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1. Decide the location
The first thing to keep in mind is the position and size of the bar.

• For spacious homes and bungalows, you can dedicate a spare room for the home bar.
• In a compact or medium-sized home, it is advisable to integrate the home bar with the living or dining room. In this example, just see how the bar counter is set at an angle against the window area so that it can form a dedicated space for entertainment in an open-plan home.
• If there is a space crunch, go for a wall-mounted bar, a built-in bar or dedicate a cabinet as a home bar that can open up when required.
• You can also opt for a portable bar cart or trolley which can be used as a home bar as and when required.
• Depending on the availability of space, determine the size and shape of the home bar set up. There are many options to choose from – choose between an L-shaped, U-shaped, straight or curved bar counter.

2. Incorporate lighting
The home bar lighting not only needs to impart the wow factor, but it should create a soothing ambience.

• Create a layered lighting scheme where the first layer can be achieved with cabinet lighting or under-cabinet lighting. Use pendant lights for the second layer and the ambient lighting of the entire space forms the third layer of lighting.
• Make it a point to go for dim lighting or diffused lighting in the home bar as it infuses depth. In this example, diffused lighting is used to create a stunning backdrop that highlights the bar glassware and the liquor bottles.
• You can also beautify the home bar with bracket lights.

3. Add seating
You can introduce bar stools if a standalone bar counter functions as the home bar, like in the image above.

• Bar stools are available in variants such as the backless stool. high armchair and revolving swivel chair. Choose between leather and fabric upholstery.
• It is advisable to leave at least 6 inches of space between two bar stools if the seat is approximately 18 inches wide and 10 inches of space if the bar seat is larger in size.

• Note that bar seating cannot be incorporated with built-in home bars or a compact wall-mounted bar, especially if there is a space crunch.

4. Make provision for storage
Storage forms one of the key components of the home bar. However, make sure to store your liquor bottles at room temperature. Also, the bottles should be kept away from direct sunlight.

• Create a showcase for displaying your bottles and barware or go for a combination of open and closed storage.
• Consider glass cabinets as they enable clear views of all the contents inside the cabinets. Install a mirror backing like in this example to create an illusion of a larger space.
• Bar refrigerators can be a great investment as they can be used for chilling and storing cans and bottles.
• Install glass hanging racks for the display of wine bottles, glassware and drinks.

5. Choose the materials
The design of the home bar should blend with the overall aesthetics of the living room.

• Give a plush look to the bar counter with the use of premium materials such as Italian marble, engineered quartz, backlit onyx or solid surface. If there is a budget constraint then go for Indian granite or a wooden countertop. Use natural stone or patterned tiles on the backsplash to create a beautiful contrast.
• For a sleek minimalist look, go for metal finishes. Infuse a vintage charm with the use of wood veneers or use laminates that simulate the look of natural wood. In this example, a sleek countertop projects from the wall and combines with light wood tones to infuse visual lightness into the space.
• If you are creating an outdoor bar within your balcony then go for materials that are resistant to the external weather elements.

6. Decide between a wet bar or dry bar
The main difference between a wet bar and a dry bar is that a wet bar incorporates a fully functional sink to rinse your glasses while a dry bar does not have a sink.

• Go for tall faucets so that it is convenient to wash tall wine glasses or wash the blender that is used to make margaritas.

7. Dimensions of home bar

• The ideal height of the bar counter should be 42 inches above the floor level.
• The depth of the home bar should be 24 inches.
• The bar sink should be at least 15 inches in width.
• Most wine refrigerators come with a depth of 2 feet.
• Bar stools come with a height of 30 inches. The overhang of the bar counter on one side should be 12 inches for comfortable seating and to tuck stools underneath .