Good Times: 30 Home Bars to Put You in a Good Mood
Slake your thirst for a bar at home with these inspiring spaces from industrial to debonair, and classic to coastal
Julia Fairley
26 April 2018
Chief Sub-Editor and Writer, Houzz Australia and New Zealand. I love design and architecture that is thoughtful, sophisticated and champions an element of the unexpected. Before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts at UNSW and becoming a journalist, I studied interior architecture. For over a decade I have interviewed inspiring creative minds from around the world to write about design in its many different forms. Recently, I have also become an accidental gardener, to everyone's surprise.
Chief Sub-Editor and Writer, Houzz Australia and New Zealand. I love design and architecture... More
If you’re thirsty to incorporate a bar into your dream home, we can’t promise these images will quench that craving. In fact, quite the opposite. But if you’re keen to raise your glass to some inspirational spaces where the acts of eating, drinking and being merry have been elevated in the domestic ranks to a status where they’re worthy of their own nook or room, then grab your favourite beverage, sit back and enjoy.
1. Location: Avalon, NSW
Why we love it
Clean and crisp, this cocktail bar and wine storage area juxtaposes strong black accents with a background of airy lightness, creating the perfect balance.
Why we love it
Clean and crisp, this cocktail bar and wine storage area juxtaposes strong black accents with a background of airy lightness, creating the perfect balance.
2. Location: Charlotte, USA
Why we love it
The details of this home bar – from the hint of gold trim on the cupboard facings to the wall-mounted floating glass shelves – infuse it with Hollywood glamour.
Why we love it
The details of this home bar – from the hint of gold trim on the cupboard facings to the wall-mounted floating glass shelves – infuse it with Hollywood glamour.
3. Location: London, UK
Why we love it
This basement bar takes drinks at home to the next level by injecting the residence with a dose of commercial design.
Browse through images of bars
Why we love it
This basement bar takes drinks at home to the next level by injecting the residence with a dose of commercial design.
Browse through images of bars
4. Location: Detroit, USA
Why we love it
Drama is the drink de jour in this home bar, with its dark, moody joinery and statement pendant lights.
Why we love it
Drama is the drink de jour in this home bar, with its dark, moody joinery and statement pendant lights.
5. Location: Brighton, Victoria
Why we love it
With the gold antique-style painting frame bordering the liquor cabinet, this home bar has a vintage flavour with a contemporary twist.
Why we love it
With the gold antique-style painting frame bordering the liquor cabinet, this home bar has a vintage flavour with a contemporary twist.
6. Location: Dorset, UK
Why we love it
The aptly named ‘Party Barn’ in this country house looks equally at home hosting large, riotous shindigs and intimate, eclectic gatherings.
Check out these popular ideas for home bars
Why we love it
The aptly named ‘Party Barn’ in this country house looks equally at home hosting large, riotous shindigs and intimate, eclectic gatherings.
Check out these popular ideas for home bars
7. Location: Las Vegas, USA
Why we love it
With its industrial design, this home bar is redolent of the ultimate bachelor’s pad and sits comfortably within the greater context of Las Vegas’ themed architecture.
Why we love it
With its industrial design, this home bar is redolent of the ultimate bachelor’s pad and sits comfortably within the greater context of Las Vegas’ themed architecture.
8. Location: Sydney, NSW
Why we love it
The discreet home bar slotted neatly into this monochrome apartment channels the timelessness of black and white to achieve a fearless finish.
Why we love it
The discreet home bar slotted neatly into this monochrome apartment channels the timelessness of black and white to achieve a fearless finish.
9. Location: South Carolina, USA
Why we love it
Look closely at the subtle curves of these brass shelves – their gentle, sweeping shape balances the strong linearity of the space. And art in a home bar? Why not?
Why we love it
Look closely at the subtle curves of these brass shelves – their gentle, sweeping shape balances the strong linearity of the space. And art in a home bar? Why not?
10. Location: Atlanta, USA
Why we love it
There’s something seriously eye-catching about how this wine room’s dark, inky joinery in the cupboards and double wine fridge juxtapose the glittering glass mosaics and pendant light.
These bar cabinets ring in the good time
Why we love it
There’s something seriously eye-catching about how this wine room’s dark, inky joinery in the cupboards and double wine fridge juxtapose the glittering glass mosaics and pendant light.
These bar cabinets ring in the good time
11. Location: Miami, USA
Why we love it
No surface has been left unconsidered in this handsome home bar, with even the ceiling receiving some special treatment in the form of acoustic-friendly timber battens.
Why we love it
No surface has been left unconsidered in this handsome home bar, with even the ceiling receiving some special treatment in the form of acoustic-friendly timber battens.
12. Location: Toronto, Canada
Why we love it
Sleek, but not sterile. Clean, but not common. The design of this mirrored bar pays homage to geometric graphics in both subtle and statement ways.
Why we love it
Sleek, but not sterile. Clean, but not common. The design of this mirrored bar pays homage to geometric graphics in both subtle and statement ways.
13. Location: London, UK
Why we love it
Dashing, debonaire and utterly dazzling, this classic home bar calls for the classiest of canapés and cocktails to be served.
Why we love it
Dashing, debonaire and utterly dazzling, this classic home bar calls for the classiest of canapés and cocktails to be served.
14. Location: Sydney, NSW
Why we love it
This cellar and wine bar is the ultimate underground hideaway, a perfect place for secrets to be spilled and good wine to be shared with old friends.
Why we love it
This cellar and wine bar is the ultimate underground hideaway, a perfect place for secrets to be spilled and good wine to be shared with old friends.
