A basement bar is no longer a relic of the ’70s. Today’s basement bars are functional, beautiful, and high-tech. Here are six must-haves for designing the perfect bar for entertaining in your home.
Storage
Every basement bar starts with some type of storage. A basement remodel can create a large bar area with custom or semi-custom cabinetry that includes built-in wine racks. Some custom cabinetry options can better fit your storage needs such as drawers with storage racks, retractable shelves for saving space, or cabinets for your trash and recycle bins. You might choose to hang your stemmed glassware or display it on glass shelving. Open cabinets, shelves, and drawers are a great way to mix up cabinet designs in a basement bar.
Refrigeration
A small bar refrigerator is a great space for keeping beer and mixers cold. It can also be a great space-saver if you choose one that fits in with your cabinetry. With a refrigerator, you can keep handy garnishes such as citrus fruit, cherries, or celery for your brunch bloody mary. If you’re a wine drinker, a wine cooler that keeps your whites at the perfect temperature is a great addition to a basement bar. If you have the space for a full-size refrigerator, it can allow you quick and easy access to ice.
Fireplace
Create an ambiance with a fireplace near the bar. Choose from a clean-burning wood fireplace if you like the crackle of real logs. Or, to avoid the hassle of wood and ashes, opt for gas. Today’s models come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. A basement remodel can allow you to design a custom fireplace to add personal taste to the aesthetic and create something that coordinates with your overall basement bar design. For example, a brick fireplace paired with dark wood creates a traditional, masculine design style.
A Large TV
No bar area is complete without a large TV for watching the game, the Oscars, or the latest Netflix sensation! Make sure your TV is in a place that’s convenient to see from the bar and seating area. A full-motion, the wall-mount system is a great option for the basement bar area to accommodate guests seated in any part of the basement.
Water
Bar sinks allow your basement bar to be a one-stop shop for all drink-making and cleaning needs. You can use it to cut lemons or other drink garnishes, rinse out glasses, and clean the area. A drawer dishwasher is convenient to have at your basement bar to keep all your barware in the same place, so you don’t end up hauling glassware and other utensils upstairs to be washed.
Barware
Stocking your bar with barware can be a fun shopping trip! In addition to standard glassware, don’t forget the cocktail shaker, double jigger, stirrers, cocktail picks, whiskey rocks, and more. Have fun with it and choose something that coordinates with the design style of the basement bar design. If you have a contemporary, sleek bar design, some simple glassware and shiny chrome barware are a good choice. After that, all you need is to schedule your first bar party!
Contact Us for an Expert Consultation
Whether you’re a cocktail virtuoso or you simply want a designated space to gather and entertain guests, a basement bar could be the answer you’re looking for, especially when paired with a larger basement renovation. Contact us today to learn how we can build the basement bar of your dreams!
