Outfitting a Bar

Shelving Area

• Start by arranging your shelving area. Make sure you have between six and 12 of everything. This includes martini glasses, old-fashioned glasses, hi-ball glasses and pint glasses. Just as in a real bar, try to use matching items for continuity. Neatly align all of these items on their own shelf that’s either above or below eye level -- save the eye-level spot for the drinks.

Bar Top

• This is the area where people will sit and enjoy their beverages, so it’s important that it be clear, spacious and as comfortable as possible. Use a bar that’s 40 to 42 inches high. Lay out bar towels or coasters to prevent glasses from scratching the surface; if needed, place ashtrays on one of the far ends of the bar top.

Work Surface

• Dedicate a space in front of your bar top for your mixing essentials, such as ice bucket, shaker, cutting board, knife, tongs, straws and fruit bowl. Keep the ice bucket over at the far left side and have the cutting board and knife in the center. Keep the tongs inside the ice bucket and place the straws within easy reach.

Bar Stools

• Comfort is the most important aspect of a bar. When you have a party, people will spend a lot of time sitting in the same position. If there’s one element you should think about above any other, it’s selecting decent stools. The stools must be high enough so that people won’t have to crouch or peer over the bartop. Use a bar stool that is 28 to 30 inches from floor to seat.

Alcohol

• Show off your selection of alcohol. Place all of your bottles at eye level on a stepped shelving unit that's at least 12 inches high. Order the bottles according to prestige. The most alcoholic or expensive beverages deserve to be on highest tier, while the weaker or more common drinks should be on the bottom tier. Place a glass door fridge below the main alcohol selection and fill it with beers, ciders, soft drinks and anything else that needs to be chilled.