Setting Up Your Home Bar: a Starter Guide

Let’s just face it; the stigma associated with entertaining, and drinking, at home has changed. Not only is it safer than going out, it’s so much more intimate.

Of course, part of the experience rests on how the home bar is arranged and stocked; let this short post guide you through the process of selecting and arranging your home bar furniture so that you’re ready to entertain without a hitch.

Home Bar Furniture

First things first, you don’t actually need a dedicated bar. You can get away with a bar cart which is a lot more mobile than a fixed bar, which will enable you to decant among your guests wherever the most comfortable seating is in your home.

Otherwise, besides the bar itself, you might need a bar cabinet or two for the organization of vintages and spirits, as well as your essential tools. And if you are going to design an actual bar into your home, you may as well include a sink and have a dedicated fridge and freezer (for ice) nearby.

Home Bar Seating

Modern counter stools that lend an air of sophistication are nice for appeal, but if they aren’t comfortable, no one is going to want to sit in them. It’s more important that your bar is comfortable and inviting than that it looks nice, so keep that in mind.

Fortunately, there is no hard dichotomy between form and function in home bar furniture and seating. Just make sure what you pick up is aesthetically compatible while remaining functional.

Stocking the Bar

What you stock your bar with will also impact how prepared you are for your company. You don’t have to go overboard, as it can be intimidating trying to figure out what drinks to offer, but here’s a good place to start.

• Wine and beer: Let this depend on your company. Depending on what your visitors prefer, you may want to offer a light beer as well as one or two selections of red and white wine each.
• Spirits: Some basic clear and amber spirits are in order for your bar; you should offer at least one gin, vodka, American whisky (such as bourbon), Scotch, rum, and tequila.
• Mixers and modifiers: Whether or not you buy pre-made mixers or mix your own matters little, but you will want some salt, sugar and simple syrups, bitters, tomato juice, oranges, limes and lemons (or juice), pineapple juice, and some liqueurs for mixing.
• Bar tools: You’ll also want to stock your home bar with appropriate bar tools, including but not limited to a jigger for measuring, a strainer, a shaker, a muddler, a juicer, a bar spoon, and a bottle opener and corkscrew. If you intend to serve white wine, you may also want an ice bucket so you can keep the wine chilled.

Lighting

Lighting is another chief consideration of arranging your home bar. While task lighting is necessary to a certain degree, mood lighting is more critical over and around the bar. You don’t want bright, direct light; rather, indirect, suffused lighting with a warm color temperature will create an atmosphere of intimacy and produce a much more inviting atmosphere.

Where to Get Started Exploring Home Bar Furniture

Are you ready to get started setting up your home bar? If you’re in the market for some new home bar furniture, visit Cantoni and see what’s in their collection. They offer a wide range of unique finds in bar carts, bar stools and seating, and much more, that will elevate the overall feel of your home bar. While you’re there, explore their top selections for furniture for the other rooms in your home to create a cohesive sense of place as well.

For More Information About Modern Luxury Bedroom Furniture and Luxurious Living Room Furniture Please Visit: Cantoni.