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If you want a special place to have a drink in your house, you may want to build a bar. Having a bar is great when you have a guest over and want some adult-only time. Your bar not only serves as a drinks area but a great spot to eat.
A DIY home bar serves multiple purposes and is great project to work on. You can make a home bar out of almost anything. There are many ways to create one in a style that suits you. Your bar doesn’t have to only serve alcohol, it could be a coffee bar or a buffet bar!
If you want to learn how to make a home bar out of refurbished materials continue reading below. I will look at various ways to make a bar from things you could have just lying around.
Creating a home bar will require some items from your local hardware store. Some will also require the use of tools. Always remember to wear proper safety gear when operating tools. At the minimum, you should wear eye goggles and hard-toed shoes.
Whatever way you choose to make your bar is up to you, and this top DIY home bar list should be just what you need to get creating.
DIY Bar Ideas for Your Home
There are various types of bars you can make for your home. Whether you have some pallets that need to be repurposed or an old dresser that is collecting dust, you can make them into a home bar. Get creative with it and you’re sure to wow your guests!
1. Pallet Bar
Someone always knows someone with a bunch of pallets in their backyard. It may be time to repurpose those old pallets. You can turn those old pallets into a home bar. You can also create a DIY outdoor bar with pallet wood.
If you want to build yourself a pallet bar, check here: easypalletideas.com
A pallet bar can be a great project for your backyard. It can be painted any color to your liking, and accessorized with different DIY decor items.
They teach you how to give those old pallets new life. Don’t feel limited with your pallet bar, experiment with shapes and sizes. If you have high barstools, make the height of the bar match them.
2. Cinder Block Bar
Cinder blocks are easy to buy, you may even have a few in your backyard from a previous fire pit project or something similar. Building a bar out of cinder blocks is cheap and easy. Most cinder block bars can be created for under $100.
You can view the detailed project here: hgtv.com
This cinder block bar is a great example of how your final product could look. The blocks are strong and will last for years to come. You can replace the blocks with brick as well, or stone.
3. Old Dresser Bar
If you have an old dresser then you are in luck. A bar made from an old dresser is a very chic way to put your alcohol on display. You can choose to paint the mirror frame and dresser or sand it down to expose the grain of the wood.
You can view the detailed DIY dresser bar here: mycreativedays.com
This DIY dresser bar would look great in any room. If you have an extra dresser, you could always create two, and place them in an L shape. Add a few DIY barstools to the extra dresser for more seating.
4. Piano Bar
Grandma’s old untuned piano doesn’t have to just sit in the basement anymore. Bring it back to life by turning it into your new home bar. Piano bars are great at setting a vibe. Turn on some music and relax as you sip your favorite wine.
If you want to achieve this project, you can check it here: instructables.com
This piano bar has been repurposed beautifully. Add extra seating on the side for more space and enjoyment. Use this bar in any great room to make an instant upgrade.
5. Table Bar
The best table to use is a picnic table, but any table is good for this bar idea. You can even start by building your own DIY table and then turn it into a bar.
You can view for other ideas here: nation.ryobitools.com
A table bar fits a lot more people than the other DIY home bar projects I’ve included. You have all sides exposed to create more seating space.
The table bar shown here would fit great on a patio or porch. The extra room makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or game nights. Add tiki torches or strip lights to keep the party going all night long.
6. Microwave Cart Bar
Microwave carts are great for creating a home bar. They are small and can be tucked away when not being used. They have mostly been assembled already, not much work needs to be done.
You can view the process how to create this type of bar idea: beaniesandweeniescrochet.com
This microwave cart is a great example. See how the wheels make it simple to put into a closet when you are finished with it. Simply roll it back out when you want to use it again.
7. Scrap Wood Bar
Almost everyone has some old scrap wood in their shed or basement. If you have enough, maybe it’s time to create a bar with it. A scrap wood bar can be made in any way that you want.
For more ideas, you can check here: rocksolidrustic.com
Depending on the shapes and sizes of your wood pieces, you can have a large or small bar. This scrap wood bar shows an example of how large you can get.
Use other materials for your scrap wood bar, add copper fixtures or metal tubing. Repurpose any scraps that you have. Think of it as an art piece. Just like with art, you are not limited to one medium.
8. Bookcase Bar
Bookcases are great for a home bar. They are large and sturdy and don’t require much work. The shelves are great for holding bottles and cups, and you can even have room for a keg at the bottom.
You can get the full detailed idea here: hgtv.com
This bookcase bar would fit anywhere. Since it is narrow, you can put it in a hallway or foyer. Hide it behind a pocket door if you don’t like the look. If you want to be creative, use the bookshelf as a door. No one will ever know that you can open up the bar!
9. Wine Barrel Bar
Wine barrel bars are unique. They bring a lot of character to your space. They require a little more know-how, but if you love the look of them, it may be worth the try.
You can get more barrel bar ideas here: project.theownerbuildernetwork.co
This wine barrel bar is perfect. The style matches the decor of the surrounding area. It can be modified to match your home and placed almost anywhere.
10. Kitchen Island Bar
If you don’t have a kitchen island, you can easily find one at your local big box hardware store. The best type of island bar is the one that has a lip. The lip provides plenty of room to add bar stools.
