Just make sure you keep the liquor flowing, and you’ve got yourself a winning home bar. Check out our modern home bar ideas to get started.
The nice thing about bar stools is that you can paint them whatever color you want.
1. Backless Barstools
What’s a bar without barstools? Put a twist on the classic bar seating by choosing the sleek, backless variety. It’s cool and unexpected—yep, just like that special-occasion dress you’re thinking about. Just make sure you don’t crowd the space with too many stools. The pros recommend leaving 26-30 inches per stool, meaning a 10-ft bar has room for four barstools.
2. Floating Shelves
Yes, floating shelves are everywhere lately. So get used to it—they’re not going away anytime soon. Stripped of hardware and bulky brackets, floating shelves are the perfect way to display your most beautiful glasses, wine bottles, shakers, and more. Choose acrylic or metal shelves if you really want your floating shelves to stand out.
3. Stainless Steel Mini Fridge
Come on—nobody wants to schlep over to the kitchen to bring out the chilled drinks or fresh ice. Keep it all within arm’s reach by installing a mini-fridge in
your home bar. But don’t go with one of those unappealing black or white bricks. Make it sleek by choosing a stainless steel or glass-front fridge.
This reliable Page Bar Cabinet will mix well with your cherished bar setup, and it's available in walnut and an elegant smoky oak.
4. Credenza
Don’t have all the storage you need? A chic credenza is a brilliant home bar decor idea for those who are short on space. Shop for a dark wood tone to match a mid-century home bar, or choose light, unstained wood for a Scandinavian look. Another perk: If you end up remodeling or moving, you can find a new place for your multi-purpose credenza.
5. Chalkboard Wall
Show off what’s on tap by writing the menu on your chalkboard wall—a trendy and charming addition to any modern bar. You can even get your guests involved by having them scribble goofy drawings or answer silly questions while mixing and mingling. Or list off your appetizer menu to avoid answering those “What’s in this?” questions a hundred times a night.
An upright High Bar Cabinet in sultry mahogany can be a stylish way to give your home bar additional storage.
6. Statement Light Fixtures
The best modern home bars set the mood with statement light fixtures. We’re talking sculptural, geometric, eye-catching fixtures that are a true work of art. Go ultra-modern with a Sputnik light, create an ethereal aesthetic with a bubble chandelier, or bring on the beach vibes with a seashell chandelier or rattan pendant light.
7. Marble Countertops
Every House Hunter on HGTV has been ogling over granite countertops for a decade. But guess what? The times, they are a-changin’. Marble is today’s coveted choice for countertops. Sure, it may show signs of wear over time, but that’s what we like to call patina. Embrace it, baby! Create a chic home bar with marble countertops for your cabinetry or island.
8. Geometric Wallpaper
Ready to make a big impact with a minimal amount of effort? A little printed wallpaper goes a long way to make a statement. Geometric patterns are the perfect choice for a modern home bar, creating a strong design aesthetic even if it’s only installed on a small portion of the wall. Choose from abstract doodles, herringbone pattern, hexagon shapes, or zig-zag lines.
Furnish your bar area with vintage prints, art from friends and family, and maps from your favorite trips.
9. Unique Art
Sure, you deck the mantel or the hallway with interesting art—but what about the home bar? You may not think to add paintings or photography to this space, yet doing so will really make the bar feel uniquely yours. Install a gallery wall above your bar cart, or make an impact with a massive landscape painting.
A discrete floating bar is always useful, plus it has a neat space to show off your favorite antiques and books.
10. Floating Bottle Storage
So you’ve got quite the wine collection, and you’re looking for a unique way to store it. A floating storage system is ideal for creating a clutter-free, stylish design your guests will “ooh” and “ahh” over—guaranteed. Floating wine bottle storage racks come in all types of interesting patterns. Browse the internet and get inspired!
11. Pull-Out Drawers
By now, you’ve probably gathered that the modern home bar is all about streamlined and minimalist design. Yet, you do need to be practical. This is where pull-out drawers come in. Maximize space and keep it all out of view by installing pull-out cabinetry—the perfect place to tuck away shakers, glasses, and more.
12. Concrete Accents
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate industrial elements in your home bar, concrete is the way to go. It’s affordable and adds unexpected texture to any space. Opt for stained concrete flooring, concrete countertops, or even a concrete backsplash. Just make sure to balance the industrial look with warm, colorful rugs and accessories.
Your home bar area can be a great place to enjoy your favorite plants, day and night.
13. Touches of Greenery
Plant mommas, rejoice! Even your home bar can use a touch of greenery, so hit the nursery and choose some new succulents or fiddle-leaf figs to complete the look. If you’re not exactly a green thumb, don’t worry. There is plenty of greenery even the novice can keep alive, like snake plants, ZZ, and rubber plants.
14. Panel Wall Storage
When you want a storage solution that takes care of all your home bar bits and bobs, panel wall storage is the best choice. Panel storage allows you to customize the wall to suit your needs, whether you’re storing wine bottles, liquors, muddlers, or other bar accessories. Add hooks and bins to create the perfect storage solution for your home.
15. Sleek Sofa
Yes, barstools are the obvious seating solution for a home bar. But when you really want to make things modern, a lot of rules go out the window. Why not throw a sofa in the mix? It’s comfy, cozy, and will sit there just begging your guests to stay a little longer. Shop for a sofa that fits the design of your space, whether it’s a neutral chaise lounge or a brightly colored loveseat.
Shop RST Brands for Modern Bar Furniture
You have tons of great modern home bar ideas—now put them into action! Check out our tips on setting up a basement bar, then shop our line of high-quality cabinets and indoor furniture to deck out your bar.
