A home bar is a perfect place to have some fun with decorating.
Just because you have a basic bar set-up and can make a drink doesn't mean you have a bar. This is the one place in the house where it's okay to be over-the-top with your decorating. The bar room can have the look of a fraternity keg party or it can be an elegant wine-tasting room. It's where you can make a statement and have some fun.
Basics
You'll need some basic tools to get your bar up and running.
You'll need some basic tools to get your bar up and running. A set of essential tools costs about $80 (as of 2010) and contains the following: beverage napkins, cocktail straws, plastic liquor bottle pours, one double jigger, a cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer, bar mat, condiment tray, corkscrew and one-qt. juice containers.
Themes
Make the bar part of a game room for family entertaining.
Your bar should be a reflection of who you are and what you like. The most popular themes are an Irish/English pub, game room, biker bar, cigar bar, country bar/saloon, sports bar or a tiki cantina, but feel free to create your own look. Have a vision and make it happen.
Considerations
Ask yourself how much time you will be spending in the room and if the room will have other uses. If the bar is part of a family game room, consider adding a jukebox or candy dispenser to the decor. If the room's alternate purpose is a spare bedroom, set the room up as a lounge and install a leather couch with a hideaway bed.
Accessories
Bar stools come in many shapes and types.
Once the bar is stocked and you've settled on a theme, it's time to accessorize! Your finishing touches should include bar stools. If the bar is a standard 42-inch bar height, you'll need 30-inch stools. There are three basic kinds of stools: wooden, designer metal for a sleek, contemporary look and standard metal. Any of these choices will come in backless, half back- or full-back styles. They can be ordered in a wide variety of finishes from leather to fabric. Costs vary widely. Add some bar signs that complement your chosen theme and go from there. For instance, if you've decided to pay homage to your favorite sports team, your choice of signage should be posters of the team and perhaps a neon sign showing your favorite beer's logo. Add an autographed ball, sports jersey under glass and other paraphernalia that show your team's colors.
Outdoor Entertaining
Add tiki torches to your patio for a summer party.
Don't stop with an indoor bar. During pleasant weather, you can take the bar outside for poolside entertaining or easy deck living. You'll need a portable bar, a grill, ceramic mugs and glasses for safety reasons, serving trays and some games. For summer parties or family fun, outdoor entertaining increases your home's floor space and adds to your enjoyment.
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