Basement Bar Ideas – Everything You Need to Know

In this article we are going to talk about some great basement bar ideas. Turn your basement into a beautiful bar area using the inspiration from this guide. A few renovations, installations, and some juices of creativity can easily make this area vibrant with life!

But even with the availability of unused space, it’s not easy to transform a basement into a bar. You need to have certain specific decorating ideas as well as a strategy that works. This is because you need to consider a blend of various factors such as lighting, themes, shelves, and style among others. Outlined below are some of the basement bar ideas that you can check out.

Image: Bobby Berk 

1. Basement Design Style

There are several basement bar ideas to try out based on the style that you want. This can range from traditional style to a contemporary basement with modern flooring, shelves, and countertops among others. The best basement design styles to try include:

The Stone Style

This style is mainly applicable if you want a rustic basement. The stone style comes with a beautiful rustic finish. The countertop provides a distinct contrast that is highly attractive. It should be noted that the surrounding space is usually elegant. The stone style provides a beautiful visual variety thanks to the different colors and types of stones that can be used.

The “Nightclub” Basement Bar

This style of basement bar is definitely a vibe! Well, it will certainly give you the same vibes that you would get in a nightclub. However, in this case, you get the vibes from the comfort of your house. You don’t have to deal with crowds of people or stubborn bouncers. You can recreate this type of bar by installing the same lighting system as well as the seating area, just like a normal nightclub. In addition to that, you can also add a pool table and a wine storage area among other things. This is a contemporary basement bar that’s sleek and stylish. It normally has a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.

Image: Bar at Greenwich Grind restaurant in London

A Garage Style

It’s also known as the industrial style basement bar. This style is normally used to create basement bars in small spaces. It involves a combination of rustic and industrial ideas that are blended to create a bar area with a unique aesthetic. Most homeowners usually implement this design using wood, metals, and sometimes corrugated iron sheets for construction. For instance, you can use pieces of wood to construct the shelves while metals can be used to make stools. Adding a corrugated iron sheet beneath the counter helps to create a funky area for entertainment.

This basement bar style is very easy to construct. Furthermore, it’s highly affordable and the materials used are readily available. It allows you to personalize your own basement space and take it to a whole new level.

Farmhouse-Inspired Basement Bar

This is a classy and traditional type of basement bar. It has a customized appearance as it’s designed to cater to the specific needs of different users. This type of basement bar usually has some bit of resemblance to the industrial or garage basement bar. However, it seems to be trendier and generally attractive. It tends to feature a lot of wooden designs ranging from the shelves, stools, and countertops among others. It should be noted that some farm tools may also be added to improve the ambiance e.g. an old turbine.

Image: : Mark P. Finlay Architects

Futuristic Basement Bar

It’s a type of cozy basement bar that has a futuristic style. This may involve features such as a smart storage area where you can store a broad range of items, especially drinks. Besides that, the entertainment can feature pre-loaded songs and games to ensure that you have full entertainment while sampling different drinks. Generally, a futuristic basement bar can have artistic virtual graffiti, interactive touch screens, high-tech sound systems, and dispensing machines among others.

Image:  Home House

Basement Wet Bar

A wet bar is simply a galley kitchen that’s designed to meet the bar. It normally includes a few essentials found in the kitchen. This includes sink/faucet, countertop, and cabinetry, in addition to other under counter appliances. This type of basement bar style is designed with the intention of hosting family members and friends. Some of the key features of the wet bar include wine storage, a suitable feature for wine connoisseurs. Other include beverage centers, chillers, and kegerators among others.

2. Lighting Ideas for a Basement Bar

Basements are usually darker than the rest of the house. So, you need to have a good lighting system. Whether you want bright interiors or a low-lit contemporary bar, there are multiple lighting ideas that you can use to illuminate your basement bar. Some of the attractive options that you can implement include:

Uplighting

This type of lighting normally helps to create a distinct ambiance. With uplighting, the light source is usually directed at the ceiling instead of downward from the ceiling or horizontally across the room. This is an excellent choice, especially if you love to spend time in your basement bar in the evenings. Uplighting has a soothing and relaxing effect thanks to the minimized sharp angles and less pronounced shadows produced.

