A white bar cabinet can transform an unused corner of your home into a charming and functional entertaining space for special guests. With some clever decorating, lighting and storage solutions, you can create a warm, welcoming corner bar area that provides an intimate setting for serving cocktails or wine. This stylish corner bar will become a highlight in your home that family and friends will naturally gravitate towards.
Why Create a Corner Bar?
There are many benefits to incorporating a corner bar area in your home decor:
- Maximizes unused space – Corners often end up wasted. A bar cabinet utilizes the corner and transforms dead space into something special.
- Provides intimate seating – A corner bar creates a cozy and inviting spot for 2-3 people to sit and chat over drinks. The close quarters facilitate meaningful conversation.
- Self-contained entertaining – Equipped with glassware, ice and tools, your corner bar has everything you need for spur-of-the-moment entertaining.
- Adds character – A bar adds an element of sophistication and charm to any room. It becomes a conversation piece.
- Convenience – Keep your wine and bar tools organized and in one spot so they are on hand when needed.
Choosing the Right Corner Bar Cabinet
There are many things to consider when selecting a white corner bar cabinet:
- Size – Measure the corner space and choose a cabinet that fits precisely. Scale the size according to your needs.
- Material – Wood, laminate or metal. Consider moisture, scratches and weight.
- Doors or Open – Enclosed storage or open shelving. This impacts aesthetics and storage.
- Wine Storage – Wine rack capacity and layout. Horizontal or vertical bottle storage.
- Glassware Storage – Shelves, racks or drawers to store glassware properly.
- Refrigeration – Built-in wine chiller or space for free standing fridge.
- Sink – Wet bar with sink or without. Impacts plumbing requirements.
- Seating – Cabinet depth and overhang to accommodate bar stools.
- Budget – Costs range dramatically. Set realistic budget and look for sales.
Stylish Bar Cabinet Designs and Ideas
The style of your corner bar cabinet impacts the overall look, feel and function of the space. Consider these stylish bar cabinet designs:
Modern Minimal
- Sleek metal or wood cabinetry with straight lines
- Glass shelves neatly display barware
- LED lighting illuminates bottles and glasses
- Industrial, streamlined, understated
Rustic Charm
- Heavily grained wood cabinet provides texture
- Cast iron hardware and distressed details
- Hanging glass racks add visible interest
- Perfectly imperfect for a cozy, worn-in style
Glamorous Gold
- Mirrored backing reflects light around the room
- Polished brass hardware and details
- Glass shelving and transparent cabinet doors
- Elegant and reflective for maximum glam
Contemporary Concrete
- White and grey concrete cabinet for cool tone
- Floating wooden shelves for wine and glassware storage
- Gallery-style backlighting
- Clean, modern masculine edge
Corner Bar Cabinet Ideas and Inspiration
Browse Instagram and Pinterest for visual inspiration on real-world corner bar cabinet designs. Some popular ideas include:
- Framed glass cabinet doors showcasing collections of bottles and barware
- Backlit shelves with LED lighting on dimmers creating a warm glow
- Mirrored back wall doubling visual space
- Wine refrigerators seamlessly built-in to cabinetry
- Stylized hardware like vintage brass pulls or cut crystal knobs
- Inset wood, marble or concrete countertops for an upscale feel
- Carved ornamental woodworking or handpainted details
- Custom millwork to perfectly fit the space like puzzle pieces
- Window backing the bar with a view outdoors
- Textured tile backsplash in Moroccan patterns or subway tiles
- Heavy drapery framing the bar space in luxurious fabrics
- Coordinating roman blinds for cabinet doors in matching colors
- Woven baskets for bottle and glassware storage
Look for elements that express your personal style then incorporate into your perfect corner bar design.
