Features of the minibar in the kitchen
When installing a minibar in the kitchen, you must consider the following features.
- Dimensions. Although this is a minibar, it still requires a certain space in your kitchen. Consider the size of your kitchen and see if it makes sense to install a minibar.
- Children. If you have children, then installing an open bar on the floor is definitely not for you. Take care of the safety of your children and the integrity of the contents of your bar.
- Location. Think about how to install the bar securely. If it is an open bar, but there should be no objects above it that could collapse on it, such as a cabinet or shelves. Install the bar so that nothing falls out or falls.
- Type of alcohol. You need to consider what kind of alcohol you will store in the bar. Wine needs to be stored in a dry, dark place, so you should immediately discard the idea of an open bar in a sunny place.
- Amount of alcohol. Consider how many bottles you want to place in the minibar. A fully stocked bar will look very impressive.
Corner home bar? Why not!
Try to think bigger! The bar does not have to be straight or L-shaped. A great option for you could be a home bar with two 45-degree angles. It fits especially well in spaces where there is little seating space. And if an L-shaped rack can easily fit in your room, then there will be even more space for this option!
Why do you need a minibar?
A minibar will be an excellent style solution for the kitchen.
A minibar is, first of all, a place for storing alcoholic beverages, and secondly, a place for bottling it and preparing cocktails.
A minibar allows you to store alcoholic beverages in one place and saves space. This is a very fashionable trend and an unusual design solution that demonstrates wealth, the preferences of the owners, and a love of comfort and practicality.
Keep your home bar in order
Make sure your home bar has all the necessary equipment and ingredients you need. A classic bar book with recipes for various cocktails is especially important. And also, of course, it is necessary to organize the storage of ingredients so that they are always at hand. Your bar must have storage space for various ingredients - balms, syrups, liqueurs, mineral water, vermouth, etc., as well as glasses, all sorts of utensils and several knives. And, of course, you need a place to store beer, wine, sparkling water and a collection of alcoholic liqueurs.
Patterned glass can decorate your bar. Take a closer look at this option!
Types of minibars
A mobile minibar harmoniously complements the interior of the house.
Minibars in the kitchen can come in a variety of forms.
But their main types are divided into the following.
- Open. These can be various racks, shelves on which bottles and glass containers are placed.
- Closed. Such views are closed with a door, a screen from prying eyes. These options are suitable for families with small children, as well as for those who do not like to clean up dust often.
- Portable. The main feature of such minibars is their mobility. They can be moved from one room to another. Typically, such models are equipped with wheels, or straps or handles.
Bar as a kitchen decoration
A minibar can be a decoration in the kitchen.
The minibar in the kitchen looks really cool. There are people who do not drink alcohol, so they are afraid to install them because they are unnecessary. In cafes and restaurants you can often see a minibar, which serves only for decoration and the appropriate atmosphere. Food service establishments started this trend.
Today it is difficult to imagine a kitchen without a minibar, even if it is fake. A minibar in the kitchen completes the interior. The atmosphere will become more relaxed and relaxed. This could be a table decorated as a minibar or just a decorative element.
To make your home bar last longer, choose a reliable and beautiful countertop
Pay special attention to the choice of countertops! This is the most visible part of your bar and is subject to the most mechanical stress. Classics will come in handy: granite and marble countertops cost a lot, but they look solid and will serve you forever. Dark wood with a pronounced grain looks cozier and fits better into traditional pub interiors. Modern bars with experimental designs also use stainless steel, glass or laminated wood panel tops. Avoid surfaces that are easily scratched or cracked, or that begin to peel off over time.
Location ideas
The location of the minibar can be any. Let's look at the options below.
- Hanging minibar. It can be hung from the ceiling or on the wall.
- Built into the wall, cabinet, furniture.
- Separate minibar.
Important aspects of the minibar configuration
The minibar shelf harmoniously complements the kitchen interior.
- Shelves and fasteners must be securely attached. One bottle weighs little, but in large quantities it will weigh enough to collapse.
- Shelves and racks should be parallel to the floor. Otherwise, the bottles may simply roll off and fall out.
- It’s better to have a separate chute for each bottle, so they won’t hit each other and make it difficult to get out.
- The minibar should also have space for glass containers.
- Portable options should have high-quality wheels so as not to damage the floor or break the contents when dragging.
Your home bar can be mobile
You can make a mobile bar on a cart. Glass, wood and metal bar carts are available in a wide variety. They will allow you to move the bar around the house depending on where the party is centered. You may not be able to fit a lot of appliances and fixtures here, but you will save a lot of space.
These 15 ideas will certainly prove useful if you decide to organize your home bar. Who knows - maybe it will be very soon!
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Rules for storing alcohol
If stored incorrectly, alcohol can be harmful to health.
There are certain rules on how to store alcoholic beverages. Most alcohol is stored in glass bottles, but if the rules are not followed, it can spoil and cause harm to health. The order of Rosalkogolregulirovanie provides the following information:
Information from the Order of Rosalkogolregulirovanie dated October 26, 2010 No. 59n on the approval of technical conditions in the field of production and circulation (except for retail sales) of alcoholic and alcohol-containing products regarding the storage of alcoholic and alcohol-containing food products packaged in consumer packaging (as amended on November 30, 2012) .
