10 practical tips on how to organize a home minibar


Cafes, bars, and restaurants attract people primarily with their atmosphere. This, in turn, depends on the design. The design of the bar is the first thing that will attract the visitor. If the establishment is also tasty and inexpensive, regular customers will appear very quickly.

Business is always forced to think about the practical side of the issue. The ideal bar design is a combination of practical materials and an original concept. We will talk about what trends are currently trending, how to decorate a cafe or small restaurant, and what to do on a limited budget.

Important! Most often, an entrepreneur restaurateur entrusts a professional designer to design the interior of a bar. It’s a huge plus if the owner of the establishment understands the basic requirements and concepts. This way he will be able to correctly express his wishes to the performer and achieve the desired result.

Is the interior of a beer bar traditional or innovative?

Although women also enjoy drinking beer, traditionally the atmosphere in such establishments is aimed at men. Natural colors, antique sconces with dim light, military and sports symbols are welcome. The design of a beer bar in a country style is popular. It assumes:

  • use of natural finishing materials (wood);
  • simple classic wooden furniture;
  • natural colors (brown, sand, beige, white);
  • graffiti, chalk boards, vintage photographs.

Tired of old styles - you can take a risk and design a beer bar in a completely new concept. Choose modern decor, order designer furniture, replace antique pendant lamps with LED spotlights. Then more young people will come to you.

As a compromise between “old and new,” decorators offer a loft-style bar design. It is characterized by:

  • exposed brick walls,
  • open communications;
  • long pendant lamps;
  • metal stairs, furniture.

Remember that beauty and harmony in the world of men are simplicity, solidity, and functionality. They are irritated by fragile dishes, unstable furniture, and bright colors. Try to offer your guests a solid, respectable interior in which they will feel comfortable and safe.

Examples of a kitchen with a bar counter photo design. Bar counter in the kitchen in different styles

A high bar counter is a rather multifaceted thing and fits perfectly into almost all styles and design ideas.

  • Bar counter in a modern style;

Its main emphasis is on functionality. Gloss acrylic with frosted glass or artificial stone with a platform superstructure with a shiny surface of laminated chipboard with an elaborate print and openwork edge look great.


Modern style involves a mixture of textures, a variety of colors and a combination of different materials.

  • Bar counter for a minimalist kitchen;

The bar counter can become a central, conventionally bright spot in a white set. Minimalism is characterized by an abundance of metal and plastic. All furniture and bar counters are made from practical materials.


Minimalism dictates clear forms, simple lines, lack of decor, laconic colors.

  • Bar counter for the kitchen in a classic style.

For a classic style, it is better to choose rectangular counter models in the form of an island or as part of an extension of the tabletop. It is preferable to use natural materials: wood, tempered glass, stone.


A classic bar counter is often combined with a suite. The location near the window allows you to save space for cooking.

The interior of a sushi bar and its features

Initially, exotic seafood was prepared and sold by Japanese restaurateurs. Their establishments were decorated in traditional Japanese style. Therefore, the design of a sushi bar is based on the principles of simplicity and minimalism. It is characterized by:

  • natural finishing materials (bamboo, wood, reed);
  • light practical furniture;
  • strict lines;
  • minimal decor;
  • cool air;
  • a lot of light.

Objects of Japanese art are still a must-have for such establishments. The visitor enjoys admiring the graphics, sculptural figures, and modest ikebana bouquets. But remember that a sushi bar is a place where people come to have a snack for 15-30 minutes. Instead of complex and intricate decor, your guests will appreciate a simple and democratic atmosphere, laconic forms, mobility of furniture, and cleanliness.

Advice! Use photo wallpapers when decorating Japanese restaurants. The image of a sakura branch, hieroglyphs, seascapes will create the right atmosphere and mood.

Hookah bar design

Zoning of space is important for hookah establishments, because people come here to relax and socialize in a narrow circle. If the design of a pub is intended to unite alcohol lovers into one big family, then cozy nooks and crannies are valued here, where a person can relax away from prying eyes.

Fans of bright and rich accents will be able to really go wild when decorating establishments related to hookah smoking. Such points make you as comfortable and cozy as possible. Welcome:

  • soft sofas, armchairs, pillows;
  • volumetric multi-colored lamps;
  • bright textiles; drapes, curtains;
  • carpets;
  • colored glass;
  • mosaic panels;
  • dropped ceilings;
  • low furniture.

Wallpaper with patterns and oriental symbols is appropriate in this place. And also elegant frescoes. In general, wallpaper is rarely used as a finishing material in beer establishments. But hookah restaurants are an exception. Photo wallpaper here will help create the right atmosphere.

Color spectrum

For obvious reasons, the colors used in the kitchen should stimulate and maintain the appetite. So, for example, if you are creating a coffee shop in your apartment, all colors associated with coffee are perfect - beige, coffee, cream and coffee with milk. Wine and berry tones will look no worse.

