Home Dry Bar 101: 12 Dry Bar Ideas
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Getting into mixology? Love hosting soirees? Have a small corner in your kitchen? A home dry bar might just be the addition you didn’t know you needed. More than just an elevated bar cart, a dry bar can also act as a personal haven or gathering spot at your next party. Whether you’re considering adding a dry bar to your home in Scranton, PA or are remodeling your house in Albany, OR, this article is equipped with answers and several home dry bar ideas perfect for any home aesthetic.
What is a dry bar?
A home dry bar is a dedicated spot in a house for preparing, making, and serving drinks. Dry bars are typically located in or near the kitchen, and what makes them “dry” is their lack of running water or sink. Dry bars also typically include shelving or cabinetry, a countertop, liquids (alcoholic and non-alcoholic spirits, mixers, etc.), tools, glassware, and sometimes a mini-fridge or wine rack.
Dry bar design ideas
If you’re thinking of adding a dry bar to your home, check out these ideas before you start building:
1. Choose the correct height
First, you have to decide how tall you want the dry bar to be. Measuring the space and thinking about the use of the dry bar can help you decide the perfect height for you. “Whether you're building a bar or installing a pre-built option, having the right bar height, counter height, and stool height will make you feel more comfortable mixing drinks - both with confidence and comfortability - and also, your guests feel like they're at a real bar,” says Bryan Whitaker, owner of Kitsap Bartending Services. Getting the height exact is “the easiest way to make your guests (and yourself) feel comfortable and enjoy their experience as when it's off, it can feel unsettling,” continues Bryan.
2. Have fun with patterned tile
"Designing a dry bar is the perfect opportunity to be bold,” and Josh Turgut, designer at My Kitchen And Bath, likes to “treat it like a little jewel box.” His suggestion? Patterned tile. “Introducing patterned tile can be a great way to add some style and elevate your dry bar. Whether you opt for a geometric look or something Moroccan-inspired, don’t be shy about adding some flair with a fun backsplash or flooring. Plus, the added texture, color, and visual interest can be more complementary than you might expect.”
3. Store and display on floating shelves
For a dry bar, shelves are a must. How else are you supposed to store all of your bottles and glassware? Tanuj Shroff, managing director at The Sink Boutique, suggests “incorporating floating shelves with subtle lighting to display your favorite spirits and barware.” More than just an accessible storage solution, they can help make that clean, modern look while providing space for decor that “ties the look together with finishes that complement your home’s existing style for a seamless, upscale feel,” adds Tanuj.
4. Keep organized with hidden storage
While open shelving is aesthetically pleasing, it may not be enough for all of your items. “Just as
important, add hidden storage below the bar to keep things tidy — ideal for storing extra
glasses, tools, or even a built-in ice well if you're feeling fancy,” suggests Ben Goodwin, blogger
5. Add a wine fridge
Although not a necessity, “consider incorporating a wine fridge or beverage cooler to keep drinks chilled and within reach,” says Derrick Radford, owner of Indianapolis-based custom table-making and accent wall business Radford Woodworks. Since dry bars lack a sink (for ice), a wine fridge can add some much-needed convenience for both personal enjoyment and hosting purpose – not to mention a touch of luxury.
6. Opt for something vintage
Whether or not you’re designing your dry bar from scratch, consider taking some inspiration from the past. For example, “There is a lot of ‘out of the box’ thinking in the dry bars from the Art Deco eras and such sleek forms from mid-century modern designs,” says Andrew Silla, owner of fine antique store Silla. Going with a vintage option “not only offers a great deal of personality alongside functional and clever designs, but can also become a strike-point of the room and a conversation piece,” adds Andrew.
7. Turn to AI
If vintage isn’t your style, consider bringing your dry bar well into the 21st century with a robot. "Focusing on both functionality and personality, implementing voice-activated technology like the BarBot to bring your bar to life and impress guests with custom cocktails,” says Brandon Wheat, founder of B.J. Wheat Co. Options like this are sure to elevate your dry bar and make the experience feel luxurious–even though you’re just at home.