15. Location: Ottawa, Canada
Why we love it
When the need for time out coincides with wine o’clock, we have no doubt which room the owners of this home gravitate to.
Why we love it
When the need for time out coincides with wine o’clock, we have no doubt which room the owners of this home gravitate to.
16. Location: London, UK
Why we love it
When closed, this cupboard attracts little attention, but when opened, the gold-leaf drinks cabinet is full of surprises…
Why we love it
When closed, this cupboard attracts little attention, but when opened, the gold-leaf drinks cabinet is full of surprises…
17. Location: Concord, Sydney
Why we love it
Now you see it, now you don’t. This concealed cocktail bar is cleverly kitted out with all the essentials for a big night in, or can be hidden from sight on quieter evenings.
Why we love it
Now you see it, now you don’t. This concealed cocktail bar is cleverly kitted out with all the essentials for a big night in, or can be hidden from sight on quieter evenings.
18. Location: San Francisco, USA
Why we love it
The timeless style of this home bar proves you don’t always need to bring out the bells and whistles to design a sophisticated space.
Why we love it
The timeless style of this home bar proves you don’t always need to bring out the bells and whistles to design a sophisticated space.
19. Location: Kent, UK
Why we love it
Playful pinks perk up this hidden wine bar’s sombre colour palette, transforming the room into a zesty mix of old-world charm and contemporary fun.
Why we love it
Playful pinks perk up this hidden wine bar’s sombre colour palette, transforming the room into a zesty mix of old-world charm and contemporary fun.
20. Location: Dublin, Ireland
Why we love it
What looks like a humble cupboard brings an element of surprise when you open it to reveal a concealed bar lined with metallic wall tiles.
Why we love it
What looks like a humble cupboard brings an element of surprise when you open it to reveal a concealed bar lined with metallic wall tiles.
21. Location: Phoenix, USA
Why we love it
Because tickling the ivories with good friends and good spirits never fails to entertain.
Take a look at bar designs that are perfect for the cocktail hour
Why we love it
Because tickling the ivories with good friends and good spirits never fails to entertain.
Take a look at bar designs that are perfect for the cocktail hour
22. Location: Los Angeles, USA
Why we love it
The gentlemen who hunger for a dedicated man cave might thirst for one as well, after feasting their eyes on this pool room and home bar.
Why we love it
The gentlemen who hunger for a dedicated man cave might thirst for one as well, after feasting their eyes on this pool room and home bar.
23. Location: Austin, USA
Why we love it
This glittering bar tucked beneath the staircase proves you don’t always need vast tracts of space to incorporate a bar into your home.
Why we love it
This glittering bar tucked beneath the staircase proves you don’t always need vast tracts of space to incorporate a bar into your home.
24. Location: Surrey, UK
Why we love it
This home bar’s a keeper, literally. One of the great appeals of bar carts is that they’re portable, so you can take them with you if you move. This makes these classy classics ideal for renters.
Why we love it
This home bar’s a keeper, literally. One of the great appeals of bar carts is that they’re portable, so you can take them with you if you move. This makes these classy classics ideal for renters.
25. Location: North Coogee, WA
Why we love it
Half indoors, half out, this breezy patio comes fully equipped with a wine fridge and bar to enjoy those balmy summer evenings, alfresco-style.
Why we love it
Half indoors, half out, this breezy patio comes fully equipped with a wine fridge and bar to enjoy those balmy summer evenings, alfresco-style.
26. Location: Fitzroy North, Victoria
Why we love it
When you discover that your chimney is structurally unstable mid-way through building a rooftop terrace, what do you do? Build a bar to brace it, of course.
Why we love it
When you discover that your chimney is structurally unstable mid-way through building a rooftop terrace, what do you do? Build a bar to brace it, of course.
27. Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Why we love it
This outdoor home bar invites you to grab a drink, pull up a seat and watch the fire flicker as the sun sets.
Why we love it
This outdoor home bar invites you to grab a drink, pull up a seat and watch the fire flicker as the sun sets.
28. Location: Tampa, USA
Why we love it
The playful swings at this pool-side bar will have even the most devoted mocktail enthusiast swaying.
Why we love it
The playful swings at this pool-side bar will have even the most devoted mocktail enthusiast swaying.
29. Location: New York, USA
Why we love it
This casual bar is the ultimate beach-side hangout, where strict dress codes and high heels make way for swimmers and sandy feet.
Learn how to choose the perfect kitchen and bar stools
Why we love it
This casual bar is the ultimate beach-side hangout, where strict dress codes and high heels make way for swimmers and sandy feet.
Learn how to choose the perfect kitchen and bar stools
30. Location: New York, USA
Why we love it
Mojitos, anyone? There’s something about the fresh air, sunshine and tropical vibe of a cabana that forces one to relax. We’ll drink to that!
Read more:
11 Most Popular Home Bar Designs on Houzz India
Tell us:
Which home bar would you like to be sitting at right now? Tell us your favourites in the Comments below.
Why we love it
Mojitos, anyone? There’s something about the fresh air, sunshine and tropical vibe of a cabana that forces one to relax. We’ll drink to that!
Read more:
11 Most Popular Home Bar Designs on Houzz India
Tell us:
Which home bar would you like to be sitting at right now? Tell us your favourites in the Comments below.
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Clever door! Don't think I would want anything quite so rustic but in that context its fab!
I heart the home bar! Loved 3 mostly because it has the Tina picture and that's what I had in my previous bar (I just have a bar cart now but that's ok). The other winners for me were 23 under the stairs and all those hidden closet bars - fantastic idea.
We all need a place to put the drinks and glasses - so what else can you call it other than a Bar, so lets not pretend otherwise