The basement is easily the floor most forgotten. It has the reputation of being creepy and cold—and, most of the time, unfinished. But if you give it a polish, your basement can increase your home’s value and usable square footage! So, as that space lies unused down floors… why not give it a makeover to make it a hub for entertaining? Read: A basement bar.
There’s something about a home bar that’s just so glamorous. And when you put it in the basement, you get this level of exclusivity that upgrades your bartending! It will make staying in so much more fun, whether you’re hanging out with family or hosting friends. And we’ve got you the inspiration you need.
Keep reading for 12 basement bar ideas that turn your basement into the perfect place to serve up a cocktail—or two 😉
Go For a Dark Palette
The instinct for a basement may be to choose a light color palette. But the opposite can have a sophisticated effect! This is especially because most basements don’t receive natural light, so black-on-black finishes can really add some drama.Â
Consider all black walls and cabinetry to create a cohesive look. A recessed area with floral wallpaper can add visual appeal. Bonus points if you choose countertops with gray veining—these make your basement bar unique to your home.
Add a Wine Cellar
If you’re a wine enthusiast—this is finally your chance to have your own wine cellar! This lets you display your wine collection.
Set up a central seating area; ideally, a few bar stools and an island. Behind, you can create a dedicated area as your wine cellar. Be sure to keep glass fronts—you really want to show that grand wine collection!
Mirrored Backsplash
This is especially great for compact basements. Adding a mirrored backsplash can reflect light and make the space feel bigger. Plus, it reflects your wines—double the effect and double the glam 😉
Along with a mirrored backsplash, consider a glass and metal pendant light. Its reflection in the mirror will look so classy! Plus, the glass will reflect its light during the dark hours.
Add a Statement Piece
Price: $120
Shop: Homary
A basement bar should have decorative pieces, too, especially one that can make a statement. This can be according to your taste, but we especially love sculptural pieces that can draw the eye.
Case in point: the Peacock wine glass rack above. It’ll make for a centerpiece on your table and will also beautifully hold your wine glasses and a bottle.
Make it Retro
Nothing like a vintage style bar in your basement! This sets your bar apart from the rest of your home and really wows your guests.
Product: Bar Stools Set of 2 or 4, Counter Height Dining Chair, Fabric Upholstered 360 Degree Swivel
Price: $145
Shop: Giantex
Consider a matte black kitchen island with a gold island top. Wooden farmhouse-style bar stools—like the ones featured above—will pair well with this. And don’t forget to add an exposed brick wall at the back. (Psst—a peel-and-stick wallpaper can serve the purpose too 😉)
Save Space Where You Can
Price: $250
Shop: Homary
If space is at a premium in your basement, you want to go for space-savvy design ideas. Something that can hold—and display—your wine glasses and bottles, so there’s no compromise on design.
One great addition is a wine rack hanging from the ceiling. So, you’re essentially using vertical space, but still storing your wine bottles as well as glasses. The piece above has a luxurious gold finish, so it will factor in opulence, too.
Cocktails and Conversation
Price: $130
Shop: Homary
Drinks are good, but when you have cocktails while conversating with your favorite people? Priceless. That’s why setting up a conversation area in your basement bar is a good idea.
Set a plush sofa and coffee table in the center. Don’t forget to display something stunning on the table—like the wine glass set shown above!
Alternatively, you can choose banquette seating. A cozy corner banquette can fit into compact corners, too. Its curved setting also encourages conversation.
Brighten It Up
Basement bars don’t always have to be dark and gloomy. If you don’t receive much natural light in your basement, you can bring a sunny color into this traditionally dark space with a fun backsplash. For example, a warm amber color in a herringbone pattern.
The space will look like it’s designed with the morning in mind—especially considering the warmth that radiates from the bar. Especially great for small basement bar ideas!
Consider a Mini Bar Niche
If you have a niche in your basement, you can utilize it to create a mini bar. This creates a cozy area that stores all your wine essentials but still saves space.
Add a fun wallpaper as the backsplash and mount some floating shelves to display your wine glasses. In the cabinetry below, use one section to display your bottles. You can use a glass front for this as well as some LED lights lined on the cabinets.
Consider a Dry Bar
A DIY dry bar setup is an affordable solution for adding a dedicated cocktail area that works in any basement (and even in the dining or living room!).
Just find yourself a good-looking buffet or sideboard—can be new, used, or vintage—and set up your favorite bottles and bar essentials on the top. Hang some floating shelves above to store your glassware and display objects. Be sure to anchor it on either side with plants.
Price: $210
Shop: Tribe Signs
If you’re looking for that dramatic effect with black, the sideboard featured above can serve the purpose! You can even give your existing sideboard a new coat of black paint if you’re on a budget.
Keep it Neutral
Ditch the blacks and yellows. Even a neutral basement bar can look fantastic—especially if you’re looking to continue the modern design from the rest of your house.
This means a sleek gray color palette and minimal display of accessories. You want to keep consistent in the materials and palette. For example, quartz countertops and white subway tiles paired with those soft gray tones. Be sure to go for a cozy family room with a fireplace as well as a wet bar for maximum functionality.
Combine it With a Kitchen
Your basement doesn’t have to be a lightless cave, especially if you add the right functionality. Include a small kitchen in your basement bar—basically the kitchen appliances you use the most—and use the space for food prep, too. No more running back and forth when you’re entertaining; the basement bar will have it all 😊