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What to Know About Wet Bars: Size, Placement & Styling
What is a Wet Bar?
In contemporary home design, wet bars are gaining popularity due to their entertainment value and attractive appearance. But what defines a wet bar? Essentially, a wet bar is a specific space in a home that includes a sink and usually a countertop, designed for preparing and serving beverages. Unlike conventional bars, wet bars are set up to make drink mixing and serving convenient without having to use the main kitchen space.
The purpose of a home wet bar has more to it than just convenience; it strengthens the social and entertainment experience within the home. Installing a wet bar in communal areas like a living room or near an outdoor patio, homeowners can easily host gatherings and parties. This convenience also contributes to the growing trend of at-home events, as homeowners seek to recreate the ambiance of a social venue within their personal space.
One of the key benefits of a wet bar is its ability to streamline the hosting process. With all the necessary drink-preparation tools at hand—such as a sink, storage for glassware, and possibly a small refrigerator or wine cooler—hosts can cater to guests' beverage preferences efficiently. This setup minimizes disruptions during social gatherings, giving hosts the option to mingle with guests while still carrying out tasks as the entertainer.
Wet bars are increasingly sought after by homebuyers looking for properties that have modern conveniences and customizable features. As a result, the incorporation of a well-designed wet bar can contribute to a home's marketability and desirability.
Wet Bars vs. Dry Bars
A true wet bar includes a sink, faucet, and plumbing. In this area, you can complete the full scope of drink making and hosting, from crafting tasty drinks to quick dishwashing. Wet bars are ideal for homeowners who frequently entertain and prefer the convenience of having a fully equipped bar for mixing drinks.
In contrast, a dry bar lacks plumbing and typically does not include a sink. It serves primarily as a serving area for beverages and storage for barware, without the capability for on-site drink preparation. Dry bars are often integrated into dining rooms, living rooms, or entertainment spaces, serving as stylish focal points for displaying drinks and glassware. Ultimately, both wet bars and dry bars contribute to the entertainment value of a home, both with solutions to suit different needs.
Where to Put a Wet Bar
When choosing the placement of a wet bar within your home, several details should guide your decision-making process. One aspect is the proximity to entertainment sections. Ideally, the wet bar should be situated near spaces where social gatherings commonly occur, such as the living room, dining room, or outdoor patio. Wet bars located in these spots provide easy access to refreshments without guests having to navigate through the entire house.
Access to plumbing is a component to evaluate when creating a home bar with working fixtures. Since wet bars require a bar sink for washing glassware and preparing drinks, locating the wet bar close to existing plumbing lines can simplify installation and minimize costs. It's also practical to position the wet bar within the vicinity where plumbing connections can be discreetly integrated into the design.
Placement Ideas
-Kitchen Area: Incorporating a wet bar within or adjacent to the kitchen calls for easy access to cooking facilities and existing plumbing.
-Basement or Recreation Room: A wet bar located in the basement can transform them into an entertainment hub, ideal for gatherings and parties.
-Outdoor Spaces: Adding a wet bar to outdoor patios or poolside locations reinforces outdoor living and entertaining guests, especially during warmer months.
Sizes and Dimensions for Home Wet Bars
The size of the wet bar should be proportional to the space where it will be installed, taking into account both the physical dimensions and the layout of the room. Tailoring the size and layout of the wet bar to suit your specific needs and available space will contribute to a successful and enjoyable home improvement project. To get a better idea of how much space you have available for a wet bar, start by measuring the desired space, including wall length, depth, and height.
Wet Bar Height
Wet bars take on the same dimensions as a standard bar, where the height reaches 42 inches. You can customize your bar’s height, but it is best to stay within a range of 40 to 45 inches.
Counter Size
Standard measurements for countertop depth, typically ranging from 18 to 24 inches, should provide ample space for drink preparation and serving. Shelves, cabinets, and drawers should be designed with sufficient depth and height to accommodate glassware, bottles, and other bar necessities.
Sink Size
When selecting a wet bar prep sink, give some thought to the types of sinks available—such as undermount or drop-in—and choose one that suits the size of your wet bar. Bar prep sinks can range from 9 ½ to 18 inches, with 15-inch and 16-inch sink sizes being a good middle ground. The size of the bar prep sink should be proportional to the available countertop space and should be sufficient enough for streamlined use during drink preparation and cleanup.
Components of a Wet Bar
One of the primary features of a home bar is the bar sink. Undermount sinks are installed beneath the countertop for a seamless look and easier cleanup, while drop-in sinks are mounted above the countertop and are generally easier to install.
Faucets are another component of a fully equipped wet bar. Bar prep faucets are overall smaller in comparison to standard kitchen faucets. Bar sink faucets have a short spout reach, to accommodate for the smaller-sized sink, and are shorter in width and height. They come in wall mount and deck mount installation types.
Storage solutions are another thing to think about for organizing barware and supplies. Cabinets, shelves, and drawers can be tailored to accommodate glassware, bottles, mixers, and utensils.
Lighting and decor amplify the ambiance of a wet bar and illuminate the workspace to create a welcoming atmosphere. Decorative elements such as backsplashes, mirrors, or artwork can add personality and style to the drink prep area.
Wine coolers are an optional addition, and provide temperature-controlled storage for wines and other beverages, while ice makers create a supply of ice for cocktails. Wine racks and beverage carts are some more temporary storage solutions.
Additional Wet Bar Concepts
One emerging trend is combining a coffee corner with a wet bar. This mixes the convenience of a dedicated coffee station with the option of a wet bar, and to prepare both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in one coordinated area. A well-designed coffee corner within a wet bar can include features like a built-in espresso machine and storage for coffee beans or accessories.
Another concept is incorporating wet bar features into a butler's pantry. A butler's pantry typically serves as a transitional space between the kitchen and dining area with additional storage and workspace for serving meals. With integrating wet bar elements such as a sink, countertop, and storage for barware, this space may be used for both food and beverage prep.
Tips for Designing the Best Bar Prep Area
Exploring these additional wet bar concepts presents opportunities to personalize a bar setup. Whether it's integrating a coffee corner or incorporating wet bar features into a butler's pantry, these concepts provide enjoyment of a home's entertainment space.