Recessed Lighting

In basement bars with low ceilings, this is one of the best basement bar ideas for lighting. Recessed lighting gives you the real feeling of the basement’s height. Their location in the ceiling makes them non-intrusive. In addition to that, they are highly versatile hence you can always adjust them i.e. make them dimmer or brighter depending on the mood.

Pendant Lighting Fixtures

It should be noted that these fixtures are usually placed on the ceiling to directly illuminate specific areas. But besides that, they can also be used to provide a unique accent lighting or even ambient lighting. The best thing about pendant lighting fixtures is that as much as they provide focused illumination, they also help to define the interior space. So, you will end up with a highly appealing basement bar thanks to their unique sculptural shapes.

Party Lights

These are great for a lively basement bar, particularly if you love to have fun with family or friends. Party lights are vibrant and normally come in multiple colors. They have several effects to ensure that you create a cozy basement bar that offers a thrilling experience.

Because of their versatile nature, you can install them on the ceiling or walls. They have several designs ranging from hearts to flowers and basically everything in between that you may love. Party lights provide an excellent way to decorate your basement bar, especially if you are having celebrations.

Back Wall Lighting

In case your basement bar has some wall shelves, then you need to mount wall lighting. This helps to illuminate the items that are on the shelves as well as the room. You can use track lighting as it is simple to install and available in many strips. Alternatively, you can add wall highlights to make the basement even brighter.

3. Shelves, Countertops, and Flooring

Shelves, countertops, and flooring come in a broad range of materials and styles to cater to different user needs. So, there are several options to consider depending on your preferences.

On-Wall Shelves

They are usually the best for basement bars. On-wall shelves facilitate space optimization, ensuring that you have adequate space for other uses. They also help to improve the interior design of the basement area. This is because you can install them in various shapes and sizes. While wooden shelves are the most common, you can also create glass shelves to add a luxurious touch.

Image: ADŌR Homes

Laminate, Marble, and Granite Countertops

One of the main things that make a home bar stand out is the countertop. It’s an important component that you should definitely put your time into selecting and installing. Note that a countertop is used as a serving section, hence it should never be overlooked.

When installing a countertop, make sure that it complements the basement’s interior style. Additionally, it should be accommodating enough to hold multiple items comfortably. There are different materials used to make countertops and the most popular ones include marble, marble, and laminate countertops. Each of these materials has its own benefits and unique features. For instance:

• Granite countertops: they are naturally beautiful and resistant to stains. Besides that, granite is also resistant to UV rays, scratch, and heat. The material is available in more than 250 variations and colors hence you can’t miss a style that suits your needs.
• Laminate countertops: this is a highly affordable material and it’s good for use if you want to create a simple basement bar. Laminate comes in a wide range of finishes and styles and it normally helps to add some bit of personalization in your interior space. It should be noted that this material is also great for DIY installation.
• Marble countertops: this is a timeless classic choice that offers a natural taste. It adds a touch of luxuriousness to any room. The material tends to provide a sense of individuality in terms of design as well as interior space.
• The Soapstone: This is a sophisticated type of material that’s stylish. Soapstone is great for creating stunning countertops. It adds elegance and class to any interior. Besides that, it’s a material that is easy to clean and rust-resistant. Soapstone is the perfect blend of veining marble and granite countertops. It combines both of their features, bringing distinction and character to the basement. Using it means that you will end up with a casual and appealing basement bar.

Note: although wood is also a great material and very popular, it requires extra maintenance. Additionally, hardwoods that are durable are very expensive. The above-mentioned materials are some of the best and suitable for the basement environment because they are durable and versatile in terms of color and texture.

Image: House Beautiful

Flooring

The type of basement flooring should definitely complement the walls as well as other components in the room. In case your basement is dry and moisture isn’t an issue, then you have a wide range of options ranging from carpeting to hardwood. Engineered hardwood, for instance, is great in creating a cozy basement. This is because it makes the room feel warmer. It may also be great in providing soundproofing and comfort.