8. Mix materials and natural elements
Regardless of your home aesthetic, opt to “introduce natural elements, such as plants, to add a touch of vibrant freshness to your dry bar, “suggests Vilasa Home Accents. Consider also “adding warm materials like wood and brass to create a refined and cozy atmosphere,” they continue. This mix of textures can help bring some much-needed life and style to your bar space as well as enhance both rustic and modern design aesthetics in particular.
9. Add a personalized touch to your dry bar
Don’t forget to add your own personal flair to your dry bar. Whether in the form of monogrammed glasses, framed cocktail recipes, travel souvenirs, or a Smiski, the decor options really are endless. If you want something bigger that you can see from afar, opt for novelty string lights or a large art print – both extremely customizable. Small or large, adding a personal touch can tie in all of the dry bar elements and really make it yours.
Dry bar stocking ideas
Now that you’ve designed your dream dry bar, it’s time to stock it. See below for our top three
stocking tips:
10. Get situated with the essential dry bar tools
“The foundation of any great home bar is the right set of tools — and quality makes all the difference,” says Jackie Mallory, senior manager at drinkware brand Viski. If you don’t have any tools, she recommends starting with the essentials: “a shaker, double-sided jigger, Hawthorne strainer, and a mixing glass for stirred cocktails.” For additional tools, she suggests “a muddler for fresh herbs, a bar spoon for layering, and a Lewis ice bag for perfectly crushed ice.” Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned bartender, “With the right tools at your fingertips, even a small dry bar becomes a destination for elevated at-home mixology,” says Jackie.
11. Pick out some unique glassware
“Don’t underestimate the power of beautiful glassware to set the tone,” reminds Emma Ros, marketing manager of Orrefors. Beyond function, aesthetic glassware can help set the tone of your dry bar by adding color, texture, and personality. For example, you can “display glasses on open shelves with integrated lighting to highlight the crystal’s brilliance and turn your bar into a standout design feature that’s always ready for entertaining,” says Emma.
12. Grab some booze
Now that you’ve got the proper tools and vessels, it’s time to get the ingredients. If you’re drinking alcohol, make sure to get a variety of spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and tequila along with liqueurs like triple sec, amaretto, and bitters. For both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, stock mixers like tonic water, sodas, ginger beer, and fresh juices. Lastly, don’t forget garnishes like citrus fruits, olives, and herbs like mint or basil. Whether you’re craving a classic cocktail or trying a new recipe for a non-alcoholic friend, you’re sure to have all the necessary ingredients for whatever the occasion.
Is a dry bar right for your home?
Unfortunately we can’t answer that question for you, but we recommend thinking about your space. If you entertain a lot, have the extra room, and want to boost your home value, adding a dry bar might be the addition for you.
For example, Kaitlyn Parness of Collect Like Kaitlyn, had a nook in her dining room that was the perfect spot for a dry bar, and went for it. “Our home was also only a few years old, so I was able to work with the builder to easily source the cabinets and countertops to match our kitchen,” she adds.
What is the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar?
The key difference is that a wet bar includes a sink with running water which requires plumbing installation that can add cost and complexity. Since a wet bar may not be possible or available for everyone and every home, Charlotte-based Italian furniture store Woodnluxury suggests “having that accessory-like an ice bin, a sink that is plugged, or portable sink-to still have the ability to hold ice, chill beer, or empty unused drinks.”
How much does it cost to add a dry bar?
“Dry bars are a great way to expand your home's entertaining space without breaking the bank as they don't require costly plumbing hookups and can be located in virtually any area of your home without many major modifications,” says Cory Hershberger of
My Old Kentucky Home Repair. Depending on your cabinetry, countertop, and backsplash choices, adding a dry bar can be relatively inexpensive. While the cost ranges depending if you DIY the bar, hire contractors, or opt for something high-end, you can expect a price ranging from $1,500 to $4,000.
