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43 Wet Bar Ideas: Modern Inspirations for Basements, Kitchens, and More

by Holly Antoine | Published 9/9/22 (Updated 6/26/24)

A home bar is a must-have for those that love to entertain, and a wet bar is a wonderful way to take the traditional home bar and kick it up a notch. They are an excellent complement to a freshly remodeled basement, perfect accompaniment in a family room or even directly off the kitchen.

The finest wet bars will supply everything you need to mix up a cocktail, pour a glass of water, and sometimes even space to prepare a light snack. Whether you are pursuing ideas to style your existing home bar or you want ideas for adding a new one, we’ve gathered up some of our favorite wet bar ideas.

Just Exactly What is a Wet Bar?

If you’re new to the whole home bar game and you’re wondering why call it a wet bar? What’s the difference? Well, a substantial difference sets apart a wet bar from just a plain home bar, and that one element is water. A wet bar is a home bar that is equipped with a sink and running water.

A wet bar makes it easy to prepare drinks and can be very helpful if you entertain away from your normal kitchen area. For instance, if you like to have drinks during a party in a finished basement, you won’t have to run upstairs to rinse out a pitcher, glasses, etc. You can also have a wet bar on a deck or patio if you like to entertain outside.

Black stools sit on a brown plank deck at an l-shaped brown plank wet bar accented with concrete countertops.
Photo Credit: Brandon Architects

Classy and Stylish

This wet bar is beautifully equipped for cocktails, thanks to a wine cooler, sink, lots of cupboards for glassware, and even a dishwasher. The upper cabinets with glass doors can be used to display stemware or your favorite alcohol, while a mirrored backsplash adds glamour and helps bounce light around the room.

blue cupboards wet bar with television mirrored subway tiles
Photo Credit: Geoff Chick

Pull Up a Seat

This wet bar is channeling a look that you would actually see in a high-class bar. This wet bar has everything from the open bar design that allows for seating to the stunning glossy tile backsplash. The open shelving allows your best bar essentials to be displayed.

Contemporary wet bar features a TV mounted on black beveled subway tiles, a brown and black bar with gold and black barstools and built in shelves.
Photo Credit: Krista Home

Creative and Unique Lighting

A well-lit wet bar is just as important as any other element in the space, so get creative with something unique and different when it comes to lighting. A wet bar is a great area in the home to play around with different styles and textures — items that you normally wouldn’t consider for more common areas of the home.

Contemporary wet bar features glossy black geometric tiles, black floating shelves and a flatscreen TV illuminated by a white glass and leather sphere pendant.
Photo Credit: Amy Storm and Company
Modern wet bar features yellow and gray barstools at a silver chevron bar island with black quartz waterfall edge illuminated by white beaded sphere chandeliers.
Photo Credit: Black Band Design

Close and Concealed

Close enough for easy access but still comfortably remote from the work zone, this wet bar features rich white cabinetry and a practical wine rack, all tucked in neatly behind foldable doors. Open shelves provide room to hang wine glasses, set up colorful drinkware, and unique decor.

Folding doors conceal a wet bar nook boasting white shaker cabinets accented with long brass hardware and a honed marble countertop holding a small sink under a brushed nickel faucet. The faucet is fixed in front of a honed marble backsplash and under a wine rack flanked by white shelves.
Photo Credit: Mel Bean Interiors

Luxury at its Finest

Like a fine wine, this wet bar will just get better as time goes on, making it one of the best ideas to consider. A stunning thick marble countertop provides contrast against the navy backdrop of the wet bar. A large wine fridge gives space to store all your favorite wines and this wet bar will certainly make entertaining a dream.

Chic home bar features gold and gray stools placed at a u-shaped glossy blue island topped with a marle countertop. A smoked glass mirror hangs above a glossy blue cabinets located beside a glass front wine fridge.
Photo Credit: Raychel Wade Design

Add a Touch of Green

We can’t get enough of this stunning wet bar. This awesome little space delivers everything you need to whip up a cocktail or even put the finishing touches on dinner. It’s right next to the kitchen so it’s close enough but also gives you a separate space for making drinks so that you can keep the focus in the kitchen on cooking.

A brass picture light fixed to an emerald green grasscloth wall lights styled and stacked white and gold shelves fixed above white bar cabinets donning polished nickel pulls and finished with a sink with an oil rubbed bronze faucet kit.
Photo Credit: Summer House Style

Earthy and Natural

Wood tones look exquisite in a wet bar area. They add that real lodge man cave feels and can complete a wet bar with an earthy tone. Changing up the directing of the wood for the backsplash adds depth and dimension. Open shelving is so hot right now, and when it comes to a wet bar, it’s a smart choice to keep the space light and care-free.

