What Is A Wet Bar?

Essentially, a wet bar is a space set aside for preparing and serving alcoholic drinks, usually in your house. This might be for your own private use, but most wet bars are used for entertainment purposes when people have friends and family around.

So, you might be wondering, what makes it a wet bar? Also, what's the difference between these and dry bars?

Happily, you're in the right place to find all the information you need about home bars!

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Why Wet Bar?

First, let's deal with the basics: it's called a wet bar because it has running water and a sink. That's pretty straightforward, isn't it? On the flip side, a dry bar doesn't have a sink or require any plumbing, it's simply a counter for preparing drinks.

But let's examine this further to see why the distinction between wet and dry bars is so important.

Benefits Of A Wet Bar

The fundamental difference is that a sink with running water allows you to stay at the heart of things while entertaining guests.

Imagine you're hosting a cocktail party and it's in full swing. Your guests need a top-up, but the glasses are in need of washing. As it's unlikely that they'll all finish their drinks at the same time, you find yourself going back and forth all evening, dashing from the kitchen sink to the dining room or patio or wherever your party is happening.

Don't Miss Out

With a wet bar, you're able to stay in place as the perfect host as you prepare drinks, and you won't be missing out on the fun!

Also, a sink is handy for those inevitable spills that are going to happen. There's always one person you can rely on to knock over drinks or drop food on the floor!

Another bonus of wet bars is that the sink can double as an extra ice bucket if necessary.

What Else Is Included In A Wet Bar?

We know that a wet bar includes a sink, but clearly, that's not all!

Most home bars have these elements:

• A counter space. Essential for standing glasses while pouring drinks, and for setting out snacks and food.
• Bar stools. A convenient and comfortable place for your guests to perch.
• A mini-fridge. Like the ones you find in a hotel room! These are handy for keeping your beer and cans of soda cool.
• Storage space. You need a place to store all those accessories for serving and mixing drinks, as well as snacks etc.
• Shelves. A place for your glassware, bottles, mixers and so on.
• Wine rack. Great for showing off your expensive vintage wines!
• Wine fridge. For chilling the Chablis to perfection.
• Microwave oven. A quick and convenient means of heating up food without having to go to the kitchen.
• Coffee machine and kettle. Not everyone will want alcoholic drinks, as strange as it may seem! To be the perfect host, make sure you are equipped to provide hot drinks like tea and coffee.

Of course, it depends on how much room you have as to what you can fit in, but wet bars can be as big or as small as you want them to be. At the very least, you'll need a counter, storage space and a mini fridge.

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Where Can I Put My Wet Bar?

Basically, you can locate it anywhere you like, as long as you can arrange for the plumbing to be installed. Obviously, this will add to the cost.

The home bar became popular from the late 1960s onwards (although some people had them well before this, usually the rich and famous) as people had more leisure time and started to become more daring with home decor and interior design.

By the 1970s and 80s, many homeowners across the UK had installed a bar space of some description, although it's fair to say that tastes and fashions have changed drastically since those times!

Changing Lifestyles

Most people placed home bars in the living room or dining room back then, as this was where entertainment took place. We're more adventurous today, using a man cave, or a finished basement.

Basement 'pubs' were all the rage in the 1970s and 80s, and have become incredibly popular again recently, as homeowners make the most of the space with a new-found appreciation of their homes. Wet bars make sense here, as nobody wants to keep going up and down the stairs!

Some people also have game rooms with a bar, which is an excellent space for entertaining, get some much-needed R&R, or simply hang out with your loved ones. Alternatively, you could place your bar close by a hot tub or spa.

The Outdoor Life

However, in recent years, more people are taken with the idea of connecting the inside of their homes to the outside, often using patio or bifold doors. It seems that we love the alfresco life - when the Great British Weather allows! Even so, many people are creating wet bars outdoors, which is a great use of space and means you aren't as restricted when it comes to the size of your bar.

The main factors when considering the location of your wet bar are as follows:

• Will it provide a focal point? It may not seem important, but this feature will be pretty permanent. You need to give some thought to how visible it will be or whether it will be tucked away in a corner.
• Is there enough cabinet space? You need to measure carefully to ensure there's ample space for your new drinks cabinets.
• Can you get easy access? You'll need to have room to move around behind the bar with ease, so this has to be factored into your design.
• Where will you put your wet bar? Choose the location carefully! It will be fixed in place, unlike a dry bar that can be more portable if necessary.
• Have you considered the plumbing costs? Whether you go DIY or buy a purpose-made wet bar, you need all those pipes sorting out to get running water, and that will add to the cost.

Once you've figured these out, you're ready to go ahead.

What Style Can I Have?

We're all different, and what appeals to one person will be shocking to another. With this in mind, your wet bar can be as elaborate or as plain and simple as you wish. Let your imagination run wild!

Ideas for inspiration:

• Light or dark wood counter. A mahogany bar, walnut or oak finished counters are ideal, giving a traditional 'old fashioned pub' look.
• Marble counter. Whatever the colour, marble looks sophisticated and elegant.
• Stainless steel counter. Clean lines give a sharp definition, with reflective surfaces.
• Industrial style using reclaimed wood or metal. A daring design for the adventurous.
• Retro style. All the flair and fun of the past, without the cringe-factor.
• Beach style with distressed paintwork. For a carefree, casual atmosphere.
• Rustic style. Uncomplicated, with pleasing textures and tones.
• Country/farmhouse/rural style. Bringing the simplicity of the countryside to your home.
• Contemporary style. For those who love the avant grade.

Effectively, the possibilities are endless. It all depends on your personal taste!

You can enhance any of these with ambient lighting and a sound system for the best effect.

Mahogany Home Bar

How Do I Get My Own Wet Bar?

Both wet bars and dry bars are a great addition to any home. They provide a place from which to entertain and prepare drinks and serve food, either for you and your family or for any events you may organise.

If you want to install a wet bar in your own home, there are several options open to you.

The first, and cheapest option is to build one yourself, for a couple of hundred pounds. The success of this project depends on your DIY skills.

Alternatively, there are companies that sell off-the-shelf wet bars, or even bespoke designs. The total cost will depend on the size and what equipment is included.

The good news is that they are very affordable, and that's something that you can raise a glass and drink to!

What Is A Wet Bar? was originally seen on Homes Direct 365 Shabby Chic

from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/05/what-is-a-wet-bar/