Do It Yourself Home Dry Bar

Location

• Before building your dry bar, you must decide where to put it. The location will determine the shape and dimensions of your dry bar. Your family room, basement or kitchen are a few options. The dining room is a convenient location because you can serve your guests dinner and drinks in the same room. Consider the proximity to a sink since your dry bar won't have one. Also make sure that your dry bar is positioned near electrical outlets so you can plug in necessary appliances such as blenders and small refrigerators.

Shape

• Your dry bar can be one of several shapes, depending on your budget and the available space. A round bar offers a dramatic focal point in your room, but it'll be more expensive since you can't use standard building materials. More practical options include a U-shape, L-shape or the size of two cabinets placed together or located within an alcove (See References 1).

Dimensions

• The standard height for a bar is 42 inches. If your guests will be elevated by bar stools the front counter can overhang by 12 inches, or as little as 6 inches if your guests will only stand at the bar. The length will be determined by the space allocated for the dry bar.

Materials

• Constructing your own dry bar will require a variety of materials. Standard cabinets can provide the base for your bar. Coordinate with the existing cabinetry in the room for a cohesive appearance. Use a countertop that matches the theme of the bar. For example, use a solid butcher block counter for a rustic look. A granite countertop is a high-end material that adds an instant upgrade to your bar. You can also add a glass tier counter to extend the bar's workable space. Foot rails and bar rails will make the space more authentic.

Storage

• Your dry bar will need sufficient storage space. Add shelves to the wall behind the bar. Glass shelves provide a modern look and give the illusion of more space. Wood shelves or cabinetry can also be added to provide the necessary storage.

Bells and Whistles

• A couple of additional items can help elevate the quality of your bar area. A decorative front made from tin tiles or acrylic panels provides a pop of color. A nearby wine rack provides extra storage and an attractive adition. Add molding around the bar to provide architectural detail. The addition of pendant lights or LED lights highlights the bar area. A built-in tap provides a useful feature your guests will enjoy.