What do I need to have in a bar?

A basement bar should be an extension of your kitchen, even if they are on separate floors. For this reason, you must avoid having to go up and down every time you prepare a drink or simple snacks. Plan your storage space well, so that you have everything you need at hand, and store it easily after use. Here are some essential items for a basement bar: At least one tray A cocktail shaker A dispenser A mixer An ice bucket A bottle opener (or wall bottle opener) A cutting board A sugar bowl A couple of long spoons A knife set Coasters Napkin holders Glassware (including beer mugs, martini cups, wine glass, juice glass, whisky glass, champagne glass) Bowls and plates for snacks Snack forks A kitchen trash can Appliances: A wine cooler A beverage refrigerator, a mini-fridge, or a refrigerator An ice maker A kegerator and draft beer dispenser A dishwasher You can also have a coffee station with an espresso machine.

What kind of drinks should I have in my basement bar?

This varies according to your personal taste, but here’s a list of the most common beverages you can have in stock: Vodka Whiskey Tequila Brandy Gin Martini Red wine White wine Beer Liqueurs Champagne Soda Juice Don’t forget the salt and lemon!

Where should I store my wine?

The ideal space would be a dedicated wine cellar, with controlled temperature (around 55°F) and humidity. Avoid keeping wine anywhere susceptible to frequent temperature changes, and do not store red wine in refrigerators. There are dual-temperature wine coolers, where you can store white wine and red wine, at different temperatures. After you open a red wine bottle, however, the best place to store it is in the refrigerator, for about 3 to 5 days.

11 Basement Bar Ideas for Your Home Entertainment

A basement bar can be a great place to entertain guests and family, or simply chill out after a long day of work. You don’t need to go through an exhausting remodel process in your entire basement, to have an awesome basement bar.

Whether you have a small space or an unfinished basement, with some bar design tips you will be able to transform the space into your dream man cave, that will soon become your favorite room in the house.

1. Embracing Black in Your Basement Bar Design

Such a sophisticated color for your basement bar. Black furniture looks awesome when contrasting with white finishes and can be complemented by stainless steel countertops or LED lights.

Modern home bar with three tall chairs, dark wood cabinets, a small sink, and warm overhead lighting in a cozy setting — Source: @august_grace_interiors via Instagram

Luxe home interior with a pool table, bar area, round table with chairs, and stairs in warm tones and a cozy ambiance — Source: @sellyourhomewithjoann via Instagram

Modern home bar with a brick wall, sports helmets displayed on shelves, a flat-screen TV, and black bar stools around a U-shaped counter — Source: @titanhomeimprovementsinc via Instagram

Modern home bar with marble countertops, illuminated shelves, and a TV displaying a basketball game. Elegant chairs line the bar — Source: @yulias200 via Instagram

LED lighting can be added to concrete or resin countertops, as well as epoxy, glass, and onyx. Translucid materials look awesome with LED lighting. You can also add LED lights under the countertops, top give some glow to a black island.

2. The Vibrant World of LED Lighting in Contemporary Bar Design

Once again, the vibrant colors of LED lighting take center stage in contemporary design style. Custom design lighting is another option for a contemporary bar.

Modern basement bar with tall chairs, gray cabinets, white countertops, and wooden post staircase with a metal handrail — Source: @briemarie1023 via Instagram

Modern home bar with a curved counter, grey barstools, mosaic backsplash, and spiral staircase to the right — Source: @carriagesignaturehomesyeg via Instagram

The lighting complements unique designs, such as a mirrored wall with shelves for glasses and beverages. The contemporary style explores different textures and clean lines, on a neutral color palette, highlighting grays and shades of white.

3. Creating the Perfect Corner Bar in Your Basement

If you don’t have a large space in your basement or man cave, a corner wet bar with a peninsula and seating is a great solution.

Home bar with three high chairs, stone counter, and wooden cabinets. Soft lighting and carpeted floor add warmth to the setting — Source: @transformedinteriors via Instagram

Install some shelving for glasses and drinks and use the space under the countertop for a mini-fridge or a wine fridge. A built-in corner bar unit with a mini-fridge and shelving is the ideal solution for dry bars.

