Interested in mixology and love hosting parties? Have a small corner in your kitchen? A home dry bar could be the perfect addition you never knew you needed. More than just a fancy bar cart, a dry bar can serve as a personal sanctuary or a gathering spot at your next event. Whether you’re thinking about adding a dry bar to your home in Scranton, PA or renovating your house in Albany, OR, this article has all the answers and home dry bar ideas to suit any home aesthetic.
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What is a dry bar?
A home dry bar is a dedicated space in a house for preparing, making, and serving drinks. Dry bars are usually located in or near the kitchen and are called “dry” because they do not have running water or a sink. Dry bars typically include shelving or cabinetry, a countertop, various liquids (alcoholic and non-alcoholic spirits, mixers, etc.), tools, glassware, and sometimes a mini-fridge or wine rack.
Dry bar design ideas
If you’re planning to add a dry bar to your home, consider these ideas before you start:
1. Choose the correct height
When deciding on the height of your dry bar, consider the space and its use. Bryan Whitaker, owner of Kitsap Bartending Services, emphasizes the importance of having the right bar height, counter height, and stool height for comfort and functionality.
Having the correct height can make your guests and yourself feel comfortable and enjoy the experience, according to Bryan.
2. Have fun with patterned tile
Josh Turgut, designer at My Kitchen And Bath, suggests using patterned tile to add style and elevate your dry bar. Whether you choose a geometric or Moroccan-inspired design, adding flair with a fun backsplash or flooring can enhance the look of your dry bar.
3. Store and display on floating shelves
Consider incorporating floating shelves with subtle lighting to display your favorite spirits and barware, as recommended by Tanuj Shroff, managing director at The Sink Boutique. Floating shelves not only provide storage but also contribute to a clean and modern look.
More than just storage, they can enhance the overall aesthetic of your bar space and tie together the existing style of your home for a cohesive, upscale feel.
4. Keep organized with hidden storage
In addition to open shelving, consider adding hidden storage below the bar to keep things tidy, as suggested by Ben Goodwin, blogger of The Rusty Bartender. Hidden storage can help store extra glasses, tools, or even a built-in ice well for a more organized look.
5. Add a wine fridge
While not essential, Derrick Radford, owner of Indianapolis-based custom table-making and accent wall business Radford Woodworks, recommends adding a wine fridge or beverage cooler to keep drinks chilled and easily accessible. A wine fridge can add convenience for personal enjoyment and hosting purposes, as well as a touch of luxury.
6. Opt for something vintage
Consider drawing inspiration from vintage designs when designing your dry bar. Andrew Silla, owner of fine antique store Silla, suggests exploring Art Deco and mid-century modern designs for functional and clever design ideas. Vintage options can add personality and become a focal point of the room.
7. Turn to AI
If vintage isn’t your style, consider incorporating modern technology like a BarBot to impress guests with custom cocktails, as recommended by Brandon Wheat, founder of B.J. Wheat Co. Voice-activated technology can elevate your dry bar experience and add a touch of luxury to your at-home mixology.
8. Mix materials and natural elements
Introduce natural elements like plants to add freshness to your dry bar, suggests Vilasa Home Accents. Consider adding warm materials like wood and brass to create a cozy atmosphere and a refined look. Mixing textures can enhance the style of your bar space and complement both rustic and modern design aesthetics.
9. Add a personalized touch to your dry bar
Add your personal flair to your dry bar with monogrammed glasses, framed cocktail recipes, or travel souvenirs. Consider novelty string lights or large art prints for a customized look. Adding a personal touch can bring all the elements of your dry bar together and make it uniquely yours.
Dry bar stocking ideas
Once you’ve designed your dream dry bar, it’s time to stock it. Here are our top three stocking tips:
10. Get situated with the essential dry bar tools
Equip your dry bar with the right tools for mixing cocktails, as recommended by Jackie Mallory, senior manager at Viski. Start with essentials like a shaker, jigger, strainer, and mixing glass. Additional tools like a muddler and bar spoon can enhance your mixology experience. With the right tools, even a small dry bar can become a destination for elevated at-home cocktails.
11. Pick out some unique glassware
Select beautiful glassware to enhance the ambiance of your dry bar, as suggested by Emma Ros, marketing manager of Orrefors. Displaying glasses on open shelves with integrated lighting can showcase the crystal’s brilliance and elevate your dry bar into a standout design feature for entertaining.
12. Grab some booze
Stock your dry bar with a variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes for classic cocktails and new recipes. Make sure to include a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, mixers, and garnishes to cater to different tastes and occasions.
Is a dry bar right for your home?
Consider the space, your entertaining habits, and the potential value it can add to your home when deciding if a dry bar is right for you. If you have the space and enjoy hosting gatherings, a dry bar could be a valuable addition to your home.
For example, Kaitlyn Parness of Collect Like Kaitlyn found the perfect spot for a dry bar in her dining room and was able to easily match the cabinetry and countertops with her kitchen. Assess your space and needs to determine if a dry bar is the right fit for your home.
What is the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar?
The main difference between a wet bar and a dry bar is the presence of a sink with running water in a wet bar, which requires plumbing installation. Since not everyone may have the option for a wet bar, Woodnluxury suggests adding accessories like an ice bin or portable sink for functionality without plumbing requirements.
How much does it cost to add a dry bar?
Dry bars are a cost-effective way to expand your home’s entertaining space without the need for extensive plumbing. Depending on your choices for cabinetry, countertops, and backsplashes, adding a dry bar can range from $1,500 to $4,000. Whether you