The global pandemic saw pubs, bars and nightclubs close for approximately 31 weeks during the national lockdowns here in the UK. But interestingly, alcohol sales were only down a surprising 1.2% on the previous year, suggesting that people were drinking more at home.
In fact, a report released by Public Health England in July 2021, states that the total volume of alcohol sold in shops and supermarkets rose by 25% between 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021. Whilst beer and cider showed the largest relative decrease, it was wine and spirits that proved to be popular purchases for consumers looking to enjoy a tipple at home.
Recreating that pub experience in the kitchen, living room or garden became a necessity as we were forced to stay at home. So, it’s no wonder that so many of us were searching for home bar ideas, from a humble bar trolley, to a more substantial bar cabinet to a full on pub in the garden shed.
The home bar won’t be going anywhere soon, so let’s take a look at some of the best home bar ideas for entertaining in style.
Home Bar Units
Home bar units can be the height of luxury so these are at the top of our list of home bar ideas. Nestled discreetly into a corner of your living or dining room, these unassuming pieces of furniture are a great option if you want to hide your alcohol away behind closed doors. With ample storage space for all your spirits and your home bar accessories, you can keep everything you need for entertaining close at hand, but safely out of view.
With so many options to choose from you can pick home bar furniture that blends in with the rest of your home or you can choose to make a stunning design statement by opting for something that stands out. Whether you’re looking for something more minimalist in Scandi-style light wood, or something more modern and opulent in dark wood with brass accents, there is a style to suit any taste and aesthetic.
Home Bar Console
A console bar can be a great option if you decide you want somewhere specific to seat your guests while you entertain in your home bar. They are narrow so don’t take up too much floor space and are taller than the average table so you can easily slide bar stools underneath.
Most console bars have tiered storage or shelving so that you can house all your home bar accessories whilst still keeping them easily accessible. Some also have built-in racks for hanging wine glasses.
Bar Cart Trolley
A bar cart trolley is extremely flexible as it is on castors and can therefore be wheeled around if you need move it around or change its position. It can be kept out of the way when not in use and then wheeled out whenever you have people round to entertain.
They are often a lot smaller than other home bar ideas so can be used even in homes where space is at a premium. Some are similar in size to an average side table so you really don’t need to have a palatial home to have your own bar.
Cocktail Bar
If you are really looking to channel your favourite cocktail lounge, then a home cocktail bar is the perfect option for you. Stock it up with spirits, mixers, bar tools and glassware and you’ll be right on track to perfect your mixology and bottle flipping skills. Who knows, maybe you’ll even invent your own signature cocktail to enjoy with your guests.
Outdoor Bar
If an indoor bar isn’t for you, why not move your entertaining out to the garden and take full advantage of any nice weather and the benefits of surrounding yourself with nature. A bar table and bar stools will provide a perfect seating area for sipping on your favourite beverages this summer whilst spending time with friends and family.
So, there you have it, we’ve shared five different home bar ideas to help you entertain in style. What do you think? Did you jump on the home bar bandwagon over the past few years and if not, would you consider it now?
If you’ve created a home bar with the help of Honeypot Furniture we’d love to see. Please share on Instagram and tag us with @honeypotfurniture and use our hashtag #JoinTheHive so we can see.
