Basement Bars
If you’re considering a basement renovation, take a look at this beautiful group of basement bars for inspiration. We will show a variety of styles and layouts for your basement bar. And we’ll talk about the equipment you’ll want. This can include bar sinks, storage for glassware and other bar supplies, icemakers, beverage refrigerators, microwaves and even Kegorators!
We hope this post will help you start to think about how you can enjoy a practical and welcoming basement bar!
Pub-Style Basement Bars
Putting a bar in a basement gives you the freedom to have some fun with the design. Because it’s on a different level of the house, it can differ wildly from the rest of your decor, if that’s what you wish!
In this amazing Atlanta-area basement bar, our British-born client wanted to bring traditional British pub style to her basement. We imported the intricately carved, curved bar from oversees. Elements like mirrors, stained glass, a brass railing for the feet and ample barware storage abound!
The bar also includes a hidden microwave and dual fridge for beer and wine.
There’s a great view of the bar from the billiards room, as well as a full bathroom that continues the style. Exposed brick, custom millwork, lighting, equestrian prints and British racing green paint give the room all the vibes of a cozy pub in the U.K. Another bar for setting down drinks runs along the left wall.
Elegant Hotel Style Basement Bars
This bar in Buckhead has gracious style worthy of a high-end hotel. The comfortable leather-upholstered stools with nailhead trim, the mahogany bar top, deep blue-gray paint, custom millwork and mirrored backsplash are some of our favorite elements.
We also love that the workspace is lowered and hidden from view of the main bar top. This keeps the sink from splashing on the bar. Another bar layout feature here is placing the beverage fridge right next to the main fridge. That makes it easy to grab spirits, mixers and ice in the same spot.
This basement bar also contains a full kitchen that is convenient for overnight guests. Raising the bar countertop helps hide the utilitarian part of the kitchen from view for those seated at the bar.
Elegant cased openings separate the bar from the other basement spaces like this pool table room.
This is a basement kitchen that has a bar-like feel, thanks to the bar-height countertop and high top table. The light fixture adds a fun touch overhead.
Placing bar area furniture in the right spot is also important. Here, the high top table has a great view of the TV for game nights or Oscar parties.
Traditional Basement Bar
This basement bar is located along a pass-through between the basement kitchen and the rest of the space. Picture frame molding on the wainscoting and rich wooden cabinetry give it traditional style. Classic French cafe chairs and oil-rubbed bronze finishes update the look.
While this is a full kitchen space in the basement, mirrored backsplash and glass shelves for barware and bottles emphasize bar style.
A note about countertops — in a basement bar that doubles as a basement kitchen, choose something hard and durable. This can include granite, quartz and quartzite. If you consider red wine stains a wonderful patina and reminder of good times, marble is fine. If not, marble is not for you, and that’s OK!
Learn more about which countertop is right for you and your project
Small Basement Bars
Some of our clients preferred to maximize their basement space for other uses without being dominated by a bar. In this case, we were able to give them the convenience of a basement bar by tucking it under the staircase. There’s room for a beverage fridge, hidden trash and open shelves for glasses, bottles and mugs.
Providing some countertop space was also important. The solid-surface countertop and patterned tiled backsplash make it durable and attractive at the same time. Here there’s plenty of room for mixology and for a coffeemaker.
Adding even a Keurig is a gracious move when hosting overnight guests in a lower level guest space. That way they can get that first cup of coffee before socializing!
Freestanding Basement Bars
This home basement bar (on the left) is separate from the adjacent basement kitchen. Some of its finishes, such as the cabinet paint, match the kitchen. Others, like the elegant marble picket tile backsplash, make it stand out.
We find that glass-front cabinetry is a great fit for a bar. Elegant barware deserves to be seen and looks fantastic on display. And installing lights inside the cabinets allows it to reflect off the glassware. Speaking of lighting, undercabinet lighting, is a fantastic option for basement bar design. At this basement bar, it highlights the sophisticated veining in the marble backsplash.
We hope this post will help you start to think about how you can enjoy practical and welcoming basement bars. When you’re ready to start the design process, give us a call for a free consultation. Our design team will help you figure out the layout, storage, appliances, style and finishes for your basement bars.
If you enjoyed this story, here are a few more we think you’ll like:
What To Consider Before Finishing Your Basement
Elegant Dunwoody Bar and Kitchen
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