Wet Bar Ideas for Your Home

Want to create an inviting space for entertaining guests? Maybe you’ve been perusing ideas for incorporating a wet bar into your home. Consider this an opportunity to add style, character, and a focal point to your entertainment space.

Whether you want a timeless traditional look or a creative vibe chock full of character, Carpet One is here to share top ideas for a home wet bar and help you get your project started!

What is a Wet Bar?

In short, a wet bar is a small bar that includes a sink and a mini-fridge that's typically used for mixing and serving alcoholic beverages. Conveniently, wet bars can extend to coffee and tea stations or just cold drinks, depending on the homeowner's taste. Having plumbing installed makes it much more convenient to mix drinks, coffee, teas, or mocktails with extremely easy cleanup. Whether you want a small home bar tucked away in an unused corner, or a large basement bar accompanied by bar stools and ample counter space, the creative opportunities are endless!

Why Should I Install a Wet Bar in My Home?

Wet bars are all the rage when it comes to quick home additions, and they make the perfect entertainment space for guests. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner party, or the family is coming to town, a modern wet bar can elevate the evening in sophisticated style. Plus, there's always the added benefit that when the guests leave, you'll be enjoying the home bar space on your own time for at-home date nights and movie marathons. Not to mention that designing a simple area for entertainment can increase the value of your home. If the idea of a a home bar appeals to you and you need of some inspiration, we've compiled a list of our six favorite home bar ideas below.

Basement Bar Design for a Game Room or Living Space

Interior Design by KALU INTERIORS Photography by JULIE ROW

When it comes to basement renovation, wet bars are a great addition to your new design. Often, our basements become the game room for friendly gatherings, a home theater for the family, and generally a place to relax. Basement spaces host everything from pool tables to a giant flatscreen TV. Installing a basement bar complete with a bar sink keeps the fun going without ever having to run up the stairs. With more space to work with, consider adding a touch of charm and more seating by adding stools to your basement bar. Not only does a basement bar add more space to hang out, but it also increases your storage capacity. Thanks to your new basement bar, you can sit back and pour yourself a glass of wine without having to stray too far from the fun of the game room, home theater, or comfy sofa!

Explore our catalog to find the perfect basement flooring to complete your basement renovation.

Modern Wet Bar with Open Shelves

Interior Design by REBECCA HAY Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Open-shelved bars don't always have to look cluttered. A beautifully organized open shelf can add a fresh look and offer an extremely satisfying aesthetic. Generally, homeowners install cabinets to hide away their messy storage. However, wet bars are great places to implement open shelving or floating shelves as they make reaching for that martini glass much easier. 

Styling Open Shelves

Plus, open-shelved wet bars can make stunning decor focal points! Try showcasing a few of your favorite wine glasses or display your fancy old-fashioned tumblers and expensive liquor bottles. In addition to vintage statements, consider using floating glass shelves and lovely modern lights in concert with an elegant backsplash to add just enough texture to your space. This look is perfect for a home bar in a modern house. 

Formal Dining Room Mantel Bar

Interior Design by HIBOU DESIGN + CO Photography by GUILLERMO CASTRO

A wet bar in the formal dining room is a dynamite solution for anyone looking to avoid getting up during dinner to run back and forth to the kitchen. We're all too familiar with that frazzled feeling of trying to keep everyone's wine glasses full while running to grab the after-dinner coffee and dessert from the kitchen. 

With a simple dining room mantel wet bar, everything's within arm's reach, including that perfectly chilled bottle of prosecco. Pretty blue cabinets like the ones in this design add a relaxed, rustic feel while white or black cabinets will create a more formal feel. Floating shelves keep all your necessities organize and the extra counter space and bar sink come in handy when entertaining a large group.

Fully Stocked Home Bar in the Kitchen

Interior Design by DVIRA OVADIA Photography by STEPHANI BUCHMAN

If you are a frequent entertainer, it can be difficult to find space for all of your bar needs — a wine rack, liquor cabinet, prep sink, wine cooler, mini fridge, storage shelves, and more. A wet bar in the kitchen is one of the most common solutions for extra bar space. You can free up your main fridge and designate a specific area for easy-prep beverages. This way, you don't have to worry about dirtying the whole kitchen when you have friends over for drinks. 

Also, a kitchen wet bar can serve double duty as a coffee bar. Make it an all-day affair by keeping all your coffee supplies in one convenient place —from coffee mugs to your Keurig to a fancy new espresso machine. Make a gorgeous display of your whole-bean coffee while having a spot to store your various creamers, milk, and syrups. Who needs Starbucks when you’ve got everything you need at home? Also, no one is stopping you from adding a splash of that boozy Irish Cream to your afternoon coffee.  Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, but it is also convenient for morning or post-dinner coffee. 

Don't forget the floor! We've got a wide selection of kitchen flooring to choose from to complement your home bar ideas. 

Stunning Home Bar in a Hidden Nook

Maybe you want a wet bar, but you're not sold on showcasing it front and center—or perhaps you just don't have room. Utilize a nook in your house or even a tucked-away space like a closet for a home bar area. Designing a wet bar tucked away in a cabinet console or flush with the back wall of your living room will create an understated elegance to it. Just be sure that wherever you place this hidden home bar, the flooring in the room is waterproof because, let's face it, accidents happen. Luxury vinyl planks, engineered hardwood, and porcelain or ceramic tiles are the best solutions for spillproof areas. While wood floors beautifully complement the entertainment area, it's always wise to invest in a wood-look luxury vinyl or ceramic tile in case of spilled drinks.

Get your renovation started by exploring our waterproof flooring options. 

The Living Room Drink Cart for a Handy Dry Bar

Design by MELISSA DAVIS Photography by STEPHANI BUCHMAN

Many of us have experienced this phenomenon where we spend the whole day cleaning the house for guests only to have them hover over the kitchen island, picking away at the charcuterie board. You can solve this problem by keeping the party in the cozy (not to mention clean!) living room with a simple drink cart on hand. Drink carts are available in various styles, finishes, and sizes, making it ideal to house all of your beverages and glassware in one place - perfect for the basement or dining room too!.

Are you looking for flooring to complement your new home bar space? Visit us in store to learn more about the best types of flooring for your home bar!