How to Design the Perfect Wet Bar
November 15, 2024
There’s just something about a wet bar–whether used for mixed drinks, hot coffee, or both–that makes everyone in the home feel a little more relaxed. It is a welcoming space, inviting you, your family, and your guests to stay a while. If you’re building or renovating a home, consider designing a wet bar as a gathering space for those you love. Read on for tips and ideas!
Wet bar vs dry bar
What exactly is a wet bar? Put simply, it’s an area with a sink and running water in a space designed to mix and serve drinks. Most wet bars include a countertop, as well as storage above and below it. A dry bar, by contrast, is also an area used to store, make, and serve drinks, but it does not have a sink or plumbing. While dry bars are useful and can be a nice addition to a room, a wet bar is a much more convenient and luxurious focal point.
what can i use it for?
While traditionally, wet bars have been used for storing alcohol, glasses, mixes, and accessories, and as a place to mix and serve drinks, they’re now also commonly used for hot beverages like coffee and tea. Many people love having a coffee station where all their favorite beans, mugs, and coffee tools are stored in an easily accessible place. Whatever you use your wet bar for, a little thought and care can make every visit to your wet bar a treat.
designing the layout
Today’s wet bars have many options when it comes to their layouts and shapes.
Many people choose a corner wet bar, which is especially good in smaller spaces. You can use open shelving above the counter and cabinets below.
Another option is a straight wet bar with a countertop as long as you want it to be running down one wall of your room. These are great for larger rooms (like basements, kitchens, and living areas).
Island wet bars are a bold choice that is often great for people who love to entertain. In an open-concept room, an island wet bar provides a space for people to gather.
If space is limited, try a closet or cabinet wet bar, or repurpose a butler’s pantry or walk-in pantry. Add a small countertop and sink and some mood lighting, and you have a great wet bar with a small footprint.
choosing a sink & countertop
Wet bar sinks are generally small, one-basin sinks that allow for rinsing dishes, filling glasses, and general clean-up. But small can still be mighty! Consider using a unique shape or finish for your sink, or an eye-catching faucet to make it into a statement piece. Some options include
choosing a square or rectangular sink, or a round basin.
using hammered metal like brass or copper.
selecting a shiny gold sink and matching faucet to contrast with the countertop.
using matte black for the faucet and white porcelain for the sink.
For countertops, you can choose the same material and color you have in your kitchen to make your wet bar into an extension of the space. Or you can decide on a contrasting material. Consider these ideas:
Marble
Granite
Soapstone
Butcherblock
Quartz
Quartzite
Tiled
Stainless steel
Your options and combination possibilities are endless. If you feel overwhelmed by these decisions, look at some wet bar designs online (start a Pinterest board if you want) and see what you like. Or talk to us: our team is great at helping you make selections and choose finishes that are perfect for your home, taste, and lifestyle.
what about storage?
While the countertop and sink are vital to a great wet bar, storage is important as well. Many people choose cabinets below the countertop and open shelving above. This allows you to showcase gorgeous glassware, cozy mugs, and favorite beverages, while still providing space to keep the less-than-beautiful elements of the wet bar hidden from sight. If open shelving feels too busy or cluttered, go with cabinets above and below.
Custom cabinetry is a great option. If your wet bar is in the kitchen or visible from the kitchen, you’ll want to either match the cabinets or choose something very different for intentional contrast. Drawers can be very helpful for organizing smaller items like spoons, stirrers, and coasters. A large pull-out drawer for trash and recycling bins is a great idea as well.
If you have a large collection of wine bottles or just love the look, consider adding a built-in wine rack. You can put this above or below the counter (in place of cabinets) or use a tall one next to the wet bar as a statement element.
appliances & Other add-ons
This is where the magic really happens. Take your wet bar from great to extraordinary by planning for some of these elements to give it a touch of luxury.
Fridges
Many people love having an under-counter fridge or wine fridge. You can even get a fridge with dual zones to keep multiple types of beverages at the perfect temperature.
Floor-to-ceiling wine fridges, including walk-in ones, are a stunning addition to any wet bar. They elevate the space and act as a focal point, conversation piece, and practical storage solution.
Other Appliances
Having a dishwasher under the counter makes it easy to clean up after an event or at the end of the day.
A built-in icemaker is helpful for a never-ending supply of ice. A pull-out ice well is another good option.
Many people love having a hot water line installed so they always have hot water ready for coffee and tea.
Another idea for ready-to-go coffee is a wall-mount pot filler installed over the coffee pot. This makes it easy to fill the coffee maker, and it also serves as an eye-catching, beautiful element.
Accessories
Make sure your wet bar is well-stocked. Invest in a pretty bar tool set, some cocktail shakers, glassware in various styles, vintage decanters, and whatever else looks great. For a coffee bar, store pods or ground coffee in glass jars or canisters, use pretty stirrers, and choose mugs that fit into your decor.
Hang artwork or a mirror to tie the area together. Or for a sports bar feel, install a television nearby! Add some greenery with plants on the open shelving or a vase of flowers next to the sink.
Lighting
Don’t forget to add the perfect lighting! Good, layered lighting makes the space feel welcoming, intentional, and beautiful. Pendant lighting is a great choice for a wet bar, setting the space apart. You can choose pendant lights that serve as a focal point or ones that blend into the background. LED strip lighting under cabinets provides for focused task lighting. A small lamp or puck lights mean you can dim the lights for a more intimate, quiet feel.
Multigenerational Living
More and more Americans are embracing multigenerational living–when two or more adult generations live in the same house. Sometimes this means that adult children come home to live after college or as they try to establish a career. Other times, an older parent needs care or doesn’t want to live alone. Whatever the reason, if you think you may have adult family members living with you at some point, you can build with this in mind. A great multigenerational home has
- flexible living spaces
- accessible shared spaces
- privacy for every adult
This may mean building a small apartment in a walk-out basement, or multiple bedrooms with attached bathrooms on the main floor. There are a variety of options available for multigenerational living, and a custom home allows you to choose what will work best for your specific situation.
ready to get started?
If you enjoy entertaining and hosting guests, want a place to wind down after a busy day–or a place to start the day with your morning cup of joe, and love the idea of a special, set-apart place for drinks and coffee, a wet bar might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a place to make people feel special and for friends and family to gather for a treat. If you’re ready to build or remodel a space for a wet bar in your Virginia, DC-area, or Maryland home, reach out to us today. We’d love to help you make your dream a reality.