Setting Up Your Corner Bar Cabinet
Once you have selected and installed your white corner bar cabinet, it is time to outfit it. Use these tips for optimizing the storage and functionality:
Stocking Your Bar Cabinet
- Glassware – Wine glasses, champagne flutes, beer glasses, rocks glasses
- Bar Tools – Bottle opener, jigger, strainer, muddler, shaker, stir sticks
- Mixers & Garnishes– Bitters, vermouth, cherries, olives, lemon/limes
- Cocktail Supplies – Cocktail napkins, ice bucket, citrus juicer, ice scoop
- Liquor selection – Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey
- Wine – Both whites and reds, plus champagne
Organize tools in drawers and display glassware neatly on open shelves.
Illuminate with Lighting
Proper lighting can make or break your bar area. Use a mix of lighting:
- Task lighting under cabinets to illuminate counter space
- Accent lighting inside the cabinet to spotlight glassware and bottles
- Overhead lighting for general ambient lighting
- Mood lighting like sconces, picture lights or table lamp
Lighting on dimmers allows you to set the perfect mood.
Add Functional Extras
- Mini fridge – Built-in or freestanding fridge to chill wine and spirits
- Ice maker – For crafting perfect chilled cocktails
- Sink – Wet bar sink for functionality if plumbing allows
- Cutting board – For slicing citrus and garnishes
- Corkscrew – Mounted directly on the cabinet for easy access
- Coasters – Protect cabinet surface from moisture damage
- Napkins – Linen or decorative cocktail napkins
- Trays – For transporting multiple drinks
Style with Decor Touches
- Artwork – Vintage liquor advertisements or artistic prints
- Sculptures – Glass decanters, orb stir sticks, metal straws
- Flowers – Fresh in vase or faux botanicals in a planter
- Books – Cocktail recipe books, coffee table bar books
- Cozy textures – Pillows, throws, area rugs
- Mirrors – For visual expansion of the space
Create an Inviting Bar Seating Area
- Bar stools – Usually 2-3 to fit corner space
- Counter overhang – For comfortable seating
- Pub table – If space allows, add a standing height table
- Side table – Provide surface for cocktails and accessories
- Window seat – Use cabinet top as banquette seating
Mixing Up the Perfect Corner Bar Cocktails
The real fun begins when your bar cabinet is complete and it’s time to experiment with cocktail recipes.
Signature Cocktail Ideas
Give your home bar a personal touch by creating a signature cocktail.
- Incorporate your name – The Becky Buck or Winston Twist
- Reflect your hobbies – The Golfer Arnold Palmer
- Showcase your culture – The Midwestern Whiskey Sour
- Highlight favorite flavors – The Spicy Cucumber Margarita
- Make it RGB (Red/Green/Blue) – The Tropical Sunset
- Name it after your street – Greenview Boulevard
Endless options to conceptualize a creative cocktail name that resonates as your specialty drink.
Cocktail Pairings
Certain cocktails nicely complement specific occasions, foods, seasons or moods:
- Brunch – Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Bellini
- Happy Hour – Old Fashioned, Negroni, Margarita
- Seafood – Dry martini, Sea breeze, Moscow mule
- BBQ – Whiskey ginger, Paloma, Pimm’s Cup
- Holidays – Eggnog, Hot toddy, Mulled wine
- Poolside – Mojito, Mai Tai, Tequila sunrise
- Birthday – Champagne cocktail, French 75, Kir royal
Mix and match cocktails to craft beverage menus perfect for any special gathering.
Tips for Mixing Drinks Like a Pro
- Use quality ice – clear, hard cubes that melt slowly
- Measure ingredients precisely using a jigger
- Shake/stir for proper time to achieve dilution, chilling and blending
- Garnish creatively with fruit slices, herbs, olives or candy
- Use coupe, rocks, wine, highball glassware as appropriate
- Always taste test your creation to adjust flavor balance
- Study classic recipes then experiment with variations
With practice you’ll be talking mixology and impressing guests with your bartending skills in no time.