It is worth noting that any alcohol should be protected from direct sunlight.
Ready solutions
A minibar in the armrest of the sofa is convenient and practical.
Today minibars are offered for every taste and color. These can be free-standing bars, built-in, hanging and many others. Let's look at possible ideas for a minibar in the kitchen.
- Vinoteka – storage for wines. The most convenient minibar for storing wine products. It is a mini-fridge that maintains the ideal temperature for storing wines. Stylish and modern way of storage.
- Bar railing. The most common type of minibar is in the kitchen, where there is a bar counter. Various holders are installed on the vertical stand (railing).
- Minibar in upholstered furniture. If your kitchen has a sofa with storage, then this is the ideal place for a minibar. Often the “stash” is located in the armrest.
- Portable minibar. This option is good because it can be moved to any part of the apartment. Initially, it can be a piece of furniture, and if necessary, turn into a minibar.
DIY minibar
A DIY minibar is an excellent financial solution. This way you can save a lot of money, and also make the product individually for yourself. Below you can consider unusual, budget solutions.
From TV
You can make an original minibar from the body of an old TV.
Great use for an old TV. Only its frame needs to be used. This can be either a closed minibar or an open one. You can make absolutely any decor. You can make such a backlit bar using LED strip. The top of the TV can be used as a spill area.
Made from PVC pipes
A non-standard version of a minibar made of PVC pipes.
A very unusual and practical solution. You can use different pipe diameters. It is necessary to cut the pipes into pieces of equal length. Measure the length of the container that you will store in this minibar. It would be better to make pipes equal in length to the bottle or slightly longer. They can be painted any color. It is also necessary to glue the pipes together with double-sided tape.
Use the store's pipe cutting service, it's usually free.
No home bar would be complete without an ice maker!
Regardless of whether you decide to equip a sink or not, a countertop ice maker will certainly come in handy. These ice makers are quite affordable, easy to use and will save you from having to run from the kitchen to the bar with a bucket of ice. Serve iced drinks at minimal cost - your guests will definitely appreciate it!
What to fill the minibar with
Each person's choice of alcohol depends on their preferences.
The main purpose of the minibar is to store alcohol. The content of such a repository is based on personal preference. Basic components include the following aspects.
- Wine white, red.
- Champagne.
- Vodka.
- Whiskey.
- Cognac.
- Gin.
- Tequila.
- Rum.
This is the main set. These drinks can be drunk either pure or mixed. To make cocktails you will need the following equipment.
- A shaker is a small glass for mixing cocktails.
- Bar spoon. It has a long handle, which makes it convenient to mix cocktails.
- Jigger. This is a measuring cup. Usually they are double-sided.
Some minibars also allow you to place a set of glass:
- Rox. Designed for strong drinks, as well as for mixing cocktails.
- A shot or just a glass. Designed for vodka, tequila and some types of cocktails.
- Wine glass.
- Champagne flute. This is the name of a glass for sparkling wines and cocktails based on them.
- Beer glass.
- Hurricane. This is a glass for serving cocktails.
Design
The design of the cabinet has different types, it all depends on the wishes of the client, his financial situation, taste, preferences, which are taken into account when placing an order for furniture.
The bar can be:
- small, similar to a grandmother’s chest of drawers, with sections for several bottles;
- on the entire wall with additional accessories, decor, shelves, pull-out cabinets and a bar counter;
- with a glass display case, mirrors, lighting, an aquarium;
- different colors and shapes.
The classic model is made of expensive wood and is distinguished by the presence of hinged doors, behind which there are special compartments for low-alcohol drinks and separately for strong ones. Most often they use a special hanger for glasses, shelves for other necessary dishes, accessories (bottle opener, corkscrew, etc.). Console cabinets are designed for small spaces. They simultaneously serve as a work surface or counter.
There are wine cabinets that are equipped with a special system that guarantees the correct temperature, darkness, peace and can be an alternative to a cellar. Such models are designed for proper storage of expensive wines.
Each company that produces such furniture offers its customers a range of projects that can be adjusted to suit the customer’s wishes. Also, everyone has the opportunity to create an individual model for the dimensions of the area where the furniture will be located, for the number and names of drinks, for additional accessories. In a word, there are no restrictions in this case.
Additional Tips
- It is better to place the wine cabinet on or near the wall.
- The temperature regime is most favorable for alcoholic beverages in a mini-refrigerator
- Use old furniture to organize a minibar in the kitchen.
- Use kitchen space sparingly. If you have a small kitchen, then the best option would be to make a built-in bar in a sofa or cabinet.
If your own personal bar is your dream, then don’t be afraid to be bold and creative. Do your best, but don't rush into decisions.
Two-level home bar
A two-tier or two-tier home bar has two separate surfaces - one at the level of a regular dining table, and the second at the height of the bar counter. Thanks to this design, this space can be used for eating, drinking or for casual conversational gatherings - all at the same time. This versatile use of a bar counter is great if you plan to have a snack cabinet next to your drinks or are concerned that with a traditional bar you'll have too little horizontal surface space.
It makes sense to consider glass furniture options for your bar...