You can check how to create this simple idea: bitterrootdiy.com
This kitchen island bar is made with style. The placement of your bar does not need to be in the center of the room. Having one tucked away makes it feel cozier. And you can add more to it.
You can dress up your bar by adding kitchen cabinets to the front and spraying them with stain. This simple addition is quick – you don’t even need to sand before staining!
Bar Décor
No bar is complete without decor. Bar decor is expensive, with these DIY home bar ideas, it doesn’t have to be. You can make everything for your bar.
Once you have your bar built and set up, you will want to accessorize it. Here are 10 DIY home bar favorite decor items.
11. Beer Bottle Chandelier
The beer bottle chandelier is perfect for any man cave home bar. It is a quirky way to show how committed you are to having a bar-like experience.
You can view the detailed project here: instructables.com
This beer bottle chandelier is fun. It shows off your favorite brands and sets the tone for the night ahead. It provides a purpose as well as is visually appealing.
12. Cork Candles
Cork candles will illuminate the bar and create a soft ambiance. They are great for a modern bar lover. Cork candles can be placed on the bar or shelves, they add light and flare to the area.
You can view other ideas here: mrkate.com
If you end up rolling your bar outdoors, these will make the perfect compliment to outdoor DIY lighting.
These cork candles are simple yet beautiful. They don’t add too much light, keeping the mood soft and tranquil. They are great for romance and cocktails.
Cork can be used for a lot of other DIY projects, if you have any left over.
13. Bottle Lights
Whether it is a whiskey bottle or a wine bottle, bottle lights are perfect for your home bar. Simply choose your favorite alcohol bottle and add string lights to the inside.
You can get the full detailed project here: instructables.com
They use whiskey bottles for these bottle lights, but you can interchange bottles if you want. Use bottles with a darker color for a deeper light or add red bottles to change the hue.
The best way to cut glass bottles is with a tile saw, but be careful. Glass breaks easily and can be very dangerous.
14. Bottle-cap Backsplash
Start saving your bottle caps for this DIY home bar decor idea. A bottle cap backsplash is a cool idea. Bottle caps add color and texture to your wall. It is a great way to show off the beer that you love.
Check the tutorial here: crafty.house
This bottle cap backsplash creates a great safety barrier between spills and your wall. It’s perfect for any basement bar or hunting room man cave. Have your partner save all their bottle caps and surprise them with their dream bar top!
15. Keg Stool
A keg stool is a great conversation piece. You get to drink a keg, and you can use it as furniture too. It’s the best of both worlds. A keg is strong and will withhold your weight, making it a great structure for the stool.
You can get the detailed idea of the project here: instructables.com
These keg stools are stylish and functional. They add seating to your bar without needing to buy expensive bar stools. Use spray paint that bonds with metal to change their design.
16. Leather Wine Rack
A leather DIY wine rack sounds fancy, but it is very simple to make. You can create it as big or small as you want. Want three bottles of wine on your rack, or 12. The more you want, the longer you make it.
You can achieve this DIY wine rack by checking out this tutorial: instructables.com
Leather wine racks are very space friendly, you simply hang them on your wall. This leather wine rack shows how little room is needed. The easy design is great for even beginner DIYers.
17. Box Top Counter
A box top counter is great for beer drinkers. Every time you buy a case of beer, save the face label. Use these labels to line the top of your bar. This style of bar top is perfect for easy cleanup.
This box top counter shows how simple the design can be. Add your favorite bar stools and enjoy your favorite drink. Use this idea for bottle labels or bottle caps too.
18. Scrap Wood Wine Glass Rack
If you have any scrap wood leftover from your bar, you could make a wine glass rack. Wine glasses are easily breakable. Having them on a rack can keep them safe.
You can get the details by checking out this tutorial: popsci.com
This wine rack tucks up under any shelf or counter. It provides a stable structure for your glasses. It can be modified to hold larger glasses if needed.
19. Wine Barrel Sink
A wine barrel sink is a great way to add a place to rinse dishes. No need to take your dirty dishes to the kitchen sink. Your bar can be anywhere with a sink. Add your wine barrel sink to your bar to make it full service.
You can achieve this unique idea by checking here: instructables.com
The wine barrel sink is great for the outside. It is perfect for washing your hands and keeping sanitization a priority. This wine barrel sink adds an extra layer of cleanliness.
20. Wine Bottle Words
If you have a simple message that you want to be displayed at your bar, wine bottle words are a great way to present them. You can use the bottles to add a fun quote or a single word.
These wine bottle words are elegant and charming. They add an upgrade to any bar. They are a good way to say what you want. If you paint the bottles with chalkboard paint, you can easily change your message each day.
Or, make a DIY pallet sign to hang above your home bar.
Create Your Own
With all of these great home bar options, you can create something perfect for your home. You can add decor options or come up with something that blends a few ideas.
Look around your house for anything that isn’t being used. Tap into your creative mind and try to imagine it as a home bar. If you think you can, then you absolutely should try!
The best part of DIY projects is the one-of-a-kind outcomes of each project. No two designs will be the same. You have the freedom to create whatever you imagine. With a coat of paint, you can redesign your bar again and again.
