19 Wet Bar Ideas to Elevate Your Space in 2023

By: Andrew Saladino | 3 min

A wet bar can be a great addition to your home whether you love hosting game nights and are tired of running upstairs for drinks or want snacks more readily available. If you love entertaining, then a wet bar is the perfect way to elevate a common space or basement.

If you're looking for ways to spruce up your existing kitchen bar or you're in the market for a new wet bar, we've got you covered with the best wet bar ideas.

1. Install Shelving

Installing shelves above your wet bar is a great way to add some extra storage space and make room for decorative items. Display candles, bar equipment, or pictures for a personal touch.

2. Utilize a Rolling Ladder

Utilizing a rolling ladder is a great option if you have high ceilings or a tall wet bar. Try painting your cabinets and ladder a traditional dark blue, red, or green for a classic look.

3. Choose a High Gloss Finish

Having a smooth, reflective countertop is a great way to add a unique look. Painting a wet bar with high gloss paint and installing a durable countertop make everything easy to clean. Plus, if sealed well, the countertop can be waterproof, making it perfect for a patio area.

4. Add Overhead Lighting

Add overhead kitchen lighting to create a focal point for the room. You can use gold or brass fixtures to draw attention to your wet bar decor.

5. Incorporate Jewel Tones

Incorporating jewel tones with metallic accents will add some glamour to your wet bar, such as in your drinkware. This pop of color will help this feature stand out if you have a neutral or traditional kitchen.

6. Turn it Into a Hot Drink Bar

You can still enjoy a fashionable at-home bar even if you're not a huge fan of alcohol. Create a dry bar instead with coffee, tea, and healthy snacks so you're always ready to entertain your guests with nonalcoholic beverages.

7. Patterned Backsplash

Choosing a patterned kitchen backsplash with coordinating colors will give your space a touch of intrigue without being overwhelming. Using geometric tiles makes it easy to create a fun background for your bar.

8. Add Marble

Marble is a great material for a wet bar because of the sophistication it brings to any room. Opt for an all-white marble for a sleek look or a high contrast black and white pattern to create visual intrigue.

9. Pick a Glassware Theme

Before choosing your glassware, pick a theme for your wet bar. Whether you want it to be an outdoor tiki bar, a sophisticated cocktail area, or a boozy sports bar, make sure to pick glassware that coordinates with your ideal aesthetic.

10. Utilize Your Basement

If you're looking for a great way to update your basement, a basement wet bar is sure to enhance your style. Add an extra dishwasher, fridge, and sink to make your basement the perfect place to host your friends and family.

11. Wallpaper Background

Adding wallpaper behind your wet bar is a great way to incorporate fun colors without the hassle of painting or installing a tile backsplash. Use a floral accent wall to bring nature into your home, neutral hues to make your decor the focal point, or a patterned style to make a statement.

12. Transform Your Cabinetry

Another option is to transform a standing cabinet if you don't have the budget to purchase a new wet bar. Fill your cabinet with glassware, mixers, bar supplies, and alcohol to duplicate the look of a traditional wet bar.

13. Display Statement Artwork

Showcase a bit of your style with statement artwork above your wet bar. Your art piece and wet bar combo can act as a centerpiece for your kitchen, den, or basement area.

14. Move it to The Patio

If you love to lounge by the pool or throw parties in the backyard, then moving your wet bar outside is the perfect addition to your patio. Put a BBQ right next to your wet bar for the ultimate summer hosting experience.

15. Install a Mini-Fridge

If you want a fully stocked wet bar then a mini-fridge is essential. Fill your mini-fridge with white wine, beer, seltzers, soft drinks, and refrigerated snacks to offer guests.

16. Convert Your Closet

Many of us have an extra storage closet crammed with unnecessary items, so why not empty it out to make room for a wet bar? Put your at-home bar behind a closet door by lining the walls with reflective wallpaper, adding shelving, installing a wine bar, and stocking up on cocktail supplies for a perfect little surprise whenever you need it.

17. Elevate your Dining Room

Adding a wet bar to your dining room can transform this area from being bland to luxurious. Throw the perfect dinner game night by bringing the bar to your guests for easy access to drinks.

18. Get Creative With Color

Instead of painting your wet bar a neutral hue, try adding a splash of color. Using a vibrant color will make your cocktail serving space feel warm and inviting.

19. Install a Prep Sink

Install a bar sink onto your wet bar for a perfect area to clean up supplies after making cocktails, wash your hands, or wash off glasses. Adding a prep sink is great for anyone that enjoys regularly hosting friends and family.

Wet Bar Ideas FAQ

Check out the questions below to learn more about the best wet bar ideas, uses, and styles to create your perfect vibe.

Are Wet Bars Out of Style?

While wet bars aren't at the height of popularity like they were in the 1970s and '80s, you can still create a stylish wet bar in your home. Incorporate trendy decor and colors to avoid making your wet bar look outdated.

What Should a Wet Bar Have?

Most wet bars hold items such as alcohol, wine glasses, snacks, cocktail supplies, and mixers. If you aren't a fan of alcohol you can create a dry bar with coffee, tea, and nonalcoholic beverages.

What Can I Use Instead of a Wet Bar?

If you don't have room for a wet bar, you can use a bar cart, standing cabinet, or small table.

Do Wet Bars Increase Home Value?

Wet bars don't necessarily add value to your home, but it's always best to consult a real estate agent on the matter. Wet bars are a great addition to basements and dens where it's otherwise inconvenient to go upstairs to grab supplies from the kitchen.

Use these wet bar ideas to elevate your space and create the at-home bar of your dreams.