Add a Wet Bar

Whether you would enjoy a cocktail after work, or would like to entertain around a central focal point like a wet bar, this type of addition is a great one to add to your home! Consider the best place to put it, draft some designs, and get to work!

Installing the ideal wet bar in the home means considering the home's design and the space available for the area. Some homeowners will want a simple serving area for an occasional drink after work. Others will want something more elaborate for entertaining guests.

There are plenty of already made stations available in home improvement or building supply stores. However, they may not be as attractive as a built in station that becomes a permanent fixture in the home. A permanent structure may also add value to the home, depending on the preferences of a potential buyer. Even if a future buyer does not require such a feature it can still be used for other purposes.

Some areas of the home are better suited for the addition of a wet bar. A space between the kitchen and dining or living area is suitable. A corner in a finished basement used for entertaining is also a good place for installation. If the structure of the home allows for a recessed area, the installation can look more like a feature built into the design of the home.

A recessed area will require knocking down and moving part of the wall. It is important to remember that supports should be left intact and moved to support the new walls in the alcove. Cabinets, counter top, and sink should coordinate nicely with the existing area. Hanging cabinets that match those of a kitchen or dining area will give the space a polished look. Electricity may be added for devices such as coffee pots, if desired. Even a small sink will need to be tied into the existing plumbing.

For areas where the floor is already tiled, a tile back splash will give the space a more elegant look. Other options include the addition of mirrored backs and upper glass shelving units. A stainless steel sink will with quality fixtures is suitable for most installations. If tile is used on the back splash a ceramic sink may also work.

The counter does not need to match the kitchen exactly but should continue a color theme. For basement areas this is not as much of a concern. Storage below the sink may be used for appliances. If no lower storage space is used the front of the bar can be covered with wainscoting or another decorative trim.

Those who do not have the option of building a recessed area can design the counter and the front of the structure in a shape that adds interest, like half round. A small built in refrigeration is useful for those who entertain frequently. It can be added under the bar counter to make efficient use of space. For an area with no sink the best height for the counter is around 42 inches from the floor. The wet bar that is not built into the space can be taken to a new home if desired.