There’s no better place to make a toast to your new home construction than your very own custom home bar setup. From unique backsplash designs to stunning display cases for your favorite spirits and aged wine, the possibilities are endless. With a little exploration, you can find plenty of inspiration for creating a home bar that suits your fancy!
New homeowners can start thinking about their space throughout the design process and discuss ideas with their builder. Sometimes, it may be just a small matter of ordering a few extra materials or building a freestanding kitchen island. Be sure to bring up any potential alterations to the building plans as soon as possible so your builder can adjust the construction schedule and supply orders as needed.
Whether you have an outdoor patio bar or a designated corner of the kitchen, there are many ways to dress it up for a classy cocktail hour. Here are 22 custom home bar ideas from TikTok to consider for your dream home.
Lumber Backdrop
Vertical boards can make a small space seem taller while offering understated modern elegance. This lovely lumber backdrop displayed by creator @renecarb.ajal09 features a geometric perspective with a pattern of diagonal lines poised in front of the bar. Floating shelves add variety and texture to the design. Various widths of boards and different shades of wood stain can add a unique and flavorful touch.
Pull-out Storage
In modern and mid-century design trends, the minimalist look is in. To achieve this look, creator @gravellanedesign utilizes pull-out storage to neatly stow away bottles and mixers. A rolling drawer or hidden cabinet offers the perfect place to maintain your collection without cluttering the countertop.
Industrial Barndominium
For homeowners interested in a certain industrial theme, these repurposed metal crates form a unique shelving system that looks edgy and modern. Creator @shelleycanhelp seamlessly blends a vintage locker concept with an open-air vibe in designing this home bar inside a barndominium.
Wine Storage Under the Stairs
Homeowners who want to showcase vintage or rare wines as part of their decor might be interested in a wine cellar under the stairs similar to the one creator @alexanicolecollins has on display. A sleek glass wall and frameless door create a bright and open space that may also be temperature controlled for optimal storage conditions.
Hexagon Bar
In recent years, hexagons have reigned as one of the most popular design shapes among Millennial designs and minimalist decor. Creator @cwhatsheeats incorporates geometric shelving to make a unique hexagon bar that is both modern and trendy. Add mirrors to the back of several shapes to reflect light and open up the space.
Patio Bar and Fire Pit
Creator @steveb805 embraces the feeling of a warm summer breeze and cool nights by the campfire with a full-size luxury outdoor bar. This patio bar with a fire pit can be enjoyed year-round for parties, family gatherings, and simple cozy evenings under the stars. Customize the interior with a television to watch the big game or add a fridge to keep outdoor snacks for the kids to enjoy.
Bright White Marble
A true vision, these all-white marble countertops and matching custom cabinetry from creator @thewoodworkwarrior are stunning. This sleek classic look is as timeless as it is breathtaking. Choose from porcelain or marble counters with tall white custom cabinetry to liven up your space and open new possibilities.
Lighting Under Bar Counter
For a subtle accent that is sure to please any guests, try installing soft yellow lighting under bar tops. Creator @pyramidtops takes home bar finishes to a whole new level with white barstools that give the bar lighting extra shine for a dazzling effect.
Beverage Cooler
For any at-home bar area, the beverage cooler is a must-have. Creator @dagalaxymarble chose a beverage cooler with a sleek modern exterior to fit the custom-built shelving display. Your builder can take the dimensions of your selected beverage cooler and incorporate them as part of your home’s distinct design.
Backlit Countertops
Creator @pyramidtops’ inspo for custom home bar construction includes the hottest concept of the summer: backlit countertops. Builders may be able to install multi-color lights beneath the counter to create a vibrant and colorful effect that will make your guests feel like they are out on the town, enjoying a fresh cocktail at the trendiest spot in the city.
Large Mirror to Reflect Light
Especially in small spaces, the home bar may feel like an extra built-in that makes the space feel smaller. Creator @lizluxehome has a solution. By installing a large mirror to reflect light, the home bar can open up space and make the room feel larger and brighter.
