessories">Power Tools</A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> To Be Added:</div> <div> Bar Materials</div> <div> Bar Hardware</div> <div> Bar Finishes</div> <div> Woodworking</div> <div> Bar Moldings</div> <div> Wine Racks</div> <div> Glossary</div> <div> Photo Gallery</div> <div> Site Search</div> <div> Link Exchange</div> <div> Tell a Friend</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFBF0" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="802" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER ROWSPAN=2 BGCOLOR=#000000 HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="120"><div> <B><IMG SRC="1d8383c0.gif" border=0 width="56" height="60" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="594"><div> <B>Welcome to</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=BOTTOM ROWSPAN=2><NOBR><div> <A HREF="contact_us.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><IMG SRC="1d550400.jpg" border=0 width="80" height="64" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></FONT></A></div> <div> Tom K</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B>The Bar Builder's Information Resource Website</B></div> <div> Useful articles and link portal for Homeowners, Contractors, Designers and Builders.</div> <div> Presented by Precision Images Design Inc.</div> <div> Designers and producers of High Quality woodworking plans</div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#996600" FACE="Arial" ><B>Home Bar Planning Ideas</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#CC9900" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#CC9900" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#330000" FACE="Arial" ><I>Written by Jacques Bouchard,</I></FONT><I> of  </I><A HREF="http://www.basementsystems.com" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.basementsystems.com"><FONT COLOR="#0000FF"><I>Basement Systems Inc</I></FONT></A><I>.</I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="8" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="806" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 306 WIDTH="371"><div> Few improvements on a home can make the kind of positive, lasting impression that installing a home bar does. A personal bar in the home, basement, or patio adds a sophisticated, convenient entertainment center during dinner parties, celebrations, and get-togethers. A personal home bar is a center during parties- a place to be found- where the host is available for the guests to stop by and strike up a conversation.  Throw in a blender and a few good stories, and the entertainer can make a party truly memorable!</div> <bR> <div> With a growing family, a home bar can also serve as the focal point for a children's party. The refrigerator can be used to store ice cream, cold drinks and lemonade as well as napkins, paper plates, and other party necessities. A bar located in a basement can be used to store snacks and soda and used as a recreation center for teenagers who can enjoy a pool table and the privacy of a basement area, enjoying themselves while the rest of the home remains relaxing and quiet without disturbing other occupants.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="1cc902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="799" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#000000" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFFFF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 256 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="1cda2fa0.jpg" border=0 width="162" height="250" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 WIDTH="607"><div> <B>The planning stage will include these four major factors:</B></div> <div> <I><B>Home Bar Storage and Space</B></I></div> <div> Balancing floor space and bar space in a home can be a tricky situation. Homeowners who are choosing a home bar plan may wish to install a “back bar”, as shown on the left, or a classic bar design like the one shown above. The back bar offers the optimal layout for those who want to save as much floor space as possible. However, it does not offer the storage or the “elbow room” of a classic bar design, with its area for bar chairs and socialization.</div> <bR> <div> Many homeowners who choose the classic bar design will create a combination back bar and classic bar layout that maximizes the usefulness of the bar area, with the most storage space for glasses, drinks, and accessories.  If you choose this home bar design, just be sure that you have enough space to move around within the bar, as some homeowners may leave themselves boxed in and cramped once they've finished the project.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="809" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#000000" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFFFF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 297 WIDTH="300"><div> <I><B>Convenience:  Wet Bar Design? </B></I><I><B>Portable</B></I><I><B> (non-stationary) Home Bar?</B></I></div> <div> When considering creating a home bar, it's vital to balance whether or not you want a “wet bar”- a bar with a sink, plumbing, and running water.  A wet bar will allow you to have an easy place to dispose of drinks and ice and will make washing glasses and countertops much easier.  Having working plumbing makes it possible to attach an ice machine and a small dishwasher for added convenience, depending on the space and budget needed for the project.</div> <bR> <div> Plumbing can be expensive to extend to the bar, but in some cases, it can be done within a very reasonable budget.  In the case of a basement bar, there have even been cases of homeowners running</div> <div> lines to the wet bar from the hot and cold washing </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="1c9f4220.jpg" border=0 width="500" height="290" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 164 WIDTH="803"><div> machine lines that have more than served their needs.  However, the homeowner will need to choose between plumbing and portability when considering this option:  while many home private bars can be moved or even installed on wheels, a home wet bar will be anchored in place.</div> <bR> <div> A spacious, high-quality wine fridge is key to a great home bar plan. Beer, white wine, and other liquors are best served cold, and vodka will need to be stored in the freezer. It's possible to store these drinks in the kitchen refrigerator, but in many cases, such as in an patio bar or a basement bar, tromping over to the kitchen every time the drinks run low can be a distracting and hassling chore.  Additionally, a wine fridge is optimal for serving a variety of nonalcoholic items as well such as milk, cream, fruit juices, cherries, olives, seltzer water, fresh fruit, sodas, and other commodities.  When choosing a wine fridge, remember that many entertainers will underestimate their need for ice- an amble supply is going to need plenty of space!  Also- make sure that there are plenty of available electrical outlets, as it's easy to run out of plugs when several household appliances are running all at once.  Extension cords are ugly, messy, and potentially dangerous.