On the other hand, you have to be careful if your basement has high levels of moisture content. Although ceramic tiles are good, they can easily make the underfoot cold. So, you can alternatively use luxury vinyl tiles. Besides that, concrete or cement floors are also great.

Generally, there is a wide range of flooring materials that you can use. However, you need to do extensive research about your basement in order to determine the best material to use.

Image: Cindy Witmer Designs

4. Basement bar Colors and Themes

Just the way other sections in your house have themes, it’s also important for your basement bar to have a theme. This helps to provide personalization effects. Common and high-quality themes that you can implement include:

The Espresso Theme

This theme has a chocolate-rich color. Espresso normally helps to create a stunning basement bar with dark chocolate cabinets, chairs, countertops, or even the ceiling. Generally, it has dark chocolate finishes that are warm and inviting.

The Rustic Theme

Unfinished basement areas with exposed stones or bricks provide a rustic vibe. So, if you have such a space, you can create a beautiful rustic basement. Do not cover any exposed or unfinished wall because this can be used to create a weather-resistant basement area with varying texture. Just make sure that you smoothen out all protrusions.

Dark and Dramatic

There is no doubt that black designs usually rule in turning your basement bar ideas into life. While some people might get worried about the dark color blocking out light in the basement, well, sometimes the darker the better. You can play with the dark color in multiple areas of the room including walls, cabinets, and chairs among others. All you have to do is ensure that you end up with a basement bar that’s sultry and not dry. Moreover, you can add two or more solid colors to counter the effects of the dark color.

Image: Rae Duncan

Raw Earthy Color

Well, earthy colors are great alternativeness, especially if you are going after a raw and natural theme. The earthly color palette normally adds in a touch of brightness in the room. So, you can use it with flooring, furniture, sections of the wall, and even shelves. Earthy color elements are versatile and they usually come in multiple textures and shades. They make small rooms spacious and provide an organic touch.

Image: R|House Design Build

Minimalistic Theme

Minimalism is currently the new wave. So, if you want to create a contemporary basement bar, then you should use a minimalistic décor. This involves creating a bar that’s stylish, elegant, functional, and with less clutter.

Image: Wallpaper

Color Splash

Sometimes having one theme or just a few color variations doesn’t seem to do justice. So, why not try a color splash? A pop of color can enliven your basement. You can start by installing colorful pieces of artwork and then complementing them with furniture and paintings of different colors. Note that bright colors usually produce an energetic effect.

Image: Golden Gate Kitchens

5. What to Add

There are a few specific additions that you can use while trying to implement your basement bar ideas. These include:

Focusing on Vertical Space

If you have a wide basement area, then you are lucky. For those with smaller spaces, make use of vertical space especially when installing shelves and cabinets. These two can create an amazing vertical booth where you store your alcoholic beverages. It also ensures that you have enough space when hosting family and friends.

Image: House Beautiful

Use Solid Bright Color to Brighten the Room

A lot of people are afraid to play with colors. The truth is that solid colors such as bright orange and gold can help to brighten the appearance of your dark basement area. So, mix them up to create a clashing effect. Note that you can also opt to use color white to create some bit of elegance. But it should be in small proportions such as in handles and frames.

Image: Artistic Designs for Living 

Copy Some Elements from Nightclubs

Although you are creating a home bar, you can copy some elements from bars and clubs. They are great sources of inspiration because most of them are usually window-free, a feature that resembles many basements. For instance, you can copy the seating arrangement, shelves, how the countertop is placed, and lighting. Just make sure that you are creative enough to play with different features.

Although basements have a bad reputation of being cluttered, you can change this by creating a beautiful bar. Transforming this place into a basement bar is one of the best things that you can do. It not only helps to utilize this space but also to create a secluded room where you can have fun and entertainment. The above-mentioned basement design ideas are definitely some of the best to try. They are easy to implement and help to create a personalized space.

Tags: decorating tips, earth tones in home decor, home bars