For book lovers and history buffs, a secret bar behind a bookshelf or trick door similar to prohibition-era construction is a neat addition. Creator @theblindpigbasementpub set up a clever secret hideaway by building a trick door to a hidden speakeasy. Imagine what fun it would be to decorate a novelty secret room to fit a roaring 1920s theme or a secret library.
Pop of Cabinet Color
An adorable way to distinguish your home bar setup from your kitchen cabinetry is by using a pop of color. Creator @mcguirekitchenbath brightens up the neutral bar with a bold color choice in the rich, dark Hale Navy. Do some research to find out which colors you like the best, then consult with your custom home design team to find the best color for your space.
Modern Lighting with Matching Accents
A lovely finishing touch for any home bar is the incorporation of dazzling accents that draw the room together. Creator @thedesigngay uses a stunning modern light fixture to center the bar area over the island, then leans into the matching barware to sprinkle in some gorgeous golden accents.
Wine Cork Wall
Collecting wine corks, a trend of growing popularity among younger generations may actually turn into a unique upcycle opportunity for your new custom home. Creator @hjakubic features a wine cork wall that brings an eclectic texture with neutral colors to the home bar accent wall. This would obviously take many wine corks, so ordering unused decorative corks is an easy and cheap way to obtain the necessary materials.
Reef Tank Backdrop
Custom beach property homes or vacation stays on the waterfront may call for a nautical theme in designing the wet bar. Creator @dukecj01 shows how a 500-gallon reef tank backdrop makes a real splash in the area of entertainment and relaxation. The tank is a beautiful centerpiece to a lovely built-in bar for any new custom home.
Full Backyard Bar
Homeowners can look forward to many peaceful summer nights sitting outside in this standalone full backyard bar featured by creator @thatbarguy1. The swings are perfect for enjoying a gentle outdoor breeze while watching the game on a flat-screen television behind the bar. Everything that you could need is right at your fingertips.
As a bonus, these small outdoor bars may be modified to fit your home construction and roll away when not in use. Creator @socialjunkiehome models a fold-away backyard bar that is made to slide into the shed during snowy or hot seasons.
Liquid and Beverage Dispenser
When constructing your bar tops, homeowners might consider asking their builder to install a built-in liquid and beverage dispenser. Creator @profitkitchens highlights the benefits of a neat dispenser for any liquids to make mixology an easier process while entertaining guests.
Homeowners might want to store their bar area away to minimize clutter when not in use. Creator @herringbonekitchens models an adorable hidden mini bar with sliding doors to enclose a perfectly sized cabinet that is built for a home bar setup.
Floating Shelves
A large, empty backdrop is primed for unique storage opportunities. Creator @arete.renovators features floating shelves with a thick width and crisp edges to showcase the homeowner’s bar collection. These shelves may be arranged to create an illusion of higher ceilings, making the room seem larger.
Sliding Glass Doors
Homeowners with a fine glassware or crystal bar collection may choose to keep their fragile items behind glass doors and away from children, animals, and anything that could potentially cause breakage. Creator @mikemroz706 models sliding glass doors in front of the home bar area to make the bar part of the home aesthetic, while also separating it from the larger living space.
Bar Under the Stairs
A basement bar under the stairs is the perfect way to utilize an often-overlooked space in your home. Creator @slscreations.eg proposes new opportunities for this space by developing a bar under the stairs that is perfect for a beverage station. Set it up next to your home theater or game room for the ultimate entertainment pad.
Sip, Sip, Hooray!
These are only a few ideas to get you started. Mix and match different concepts to find your favorite style. When all is finished, you’ll be ready to pop open the bubbly and celebrate in your new dream home!
Melanie Theriault is a writer, counselor, and lifelong learner. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Southwestern University, where she discovered her passion for fostering human connection through storytelling.