DIY Bar Shelf Ideas, Setting up a home bar shelf with ample storage space is easy and versatile. Whether you opt for a stylish lighted shelf, a modern look, or a practical serving cart, the key is to prioritize the drink selection.
Whether you prefer top-shelf liquors or have a midprice budget, a well-stocked bar shelf with metal, wood, floating, and open shelving options can be easily assembled. Follow these steps to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing countertop for entertaining both large crowds and intimate gatherings.
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Home Bar Ideas With A Little Creativity
Stock the alcohol section of the bar built-in shelves with the following: Blended whiskey, bourbon, brandy, gin, rum, Scotch, sour mash whiskey, tequila, vodka, and beer. These basics will cover simple drinks over the rocks or serve as the basis for mixed drinks and cocktails. Always have beer available in your wine fridge. A few selections of the most popular brands is all that is necessary to display on your open shelving with metal shelves, wood shelves or a wine rack.
Purchase the following wine bottles for your home bar shelves: Champagne, red, white, and sparkling. Refrigerate or chill your glassware for Champagne and sparkling wines. Most red wines can be served either chilled or at room temperature. Wines such as white zinfandel or chardonnay are better enjoyed when served cold. This shelf idea allows you to display your favourite drinks on open shelving, with the top shelf reserved for Champagne and sparkling wines.
Place mixers such as club soda, fruit juices, soft drinks, sparkling waters, tomato juice, and tonic waters in the wine fridge or mini bar well ahead of time (24 hours) to have properly chilled.
Stock your bar shelves with wine glasses, an ice bucket, a coffee maker, coffee mugs and coffee essentials, cocktail shakers and all the necessary supplies for your DIY home bar and your favourite drink, including a wine fridge to store your favourite bottles. Have garnishes such as lemons, limes, oranges, and maraschino cherries on hand. Don’t forget to keep coarse salt for margaritas and cream of coconut for pina coladas. And of course, make sure to purchase and store a supply of ice on the top shelf of your shelving or wine wrack.
Add the following equipment to complete the stocking of the bar shelving: Blender, bottle opener, coasters, napkins, corkscrew, cutting board, stirrers, jigger, towels, wine glassware and a paring knife to prepare garnishes. Don’t forget to check out our floating shelves for stylish storage options.
Tips & Warnings for a well-designed home bar
- If possible chill cocktail and beer glasses.
- Never over-serve your guest’s wine and allow them to drive. Make sure to have proper glassware for serving wine in your home bar space.
Make a Small Ledge for a Bar Shelf
A row of liquor bottles on a shallow wine wrack, or DIY shelf, complete the design of a home bar. Even in the smallest home, a simple shelf above a shallow countertop makes a convenient space to display and organize glassware for mixing drinks during parties and get-togethers. With a few tools and a variety of materials, paint, a chunky reclaimed wood board, and a bit of moulding, you can proudly say “I made it myself.” This easy project requires several hours to complete.
Things You’ll Need from your local hardware store
- Measuring tape 1 board
- 2-by-6-inch
- 2 feet long 1 piece quarter round moulding
- 3 feet long Miter saw
- construction glue
- Drill with screwdriver bit
- Drill bits
- Wood putty
- Finishing nails
- 3/4-inch Nail set
- Hammer
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Paint Paintbrush
- 2 decorative shelf brackets
- Screws: 2 1/2-inch Screws, 3/4-inch
- Level
Cut a 2-foot-long piece of wood, specifically the quarter-round moulding, with the mitre saw. Cut each end at a 45-degree angle. Measure and cut the side pieces to fit on the sides of the 2-by-6 board, with matching 45-degree angles on one side. These DIY bar shelf ideas for wooden shelves are perfect for creating a stylish and functional bar corner at home. Incorporate bar shelves into your design to showcase your favourite spirits and glassware. You can easily create a beautiful shelving unit on the wall that will enhance the look of your bar area.
To create DIY glass bar shelving, start by drawing a line of construction glue along the top edge of the wall-mounted 2-by-6 board. Carefully attach the glass moulding to the edge, ensuring the flat side is facing down and the rounded edges are flush with the sides of the board. This will create a lip on the glass shelf. Pre-drill holes for the finishing nails using a drill bit slightly smaller than the nails. Gently tap the nails into the holes and use a nail set to push them just below the surface of the moulding.
To design your own DIY home bar, start by filling any holes in the glass shelves with wood putty. After allowing it to dry, sand the entire shelf smooth. Next, paint the shelves with high-quality satin enamel for a sleek look. Let it dry, lightly sand it, and then apply a second coat of paint to enhance the overall design.
When designing your home bar, it’s crucial to find the studs in the wall using a stud finder. This will ensure that your bar shelves are securely attached and can support the weight of your drinks and glassware. Use a pencil to mark the centre of each stud, allowing you to plan and install your DIY bar shelf ideas with confidence. By locating the studs, you’ll make efficient use of space and create a functional and stylish home bar setup.
Measure up from the floor using a measuring tape to determine the ideal height for your DIY wall shelves. If you plan to place the shelves above a counter or bar, ensure they are positioned slightly below eye level for easy access to bottles and glasses. Use a pencil to mark the desired height. Additionally, measure the width of the space and mark each end accordingly for accurate shelf design.
Install the first shelf bracket for your DIY bar to create space, using 2 1/2-inch screws to drill into the centre of the wall stud. Ask your helper to hold the second bracket for the home bar in place, set the bar shelf on top, and use the level to adjust so the shelf is perfectly horizontal. Mark with a pencil, then remove the home bar shelf and install the bracket.
Place the DIY bar shelves on top of the wall brackets, ensuring they are centred on the space and with the lip facing towards the outside edge. Use 3/4-inch screws to drill up through the brackets.
Arrange the liquor bottles on the bar shelves in your home bar, keeping the tallest items in the back. This wall design idea is a great way to showcase your collection.
Tips & Warnings For The Home Bar Designs
When designing DIY bar shelves for your home bar, it is crucial to consider the placement of the shelf in relation to the wall studs. The standard distance between wall studs is typically 16 inches on the center. This information is important to keep in mind when adjusting the length and positioning of the shelf to ensure it remains centred on the brackets.
Adding a lip to the bar shelves is a clever design idea and the perfect choice that ensures your bottles stay secure, even when the bass music or a heavy freight train shakes the entire house. This DIY bar project for your home bar is a great way to create a sturdy and reliable display for your bottles an affordable way and with a touch of elegance.
Instead of using quarter-round moulding, a stylish way is to choose a 3-inch wide piece of decorative wood trim for your DIY project. Apply the trim to the front and sides of the 2-by-6 board using construction glue and finishing nails. Make sure to align the bottom of the trim with the bottom of the board to create a lip around the top of the home bar shelves.
Cut the boards and moulding to size for your DIY bar shelf ideas at the hardware store. These bar shelves are perfect for your home decor and bar design.
If you are designing a DIY home bar, it is important and a great idea to consider the weight and various shapes of liquor bottles on your bar shelves’ design style. Make sure to add another bracket to the centre for added support if your home bar design includes shelves longer than 3 feet.
To ensure a safe and comfortable home bar design with an inviting atmosphere, it is important to avoid placing shelves above the seating area. This will prevent any accidental head bumps while standing up.
Use safety equipment such as gloves and safety glasses.