4. Adding Personality and Entertainment to Your Finished Basement Bar

A finished basement bar is much more than bottles and glasses. Light fixtures, wall decoration, pictures, potted plants, décor pieces, are all elements that reveal your personality and a way to include your personal touch.

Modern kitchen with wood island, bar stools, gray cabinets, and a glass door. Open shelves hold decor. Pendant lights hang above — Source: @d.n.a.designs via Instagram

Modern home bar with leather stools, pendant lights, and a chevron-patterned backsplash featuring shelves that display liquor bottles — Source: @lemonhousekc via Instagram

Modern home bar with gray stools, illuminated purple accents, and shelves stocked with various bottles, an orchid decorates the counter — Source: @ourhome_number1 via Instagram

Modern home bar with a white countertop, yellow bar stools, pendant lights, shelves with bottles, and decorative vases on the counter — Source: @paradisaic_inc via Instagram

Retro-themed basement with a diner-style bar, red stools, vintage decor, and a "Starlight Theatre" sign above a cinema-themed area — Source: @tymhomes via Instagram

Add a gaming area with a pool table, table soccer or a ping pong table, a table for some board games, a dartboard, or even a basketball hoop, they are all guaranteed fun for everyone.

5. Setting the Vibe: Vintage Charm and Custom Decor

A basement bar is a place to chill out, entertain friends and have fun!

Other than the furniture, you can add some décor elements that will define the space. A jukebox machine and a BAR sign with exposed mini bulbs give a vintage vibe to a modern space.

Retro kitchen with orange countertop, wooden bar stools, cabinets, and vintage fridge, tools and clutter on counters and floor — Source: @mydiycraftedhome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a large island, gray cabinets, black bar stools, and pendant lighting — Source: @propertyrehab via Instagram

Home bar with a corrugated metal front, wooden shelves displaying bottles, and two high chairs. Sign reads "Hemingway's Bar — Source: @salisbury_designs via Instagram

Light-up signs, as well as neon signs, can be ordered online and you can customize them by choosing the lettering style, the color, and the message.

6. Elevating Your Basement Bar with Rustic and Industrial Flair

The rustic style is defined by wooden elements and natural fiber objects. Add iron, concrete and washed metal elements for an industrial vibe.

Rustic home bar with brick wall, wooden bar counter, pendant lights, and a mounted TV; shelves hold glasses and bottles — Source: @ap_photography_and_video via Instagram

Cozy living area with brown sofas, patterned armchairs, a round ottoman, and a bar area with high chairs and pendant lights — Source: @transformedinteriors via Instagram

Exposed brick, wood floors, and a lot of woodwork give the rustic decoration a farmhouse feel, along with granite countertops and floating shelves. Cool round bar stools add the final touch to an awesome cave bar.

7. Making the Most of Small Space

The first thing you have to remember is that your basement bar, as small as it might be, has to be well planned so that you have everything you need at hand, without having to go up and down for beverages, glasses or kitchen utensils.

White home bar with wine racks, liquor bottles, and a small fridge. Decor includes pumpkins and a potted plant on the countertop — Source: @autumninmotherhood via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a stone backsplash, hanging lights, and two stools at a white island, gray cabinets and a stainless steel fridge — Source: @jadeandcolehomedesign via Instagram

Cozy indoor patio with wooden cabinets, floral stools, patterned stairs, and potted plants, ceiling fan and bench with cushions — Source: @navmitidesigns via Instagram

Home bar with a variety of liquor bottles on shelves, a small counter with two black barstools, and a popcorn machine — Source: @no11cosyhome via Instagram

Modern home bar with gray stools, stocked shelves of liquor bottles, a TV, and a skylight above, featuring neutral-toned decor and tiled floor — Source: @ourhome_number1 via Instagram

Compact kitchen nook with sink, mini fridge, and wooden cabinets. Two shelves hold a wine bottle, glasses, decor, and a potted plant — Source: @ourrenodiary via Instagram

Home bar with three wooden stools, wall shelves holding glasses and decor, and a sign reading "This is our happy place — Source: @sethearle via Instagram

Whether you have a small wet bar, or a dry bar, there are a few accessories that will compensate for the lack of space. A bar cart is one example; it’s small and very versatile since you can move it around.

