Home bars have, like so many other fashions and fads, enjoyed phases of popularity and those times when they were seen as outdated and a bit passé. However, they have never completely gone away, and in the past few years, more homeowners are investing in a home bar than ever before.
Maybe you've given some thought to the idea? You're by no means alone! Recent events (including the Covid-19 pandemic) have changed society in many ways. The rising cost of living and the expense of going out to pubs and clubs to drink and socialise have also had an effect. It's cheaper and more appealing to some people to stay at home, whether to entertain or to simply relax.
Socialising At Home
Many homeowners these days are creating a space for relaxing and entertaining guests. This is nothing new, but, as we mentioned, more people are setting aside a spare room or basement to make a space specifically for this purpose.
The beauty of a project like this is that it can be as sophisticated or as basic as you want, and the design is entirely dependent on your personal taste and style!
Of course, your budget has a big part to play in this. You can save money by indulging in DIY or you could splash out and have a bespoke bar installed in your house.
Wet Bar vs Dry Bar
If you're contemplating an in-home bar, you need to decide which you want. Will it be a wet bar or a dry bar?
This raises a question in the minds of many people: what's the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar?
The basic answer is plumbing!
But let's explore both ideas individually and see what else we can discover.
Wet Bars
Aside from plumbing, what is a wet bar and what does it mean to have one?
Essentially, you are creating the look and atmosphere of a pub, wine bar or cocktail bar in the comfort of your home. The attraction is that the drinks are relatively cheap, you have control over who enters, and closing time is whenever you decide!
Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/98586679333124428/
What Should You Have In A Home Bar?
A well-stocked home bar is a sight to behold. Most people will have the following:
- A large counter to prepare beverages and food
- A mini-fridge for cans or bottles of soda and beer
- A wine cooler or wine fridge
- Shelves for glasses, liquor bottles and drink-making accessories
- Extra storage for dishes and glassware
- An ice maker
- A blender for smoothies and cocktails
- A hanging rail for wine glasses, etc.
This is just a basic idea, and it's really up to you how you kit yours out.
What's So Great About Wet Bars?
The key benefit of these is running water. You'll have a sink with hot and cold taps, so you'll have somewhere to wash glasses and dishes without having to leave the buzz and atmosphere of the party to go to the kitchen sink!
You can rinse out the blender you just used to make margaritas and that sink makes a handy extra space for cooling bottles if needed.
Accidents happen!
It's also handy for those spills and accidents that occur (especially when alcohol is involved) from time to time. You can deal with them quickly without having to sprint to find a damp cloth.
Another bonus is that you'll be able to prepare more complex drinks, and offer hot beverages if required. Maybe you could install a coffee maker, or just use a trusty kettle. Either way, you don't have to go anywhere!
Protecting your kitchen
Have you noticed when you're at a house party how everyone often ends up crammed in the kitchen? This isn't always the best thing for your floor, and there's a good chance that something will get broken. This one goes for dry bars, too, but if people need to wash their hands they don't need to use your kitchen to do so if you have a wet bar!
Is There A Downside?
The biggest negative point concerning wet bars is the cost. Most of this is because of the plumbing, and this can be pretty big, depending on where you situate it.
Also, if your wet bar is outdoors, you'll have to ensure that you have adequate insulation on those pipes unless you want them to freeze in winter!
Dry Bars
On the whole, these will have much of the same equipment as a wet bar, minus the sink. And while it might not seem such a big deal, running water is definitely worth having if you can manage it.
However, it's easy to see the advantages of a dry bar when you factor in the cost of extra plumbing.
Dry bars are moveable
Another advantage of dry bars is that they can be portable, or at least moved without too much fuss, whereas one that's plumbed in is staying right where it was installed. Some dry bars are compact enough to be set on wheels, and a dry bar with wheels means that you can push it to wherever the party is!
Standing Black Trunk Drinks Cabinet
Compact and bijou
A dry bar also takes up less space as you don't need to allow for a sink, taps and all the pipework involved. It's worth considering that you won't have to worry about plumbing problems in future, too.
Where Can I Locate My Home Bar?
This is where the issue of plumbing makes a significant difference.
In theory, you can install your home bar anywhere you wish! It depends on whether you want it to be subtly tucked away in the corner, or proudly displayed as a focal point for entertaining your guests.
If you need an example of where to situate yours, have a look at these:
- A man cave - a place for the hard-working male to switch off and enjoy a few drinks with mates.
- A basement bar - the ultimate subterranean hideaway from the world and its problems.
- Game rooms - what's better than having a bar beside a pool or poker table? If you have a spare room, it's well worth setting up your bar here.
- Outdoor kitchen - a popular option as many people are rediscovering the joy of balancing indoor and outdoor life!
- Patio - an ideal space for entertaining on those hazy summer evenings.
The obvious sticking point here is whether plumbing is a viable option. Finished basement bars have great appeal, what with the novelty of being hidden away underground. But the practicalities of installing all the necessary pipes, along with the cost, may be offputting.
Of course, if the pipes are already there (finished basements often have a bath or shower fitted, and some people use the basement as a utility room, with a washing machine) then you're good to go! Fitting a sink won't be any trouble at all.
It's also worth bearing in mind that with a dry bar in a basement, you'll be walking up and down stairs carrying drinks and glasses.
Wet Bar Vs Dry Bar: The Verdict
So, now you know the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar! Which is the best one for you?
In the end, wet bar vs dry bar basically comes down to three things:
- Your budget
- Whether you want a sink
- Whether you want a portable or moveable unit
If money isn't an issue, wet bars are the obvious choice as they are better all-round and simply more convenient.
The post Wet Bar vs Dry Bar was first published to https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/
from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/06/wet-bar-vs-dry-bar/
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