A French cafe suggests white or beige, which can be combined with a little red. A combination of beige and brown is considered good. If you want to create the atmosphere of Paris, use red and white stripes, which will bring holiday to the kitchen interior. If red is not a very desirable color for you, it can be replaced with green or gray.

It is always better to decorate a kitchen-cafe in “delicious” colors that will whet the appetite

If it's a pizzeria or diner, bright colors like yellow or red are the way to go. It is not necessary to apply them everywhere possible. It is important to include the desired color in the right amount and enliven the atmosphere with it.

Lounge bar design - a cozy environment for relaxation

The lounge area is primarily a place to relax. Therefore, the interior design of the bar consists of soft, cozy chairs, dim lighting, and low tables. The stand with snacks and drinks occupies no more than 10% of the territory. People come here to relax, drink coffee, eat a light dessert, and listen to calm music.

Depending on the concept of the establishment, you can choose one of the following styles as the host:

  • classic;
  • avant-garde;
  • Romanesque;
  • Scandinavian;
  • Art Deco.

Furniture and lighting play an important role when organizing a lounge area. The decor is chosen in such a way that it does not distract attention. Very often, the role of decoration on the walls is played by stylish photo wallpapers. They create a comfortable environment and a feeling of homeliness.

Types of home bar designs

Furniture for a home bar should fit into the interior of the room and become its component. Therefore, its style directly depends on which room design was chosen. Generally, the placement of the bar does not require any rearrangement since it does not require much space.

The built-in structure for storing drinks will not displace existing furniture. If this does not suit you, the location for installing the home bar should be chosen so that there are no wall cabinets or other heavy objects above it. If something falls on the bar, the entire alcohol collection will be lost, and in addition, fragments will fly everywhere.

There are several types of home bar designs:

  • Open – racks, shelves where all the contents are visible. This is a kind of smaller analogue of ordinary bar furniture.

  • Closed. The meaning is the same, only the bottles inside the rack are closed with a screen and doors. This option is considered safer. Having a screen is a must when choosing a bar if you have children.

  • Portable . These “babies” are made specifically so that, if necessary, the bar can be moved to another room or even outside. They are easy to move thanks to the presence of wheels.

If it is not possible to buy special furniture for drinks, you can allocate one of the kitchen cabinets for a minibar. The advantage of this option is that you don’t have to redo anything in your interior and look for a place where you could place a home bar.

Recommended articles on this topic:

  • Armchair in Provence style: good quality, ergonomic and cozy
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  • Display cabinet in Provence style (35+ photos): decorating your home

Karaoke bar design

The song club format involves an open space where one of the visitors performs. The rest listen to him at tables with snacks and drinks. All attention is focused on the performers, so light and contrasting colors play an important role in the design of a karaoke club. It entertains guests and emphasizes the festive nature of the event.

Note! If natural materials (wood, brick, stone) are welcome in beer establishments, then the interior of a cafe bar with music is the territory of high-quality “synthetics”. Neon lamps, textured plaster, textured wallpaper for painting, and a glossy stretch ceiling are good here.

Sports bar interior: simplicity, accessibility, functionality

A drinking establishment that gathers sports fans under its roof is a kind of pub with large TVs on the walls. As a rule, monitors replace decor and become the main attributes of the interior. The design of the sports bar has a utilitarian orientation. Minimalism and hi-tech are more appropriate here than Baroque and Provence. The walls are made monochromatic, with a minimum number of patterns. At the same time, you can save on decorative elements (photo wallpaper, stained glass windows, beautiful lamps).

To open a beer sports branch, you need more space. Choose a room from 30 square meters. Since the establishment will be open not only on the days of matches and championships, you should not get too carried away with the sports theme. After all, during quiet times, other visitors can also drop by the sport-bar.

Important! When planning, areas should be provided to accommodate a large company. Furniture in such an establishment should be simple, mobile and functional. You should not buy chairs that are difficult to rearrange. There is no point in purchasing tables for two. Tables must accommodate a minimum of 6 people.

Will a bar counter replace a dining table in a miniature kitchen, and which is better?

Owners of miniature kitchens are increasingly giving preference to bar counters, placing a dining area and a food preparation section on them, instead of full-fledged dining groups.

A miniature kitchen bar counter easily fits into other interior elements without losing its functionality. For example, an island stand, a tabletop as an extension of a window sill or work area, a partition stand.


This is a space that allows you to have a snack right in the kitchen in cases where there is no point in setting the table.

Whether a kitchen counter will become a full-fledged replacement for a dining table is a moot point. It is perfect for cooking and for daily meals, but it will not allow you to organize a feast or gather at one table.

Small families with small kitchens will be happy to replace the standard table with a bar counter. In the modern world, people spend less time at home. Meals at home are limited to a fairly simple, quick breakfast and a light dinner. They do not require large dining groups, but rather a small console for a couple of people.


Bar counters differ according to the type of manufacture and the material from which they are made.

For large families who prefer lavish feasts and frequent gatherings at a round table, the option with a bar counter will not be enough. Then the bar will become an additional element in the surroundings of the kitchen, while the central place will be occupied by a huge table with side chairs for receiving a large number of guests.


