Tips and Ideas for Designing & Building a Custom Basement Bar

Having a custom basement bar gives you a place to relax, entertain, and have fun while increasing the value of your home. Who doesn’t enjoy a well-designed and built basement bar? But with so many ideas and considerations, where do you start?

Fortunately, designing and building a custom bar doesn’t have to be complicated. Here, we’ve included several ideas and tips to walk you through the process of determining what kind of bar you want for your basement. This can guide either a conversation with a basement remodeling firm or help you guide your own personal remodeling project.

Keep reading to get started designing your new bar!

Tip #1: Create an Impression With Different Bar Styles

Your basement bar will make an instant impression on both your guests and your home, so it’s up to you to decide what kind of impression you want to create.

For example, you can have a wall bar for a classic style with traditional signs, mirrors, and shelving for storage. Or, you can create an island bar with an overhanging counter and bar rail for a unique design and more gathering room.

There’s also the option for a peninsula bar, which offers the best of both worlds. No matter what impression you want your bar to have, the right design and décor can help you create it.

Tip #2: Decide If You Want a Wet or Dry Bar

A wet bar includes running water and requires additional plumbing, which can add to the labor and cost of your new bar. However, the convenience of having a sink and water to prepare drinks and clean up is often well worth the extra work and expense.

To determine whether you want a wet or dry bar, consider whether your bar will be a place to entertain or merely to store and pour drinks. If the latter is the case and cost is a concern, then a dry bar may be the better option.

However, if you want a place to entertain and prepare more complicated drinks and be able to clean up all in one place, then a wet bar is the way to go.

Tip #3: Incorporate Proper Storage

Storage is essential for any bar. You’ll need to decide if you want cabinets, shelving, or both. Cabinets are a great way to provide ample storage, while shelving is ideal for wine or displaying specialty bottles.

Base and wall cabinets are excellent ways to store everything you need at your bar while keeping it out of sight for a clean look. However, when building a custom bar in your basement, it’s essential to choose cabinet materials that won’t warp with high humidity, such as engineered wood.

If you’re more of a beer person, consider having a full-size fridge to provide enough storage for cans and bottles. However, if you’re a wine drinker, having plenty of shelving or cabinet space may be more important than a fridge, so a wine cooler or mid-size or mini fridge may suffice.

Tip #4: Choose Your Finishes

The finishes will make your vision for your custom basement bar come to life. That’s the beauty of going custom—you get to choose finishes that match your taste and home, such as:

• Lighting. The lighting you choose sets the mood at your bar. You can pick dimmable, under-cabinet, pendant, or recessed lights to create your desired ambiance.
• Countertops. The color, material, and style of your countertops can make a statement for your bar. Materials such as granite and quartz hold up well in basement environments, but laminate is also an attractive and more affordable option.
• Backsplashes. A backsplash can complement the counter and protect your walls, whether you plan to cook or just make drinks at your basement bar.
• Chairs. Chairs are another feature that make a big impression at your bar. Whether you want retro-style metal swivel chairs, elegant dark leather and wood, or plush upholstery for a classic look, you can personalize your bar with the right chairs.
• Entertainment. Sound and TV are important for many homeowners in their basement bars, so be sure to incorporate your entertainment system in the design to provide the atmosphere you want in your new space.

Tip #5: A Note on Appliances & Permitting Requirements

A fridge is a given in most basement bars, whether wet or dry. However, you can also opt for a dishwasher for easy clean up, especially if you entertain frequently and use glasses for drinks rather than plastic ones. 

Many homeowners also like a basement bar area that functions as a kitchen, complete with an oven as an easy way to cook while entertaining at the bar. However, including an oven legally classifies the area as a kitchen in Northern Virginia, so this will require an extra permit and additional costs. 

While adding an oven is certainly doable in most basement bars, it’s important to keep in mind the extra work and expenses that come with it.

Tip #6: Why Hire a Professional for Your Basement Bar Construction?

Although you can attempt to build your new bar yourself, hiring a professional is best, especially when going custom. A basement remodeling contractor can help plan the electrical and plumbing for your new space, ensuring that all elements come together on your timeline and budget. A contractor will also ensure your basement bar is up to code to prevent any potential issues later.

Book Your Free Northern VA Basement Remodeling Estimate

When planning a custom basement bar, get a free estimate with the basement remodeling contractors at Loudoun County Kitchen Bath Basement & More. We can help you envision your new space and discuss design options to get started with your new custom bar.