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="808" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFFFF" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFFFF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 326 WIDTH="400"><div> <I><B>Durability in a Home Bar Design</B></I></div> <div> A home bar is going to need a surface that can come in frequent contact with spilled drinks and food. When choosing materials to build this bar, remember that marble and many wood surfaces are going to be vulnerable to stains and damage. Instead, select a high-quality granite or Formica surface that can stand up to this treatment for years to come.  When building the bar surface, remember that it's important to create a raised area on the guest side of the bar that will allow them to rest their elbows without an uncomfortable square edge.  Along with increased comfort, this raised area will also protect the guests and their clothing from runoff should a drink spill.</div> <bR> <div> A good bar design will include a foot rest in front of the stools that will allow the guests to rest their feet when visiting the bar. These are best when created out of solid wood or brass for an authentic bar look.  Be sure to mount them with heavy use in mind- they should be attached firmly to the bar or mounted solidly to the floor.  A sports game can last several hours, and it's great to be able to just put your feet up and relax.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="1ce902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 115 WIDTH="802"><div> Spending a fortune on expensive bamboo flooring, carpeting, absorbent wood, or porous tile that can soak up stains and be ruined is a bad idea when designing a home bar.  Instead, opt for solid quality marble or stone tile for upper floors that is strong enough to not chip or crack with falling objects.  Be sure to seal all grout lines carefully so they do not soak up liquids or grow mildew.  However, if you're looking for a basement bar, the cold earth and concrete underneath the tile will make for a cold, uncomfortable surface underfoot.  Before installing a basement floor, be sure to check out Total Basement Finishing's <A HREF="http://www.totalbasementfinishing.com/basement-floor.php" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.totalbasementfinishing.com/ba"><FONT COLOR="#000000">ThermalDry Basement Floor Tiles</FONT></A>, a completely waterproof vinyl floor tile that will not stain or feel cold underfoot. Alternatively, for an attractive wood finish, <A HREF="http://www.totalbasementfinishing.com/images/finishing-ideas/basement-family-room4.jpg" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.totalbasementfinishing.com/im"><FONT COLOR="#000000">MillCreek Wood Flooring</FONT></A> provides a wood finish flooring perfect for the basement environment that will be attractive for decades to come.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="808" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#330000" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFFFF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 391 WIDTH="400"><div> <I><B>Home Bar Ambiance</B></I></div> <div> A home built bar is a naturally attractive addition to the home, but the right accessories can really help things come together.  Adding a dart board, a pool or ping pong table, an area for cards, and memorabilia or decorations can really bring the look of a home bar design together.  And with a pool table, some creative hosts have even placed a plywood board over the surface along with a fancy tablecloth to double the piece as a buffet table or makeshift dinner table!  A little creativity and attention to detail, and your home built bar will be something really special.</div> <bR> <div> When creating ambiance, it's important not to underestimate the value of good lighting. Small, recessed lights built into the top of the bar or into the ceiling near the bar can highlight the bar and add visibility and convenience for the guests.  Suspended pendant lighting is also an attractive idea, but if there is a TV mounted into the bar, be careful that they will not interfere with the guest's view.  Standing lights strategically placed can add an authentic, warm look to the area.  And depending on the design, neon lights and signs or well-placed LED lighting can be a fun addition.  Installing a mirror on the back of a corner bar is a great way to give the illusion of more space and make the guests feel less like they're facing a wall, but ideally a homeowner will be able to build their bar near the best view in the house, so that </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="1cf907f0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="383" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 594 WIDTH="802"><div> the attending guests will be able to sit back and enjoy the scenery as they unwind.</div> <bR> <div> Comfortable bar stools with arm rests are an oft-forgotten touch in a home bar plan.  Be sure to take the time to select nice, cushioned chairs for company to sit and relax in.  Adding a table nearby the actual bar will add versatility to the space, opening the area up for face-to-face conversation, card games, and other entertainment.  This table can also become a great place to serve dinner, a buffet, or a birthday cake, as the occasion demands.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="our_project.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="From Basement to Bar Room"><FONT COLOR="#0000FF"><I>From Basement to Bar Room</I></FONT></A></FONT> <B>    </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#996633" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><I>A Basement Finishing Article by Tom K,   of  </I></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><A HREF="http://www.precision-images.com/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.precision-images.com/"><FONT COLOR="#0000FF"><I>Precision Images Design Inc.</I></FONT></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="from_basement_to_bar_room______a"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="2034b280.gif" border=0 width="75" height="40" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> 28 page PDF Download</div> <div> Bar plans Design selection guide</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.betterbarplans.com/designguide.pdf" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.betterbarplans.com/designguid"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><I><IMG SRC="202a4d20.gif" border=0 width="164" height="210" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></FONT></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.betterbarplans.com/designguide.pdf" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.betterbarplans.com/designguid"><FONT COLOR="#0000FF"><I>Download Design Guide</I></FONT></A></div> <div> <I>Requires Acrobat 6.0</I></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> BetterBarPlans.com</div> <div> Copyright © 2009   All Rights Reserved</div> <bR>  <script type="text/javascript"> var sc_project=5344444; 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