Popular Crowd-Pleasing Cocktails to Master
- Old Fashioned
- Negroni
- Manhattan
- Martini
- Margarita
- Moscow Mule
- Mojito
- French 75
- Cosmopolitan
- Paloma
- Pimm’s Cup
- Whiskey Sour
- Greyhound
- Gin & Tonic
- Dark ‘n Stormy
- Kir Royale
- Mint Julep
Entertaining Guests at Your New Home Bar
The ultimate joy of a home bar is using it to entertain special guests. Here are tips for hosting memorable evenings:
Cocktail Party Tips
- Create fun printed cocktail napkins
- Display bottles prominently with LED lighting
- Arrange a selection of glassware and tools
- Chill glassware ahead of time
- Set out cocktail garnishes in pretty dishes
- Play lively background music that inspires mingling
- Dress in cocktail attire and accessories
- Hire a bartender for large parties
Dinner Party Tips
- Set the table nicely with decor
- Include wine glasses and water goblets
- Select a wine pairing for each course
- Chill white and sparkling wines beforehand
- Decant red wines ahead to allow breathing
- Offer guests tour of your new bar area
- Display after-dinner liquors, like port
Guests will be thrilled to enjoy an intimate dining experience incorporating your bespoke home bar.
Holiday Tips
- Create festive cocktails using seasonal ingredients
- Infuse liquors with holiday flavors like cinnamon or peppermint
- Display holiday barware like ornate glass punch bowls
- Serve warming cocktails like mulled wine or hot toddies
- Offer a hot chocolate and liqueur bar
- Mix up pitchers of cocktails like Tom & Jerry’s for a crowd
- Provide champagne for celebratory toasting
Lean into seasonal motifs with your bar decor, cocktails, glassware and garnishes.
Maintaining Your Bar Cabinet and Supplies
To keep your bar cabinet looking fabulous and performing properly over the long-term:
- Dust shelves weekly using a microfiber cloth
- Frequently polish mirrored surfaces avoiding chemical cleaners
- Use coaster and napkins religiously to prevent water rings
- Organize and take inventory of supplies monthy
- Check for expired drink mixes and replace as needed
- Clean bar tools regularly using soap and water
- Hand wash glassware promptly after use
- Replace cracked or cloudy glassware
- Use grapeseed oil on wooden cabinet exteriors to protect finish
- Tighten any loose hardware or sagging hinges
- Refresh cabinet interior paint every 2-3 years
- Re-stain or re-seal wood cabinet exteriors every 3-5 years
With some simple bar maintenance, your corner bar will stay beautiful and functional for decades of memorable evenings.
Inspiring Corner Bar Designs
To spark additional ideas for your perfect corner bar, here are some beautifully designed real-world corner bars showcasing creative layouts, storage solutions, styling and craftsmanship:
Refined Rustic Bar
This warm Modern Farmhouse style bar features a handcrafted wood cabinet with brass hardware. Hanging racks artfully display stemware above the Calacatta marble countertop. An integrated fridge keeps drinks properly chilled.
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Contemporary Gatsby Bar
Mirrored glass cabinet doors reflect light around this glam bar with gold finishes and geometric hardware. Horizontal wine storage makes bottles easily visible.
Modern Industrial Bar
The wood shelving, concrete countertop, and exposed piping have an urban loft vibe. Backlit glass shelves create a moody atmosphere.
Traditional Built-In Bar
This ornate custom millwork bar has leaded glass cabinet doors and built-in wine refrigerators. It blends seamlessly into the room detailing.
Vintage Library Bar
The cabinetry mimics built-in bookshelves to blend into the shelving wall. Glass doors showcase barware and books.
Which style resonates most with your personal taste? There are so many options to create a completely customized corner bar perfectly suited to your home.
Conclusion
A well-designed corner bar cabinet truly elevates a home, providing sophisticated style along with practical entertaining benefits. With careful planning and creative vision, you can transform wasted space into a beautiful bar area. White cabinetry blended with wood, metal and glass elements results in a light and airy oasis ideal for intimate gatherings with special guests.
Stock your bar with an array of glassware, tools and premium liquors to be prepared for everything from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations. Unique lighting, stylish hardware and purposeful decor allow you to put your personal stamp on the space. With quality materials and routine care, your white corner bar will serve as a centerpiece in your home for years of cocktail enjoyment with family and friends. Let the memorable evenings begin!