What You Absolutely Need To Know Before Finding The Best Placement For Your Home Bar

A showpiece bar is an often dreamed about home highlight that can truly elevate any kitchen or entertaining space. Whether you are crafting a nook to be carved out of an existing space or noodling about how to incorporate a swanky bar into a larger remodel, there are some extremely practical details that should factor into your choice of space. In addition to envisioning how the bar will function, considerations like nearby access to water and electrical outlets should anchor your overall plan.

Water availability will directly dictate whether you install a dry or wet bar with the potential for a statement sink or even a fancy under cabinet ice maker that makes "good" party ice and lets you ditch your favorite countertop ice maker (or at least bequeath it to a friend). Adjacent electricity is just as important to frame not only lighting choices but also the ability to plug in bar-related appliances, like a blender or fancy at-home coffee bar set-up.

Once you have identified a suitable area for your soon-to-be entertaining focal point, think through how you are going to use the space. Is there enough room for this to be a functional bar you can walk behind to prep cocktails for your eager friends? Or is this a home bar on a budget where you'd like to beautifully display your well-stocked range of affordable liquors? Under cabinet storage needs or the ability to accommodate a wine or beverage fridge may also influence your bar placement decisions (or even expand its original footprint).

By envisioning the finished space, you can craft a bar down to the finest detail, like making sure there is a slim drawer under the countertop to house bartending tools or, if you are getting uber fancy, a sink with a built-in glass washer, which is sure to make you the envy of everyone who visits. Finally, ceiling height is another important factor to consider since it directly correlates to a bar's overall feel (cozy hidden speakeasy vibes or grand statement bar?) and dictate the amount of potential space for storage and display needs, as well as influencing your lighting choices. And don't forget about under cabinet lighting, which immediately makes any bar feel more special.