It’s the season for festive holiday parties, and having a well-appointed bar might be a key part of your get-togethers. Your bar can take many forms, from a dedicated built-in area, to a converted closet-turned-bar, to a standalone bar cabinet. If you want something smaller, a chic bar cart or portable tray bar might work better. Today we’ve gathered more than 25 creative built-in bars, freestanding bars and bar carts to help you to make the most of your bar, whatever size and style it might be.
Built-In Bars
Built-in bars aren’t possible for everyone, but if you have the space and budget, a bar like this allows you to serve your guests like a pro.
This gorgeous built-in living room bar nook offers just about everything you’d need in a bar space, including a wine cooler and plenty of storage.
via DecorPad
This stylish kitchen bar comes with retractable doors to close off the space when it’s not in use.
Cyndy designed her lovely built-in bar so it’s narrow enough not to eat up much space in her dining room but still holds everything she needs. Get her plans here.
This stunning butler’s pantry bar offers tons of storage, with glass-front cabinets that take advantage of the height of the room.
via Home Bunch
With plenty of counter space, this minibar nook can serve as a great drink and hors d’oeuvre serving station.
via Elle Decor
In this kitchen bar, pullout drawers were custom built in the bottom cabinets to keep all the liquor bottles in easy reach.
via Home Bunch
Floating shelves and a stone backsplash combine in this bar that doesn’t take up much space but features lots of style.
via RenoGuide
Easy-to-install wall shelves and a metal table make this bar feel open, modern, and very functional.
via Amy Meier Design
Converted Bars
If you don’t have space to construct a built-in bar in your home, you might be able to convert a closet into a fantastic bar area instead.
You’d never suspect this great-looking wet bar was once a closet!
via Home Bunch
This closet-turned-bar is just gorgeous. I’d never close the doors!
via Sutro Architects
Standalone Bars
Standalone bar cabinets offer more versatile home bar options and come in many styles, sizes, and colors. Here are a few great options.
The Victuals Bar Cabinet by Russell Pinch for Crate and Barrel holds everything you’d need for a bar in a very neat and stylish package.
via The Kitchn
The Clive Bar Cabinet from Crate and Barrel marries rustic wood with modern metal. Its height allows for a good amount of storage, too.
via Crate & Barrel
Armoires can be used so house so many things—clothes, televisions and entertainment equipment, and even bars!
via Biltmore
For a smaller standalone bar, the Marin Natural Bar Cabinet from Crate and Barrel gives you lots of storage space in a compact design.
via Crate & Barrel
Bar Carts
Bar carts are ideal if you don’t have much space for your bar. Plus, they come in so many different styles, you’re sure to find one you love.
To make your bar cart look pretty, tuck in some flowers, touches of sparkle, and fun accessories like paper straws.
You’ll be proud to serve your guests from this gorgeous gold and wood bar cart.
via Target
This modern black bar cart offers lots of room for drinks, glassware, and more.
via Crate & Barrel
A well-organized bar cart can hold everything you need to make and serve drinks wherever you are.
via Elizabeth Home Decor and Design
This brass bar cart holds some bar essentials and also blends beautifully into the room’s décor.
via Dust Jacket
This silver bar cart is gorgeous and well stocked. (Check out this post for 15 essentials you need to stock your own bar cart.)
Tray Bars
Your bar needn’t take up a lot of room. You can collect everything you need in your favorite large tray.
Set on a buffet, this tray bar is close by for quick and easy mixing and serving.
via New England Home
This hexagonal wooden tray holds your bar essentials—and looks gorgeous doing it!
via Grey and Scout
Large champagne buckets and wine chillers are a great way to create a bar anywhere in your home.
via Hunted Interior
Cyndy pulled together some beautiful champagne buckets here that are perfect for the holidays!
Home bars come in a range of styles and sizes, from custom built-ins to more compact and portable options, as these inspiring bars and bar carts show. What’s important is to have something that works for you and makes it easy for you to mix and serve your guests and yourself. Cheers!
Thanks for stopping by!
Christy
Alisha says
Beautiful ideas! Thanks for sharing.