A mini kegerator and draft beer dispenser is another great idea if you don’t have room for a built-in mini-fridge. In small basements, do not underestimate the space under the stairs, for a cool basement bar.

8. Rustic Touches for Your Western-Themed Man Cave

Add some accent pieces such as a wooden barrel, reclaimed wood counters, dartboard, and round stools for that wild-west touch.

Mid-century modern home bar with a yellow front, decorated with martini glasses, abstract wall art, and a shelf with decor items — Source: @atomic_pad via Instagram

Home bar with rustic wooden stools, a curved counter, and colorful lighting. Shelves with bottles are visible behind the bar — Source: @hardin_wood_designs via Instagram

Cozy cafe interior with wooden bar, stools, wine bottles on shelves, and a small table with a chalkboard menu; patterned tile floor — Source: @mezemaison via Instagram

9. Creating a Functional Wet Bar in Any Nook

Any convenient nook can be a great place for a wet bar, even if it’s a simple set of cabinets with a countertop, that provides storage.

Modern kitchen with dark wood cabinets, white herringbone tile backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, and a small refrigerator — Source: @decorbyflor via Instagram

Home bar with wooden countertops, wall shelves with glasses, and a mini fridge, a painting and stairs are visible in the background — Source: @edenoaks via Instagram

Modern kitchenette with patterned tile backsplash, floating shelves with decor, under-cabinet lights, wine cooler, and white cabinets — Source: @hilodecorjulie via Instagram

Home bar with wooden cabinets, two beverage coolers, two taps, and shelves displaying bottles and decor against a dark tiled wall — Source: @kchomereport via Instagram

An under-mount fridge complements the space. Dual fridges are also a great option.

10. All-White Basement Bar with Industrial Accents

An all-white bar with stainless still appliances and washed iron light fixtures are a great combination, that makes any space elegant. White marble or quartz countertops are easy to accessorize with beautiful trays for drinks, and glass door cabinets to display glassware.

Modern kitchen with shiplap walls, island with three stools, stainless steel appliances, and wall-mounted TV — Source: @mailis8 via Instagram

You can have an accent wall in a dark tone, for contrast and balance. Chalk wallpaper applied in one wall, with chalkboard art will give a special touch to the space. You will find a lot of tutorials online, on how to create chalkboard art, so you can vary from time to time.

11. Reclaimed Wood for Farmhouse and Pub-Style Basement Bars

Reclaimed wood is very trendy, whether you want a farmhouse or a pub feel. You can have wood paneling or stone tiles on the wall, for some texture. Stone tiling goes well with butcher block counters and wood cabinets, or you can opt for a more traditional style, with wood-carved elements.

Home bar with a wooden counter and colorful panels, hanging glasses, bottles, and pendant lights, with a stool in front — Source: @funkytimber via Instagram

Home bar setup with three black stools, wooden counter, shelves with bottles, hanging glasses, and a Marshall speaker in the corner — Source: @juhaylisipola via Instagram

Rustic wooden bar with drawers, green cabinets with glass doors, and open shelves against a light wall — Source: @savouringdesign via Instagram

A basement room with a wooden countertop, black cabinets, brown leather sofa, TV on wall, plants, and small wooden table — Source: @tommydrywall via Instagram

There are several basement bar design options that fit your needs, and your pocket. You will find a lot of DIY tutorials online, and many affordable options on the market.

From the most sophisticated to simple and inexpensive solutions, your bar will look awesome if you add your personal touch and follow simple design rules. We hope this post has inspired you to get started!

11 Basement Bar Ideas for Home Entertainment