The bar counter is an item that is appropriate in any interior style.

Bar design: photos, tips, materials

The area for light snacks and drinks is a small area. It must have a bar counter and tables. These are the basic things, everything else is up to your creative imagination. Anyone can come up with an original design for a small beer bar. Bringing it to life is another story. Here you can’t do without specialized literature and experienced advice.

Basically, creativity is required when decorating walls (sometimes ceilings). Delicate wallpaper in pastel colors is hardly appropriate in a pub. Simply because they will quickly become unusable with a large flow of clients. But in lounge cafes or hookah bars, wallpaper is a good choice.

What other materials have proven themselves well when decorating walls (ceilings) in a pub:

  • MDF boards;
  • cellular and perforated panels;
  • slabs with imitation wood and stone.

All-natural wood and stone would be a great solution. But the cost of such an interior is incalculable. Wood, plaster, paint are proven finishing materials; they will always be appropriate in a pub.

Advice! Designs with frosted glazing are often used to decorate the ceiling. Since the pub has a small area and often has no windows, glass becomes an indispensable feature.

Bar counter in the kitchen: advantages and disadvantages

The bar counter is essentially a high tabletop, which is either a continuation of the kitchen work area or an independent element in the interior.

Kitchens with bar counters look modern, aesthetically pleasing and stylish, but they have their own nuances, consisting of both pros and cons.

Advantages of bar counters in the kitchen:

  • space for placing kitchen utensils: wine glasses, glasses, glasses, bottles, frying pans, cutlery, etc.;
  • space for built-in household appliances: refrigerator, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, oven, hob, etc.;
  • space saving - an excellent replacement for the kitchen table in small kitchenettes;
  • fits perfectly into any interior style;
  • increases the dining and working area of ​​the kitchen;
  • additional usable space and storage space for kitchen items.


Bar counters come in a variety of varieties; their main function that they perform depends on their type and size.
Disadvantages of kitchen bar counters.

  • Capacity is no more than three people.
  • The kitchen counter is monolithic. Unlike the dining table, it cannot be moved to another place.
  • High cost - racks are much more expensive than kitchen tables. Equipping them with high chairs significantly increases the cost of the set.


Various kitchen design options with a bar counter allow you to turn any room, even if it does not have a very convenient shape, into a functional and cozy one.

Cafe bar design - how much does it cost?

The restaurateur must calculate upcoming expenses based on real conditions. For example, the interior of a bar in the loft style is an expensive pleasure; a beginner can hardly afford it. Equipment for hookah bars also often costs a pretty penny. And tables made of natural wood are not a cheap pleasure. But decorating a cafe in a retro style can be quite inexpensive.

What does the price depend on:

  • the size of the room and its original condition;
  • style;
  • the number of people who will work on the project (work costs more in professional studios);
  • urgency;
  • complexity of the chosen option.

Example. In Kyiv, the cost of a design project starts at $25 per square meter. Turnkey repairs will cost from $100 per square meter. The cost of VIP finishing is negotiated individually.

Designers have catalogs of proven color and interior solutions for small drinking establishments. A standard project will cost significantly less than implementing a completely original idea from scratch.

Bottle cube

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A compact 12-bottle minibar is perfect for a minimalist-style living room. It is made in the shape of a cube with smooth painted surfaces, on one side of which there are holes for bottles. The entire structure rests on strong, low legs. The cube can double as a nightstand; its upper part can be used for open storage of glasses. If you choose furniture in a similar style, such a minibar becomes a harmonious part of the interior.


Photo: wayfair.com

DIY bar design

A novice businessman has little money. To make repairs and decorate a small room, one pair of working hands is enough. You can choose inexpensive building materials, paint the walls yourself, and lay out the ceiling with ready-made panels. To make the design of bars and restaurants look cozy, sometimes all it takes is one interesting idea, a small original touch.

Use:

  • black and white photographs,
  • old badges, labels, postcards;
  • authentic handmade works of art;
  • themed photo wallpaper;
  • accessories from the world of sports, men's hobbies, fishing, cars.

Advice! If you are on a limited budget, buy paper wallpaper. Today you can find very interesting options for decorating a pub/snack bar. It is also beneficial to order photo wallpapers and decorate only one (front) wall with them. At the same time, choose a theme to suit your taste.

Let's sum it up

Before hiring a cook and waiters, think carefully about the “calling card” of your establishment. Ideas for a bar are on the surface. You can walk along the streets of Kyiv, look into those points that are already working. Look through specialized magazines. Think about whether your own hobby might be useful for decorating the room: models of weapons, empty whiskey bottles, vintage records, flags of various countries.

Note! Great Britain and Ireland set the tone for the design of small pubs. The centuries-old tradition of consuming low-alcohol drinks has allowed these countries to develop optimal principles for organizing internal space. It is their experience that we usually rely on when choosing proven classical and modernist solutions.

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