If you’re known as “the entertainer” among your family and friends, you might want to consider adding a wet bar to your home. In addition to providing practical glassware storage and a dedicated space for making drinks, a well-located wet bar can become a space to gather. “The ability to grab a drink or a glass of water without the need to walk to another room in the house, or even another floor, makes wet bars ideal additions to your home,” says Ryan Street, owner and designer at Ryan Street Architects.
Wet bars are often nooks, small in footprint, but offer the chance to make bold design decisions. “Functionality is key, but with great design, it can be made beautiful,” says Kara Adam, principal designer and founder of Kara Adam Interiors in Dallas. From well-styled open shelving to luxurious materials, there are endless ways to infuse personality into a wet bar. We asked interior designers to answer frequently asked questions about wet bars and to offer their best advice for adding one to your home. Grab a fluted glass and get your cocktail shaker ready. No matter your refreshment of choice, you’re about to have a timeless space to serve it in. We’ll cheers to that!
What is a wet bar?
A wet bar is an essential entertaining space for any host. It generally includes a bar sink to make it easy to prep and serve drinks. “The sink provides for easy cleanup and access to a filtered water source for mixing cocktails or rinsing glassware,” explains Kara Cox, Greensboro-based interior designer and founder of Kara Cox Interiors.
Wet bars are often nooks in a living room, dining room, library, or den versus being separate rooms of their own, adds Leah O’Connell, principal designer at Leah O’Connell Design in San Anselmo, California. These spaces generally include barware storage and may have a beer tap, ice maker, wine fridge, or even act as a coffee bar. In some cases, they may resemble kitchen designs with similar cabinetry or pantries.
How are wet bars different from dry bars?
A wet bar has a sink with running water and may include a tap as well. In comparison, a dry bar does not have a sink and may either be a designated place for serving drinks, or simply a designated area for drinkware storage, explains Margaret Donaldson, interior designer and founder of MDI Luxury Design in Charleston.
“When you have a home bar with a sink, it opens up more possibilities for mixing cocktails for you and your guests,” says Rae Rockwell, founder and principal designer at Rae Rockwell Studio. “A wet bar allows for easy preparation and cleanup, serving as a one-stop spot for storing, displaying, and efficiently using your liquor collection for hosting.”
Are wet bars in style?
Not only are wet bars in style, they are Adam’s number one client request. “Wet bars are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners find ways to incorporate them into their homes, even in small nooks and closets,” adds Rockwell.
Current wet bar trends include everything from eye-catching tile backsplashes to sleek countertop materials to statement light fixtures. “Many are getting creative with natural stone and tile, using these materials not only for durability but also to add a touch of elegance and personalization to their designs,” says Rockwell. According to Brelan Owen Pearson, partner and principal designer at Owen Group Interiors, floating rack systems with glass shelving are also popular.
Keep reading for 17 wet bar ideas that will inspire you to design your own designated at-home entertaining space.