No matter how much space you have, it is absolutely a good idea to set up a bar in your home apartment. Not only will this instantly spruce up your home, but you will always be party-ready whether it is for your family, friends, colleagues, and even for those party-in-your-head days whenever you feel stressed out. Here are the coolest apartment bar ideas you can definitely do yourself being the urbanite you are!
A number of people think that a home bar is only for huge houses. But with some clever ideas, you can have your very own mini bar even in the tiniest living spaces. You really don’t need a sink, stools, or even a bar top. What you do need are a few spirits, the right tools, and some everyday things.
#1 Use a Shelf
Take off a few books and use that emptied shelf in your very own bookcase for a shaker, bottles, and some tools. Designer Leanne Ford says, “You do not need to have an actual ‘bar’ in your place, just get creative.” By this, she means saving a bit of room on a shelf so you can let the bottles mix in with your trove of books. Such a space is both convenient and compact, and will always feel like a pleasant surprise.
#2 Style a Cart
Today, a bar cart is sort of like a requirement for modern living. Having a bar cart allows you to display your finest bottles. What’s great about a cart is it can double as a side table so you can add a lamp and tuck it next to your living room sofa. Since the living room is one of the most active spaces in your apartment, it is a good idea to set up the bar there. As designer Gretchen Brown says, “It makes sense to fit the bar near the traffic pattern of the party.”
#3 Work up a Tray
From a countertop to a desk and console, a tray can be turned into a minibar anytime. What you want to be particular with is to pick the right tray that speaks of your personality. If you want something classic and silver, leather handles, faux marble, decorative paper, chalkboard paint, or something perky and colorful, the choice is yours. A simple tray is the tiniest solution who say they have no space at all.
#4 Be Classy and Discreet with a “Party Wall”
“Now you see it, now you don’t.” – this is the essence of the space-saving party wall. Architect Michael K. Chen came up with this cool idea where, by day, everything visible in your home is a sleek streak of lacquered drawers and cabinets. By night, however, the architect says, “the panels open to reveal a full bar with integral refrigeration and tap.” It also has some storage with built-in LED lighting.
#5 Pick a Corner
Yes, literally, a corner. Squeeze in a mini bar within an empty and tight corner. You can definitely use some wall-mounted cabinets and open shelves for this. You can even use a small dresser as a mixing station. Of course, design is everything. Once you’ve picked the perfect spot, make it look glamorous with designer Robin Baron’s advice: “Even a wet bar needs accessorizing. Textured walls along a sculptural and lit art installation create a great backdrop. Throw in a few key accessories that feel like they organically belong there, like decorative glasses and decanters, and you set the stage for fabulous entertaining.”
Now that you have settled on where you’re going to set up your mini-bar, it is time to stock up on the essentials. When it comes to home bars, the general rule is to pick what you actually enjoy quaffing. The Spruce Eats says that it is best to have the six types of distilled spirits, namely, brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey. It these six base spirits that make up the majority of liqueurs and cocktails. Each of the six has their own distinct styles and tastes. Other things to have are mixers. The basic mixers are club soda, cola, Sprite or 7-Up, ginger ale, fruit juices, and tonic water.
As to glassware and other accouterments, you would need to have martini glasses, rocks glasses, red and white wine glasses, highball glasses or tall glasses, beer mugs, pint glasses, a martini shaker and strainer, toothpicks for garnishes, napkins, and a trusty Mixologist recipe book. According to Art of Manliness, some really good mixologist books are the “Professional Mixing Guide Cocktail Recipe Book” (1947), “Vintage Spirits and “Forgotten Cocktails.” And of course, to top off your list of very cool apartment bar ideas, curate some cocktail lounge sipping music. Be sure to include Sinatra and the other swoony crooners!