Country wet bar features iron and wood shelves mounted against a salvaged wood backsplash beside a black framed mirror. The mirror hangs above a sink with an oil rubbed bronze faucet kit fixed to a black marble countertop finishing salvaged wood cabinets. The cabinets are finished with oil rubbed bronze knobs and a stainless steel mini fridge and a glass front wine fridge.
Photo Credit: Summer House Style

Open and Airy

Lots of light exudes into this wet bar thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. A mirrored surround bounces light around, keeping the vibe open and airy. You would almost feel as if you were outside.

Stylish wet bar boasts a tall glass front wine fridge fixed beneath and beside iridescent flat front cabinets mounted against a marble slab backsplash, adjacent to stacked black shelves. A wooden bar stool is placed at a marble waterfall edge island.
Photo Credit: Collins Interiors

Add in a Television

Keeping with true bar fashion, and if you have the room for it, why not throw in a television? You will quickly find that yo wet bar will become your favorite spot in your home to entertain and catch a game with your friends. You’ll save money on going out and will be able to enjoy being at home.

Three backless wood and iron stools are placed at a tan bar island. Behind the island, a TV is mounted in front of a mirrored backsplash over a small round sink with a matte black faucet. The TV is flanked by glass front built-in wine rack cabinets.
Photo Credit: Kelly Deck
Large modern wet bar design features side-by-side TVs mounted on gray marble chevron backsplash tiles over light brown veneer cabinets. Brown leather stools sit at a quartz topped wet bar under clear globe pendants.
Photo Credit: Rose and Funk

Shake it Up From the Traditional Wet Bar

Wet bars aren’t just all about alcohol. They can also be places to prepare light snacks, meals, and other beverages. So if you’re not after the typical bar look, design something that speaks to you and is more about incorporating your personal style and taste.

Brown wooden floating shelves are stacked above white and gray mosaic tiles mounted above blue breadboard cabinets donning a black leather countertop. A round hammered brass sink is matched with a satin nickel gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Brooke Wagner Design
Small dining room wet bar boasts light brown oak cabinets donning small matte black knobs and a black marble countertop. The countertop is fitted with a small sink and matte black faucet fixed beneath a white shelf located under a window and in front of gold and blue geometric backsplash tiles.
Photo Credit: Veneer Designs

If You Have the Room Use It

This basement wet bar totally understood the saying, “go big or go home.” Building a great basement bar can instantly upgrade any remodeled basement. This wet bar is much larger than a standard wet bar, which is perfect for an extensive basement. It features a large island, bar stools, and television so you can hang out around the wet bar and enjoy a game.

Sophisticated basement wet bar features gray and gold barstools that compliment a blue shaker wet bar island boasting white quartz countertop, facing a wall with white glass brick pattern tiles with mounted tv, flanked by dark blue shaker wet bar cabinets accented with brass hardware. The room is lit by brass lanterns from above.
Photo Credit: Amy Storm and Co

Small Spaces

On the flip side, if you’re working with more of a confined space, put care and diligence into a well-laid-out space rather than extreme over-the-top items. Keep things simple and easy, and practical but add in some style and taste.

Wet bar nook boasts stainless steel floating shelves mounted on blue Moroccan style tiles over a gray polished marble countertop.
Photo Credit: Kara Adam Interiors

If space is in short supply, switching the layout to a U-shape may give you a better wet bar design and allow for more cabinetry.

Gorgeous u-shaped wet bar boasts brown cabinets adorned with brass hardware and a beveled honed black marble countertop fixed against a mirrored backsplash. A copper hammered overmount sink matched with an antique brass wing arm faucet mounted under glass shelves.
Photo Credit: Chandos Interiors

Related: 15+ Photos That Will Inspire You To Convert That Small Space Into A Bar

Glossy blue wet bar boasts powder blue cabinets donning brass hardware and holding a sink with an antique brass deck mount faucet beneath glass shelves mounted in front of a mirrored backsplash.
Photo Credit: Lynn Morgan Design

Work Around Beautiful Architecture

We are swooning over this small wet bar built around an oval window. This space would be otherwise awkward to work with but this designer took the opportunity to work the window into the wet bar, and it almost acts as art.

An oval window is framed by blue grasscloth wallpaper and positioned beside glass front cabinets and over white wet bar cabinets. The cabinets are topped with a gray polished marble countertop holding a round brass sink under an antique brass gooseneck fault. The wet bar is finished with a white wood paneled
Photo Credit: Tharon Anderson

Hotel Vibes

This stunning wet bar gives off major high-end hotel vibes. The bold dark grey paint gives it a lot of depth and is a perfect contrast to the gold stunning chandelier hanging in the middle. We love the mesh wire cabinet doors that bring a total cocktail bar feel into your own home.

Charcoal gray u-shaped wet bar boasts charcoal gray cabinets accented with a glossy wooden countertop fitted over a glass front wine cooler. Stacked upper cabinets finished with brass grill doors are lighted and mounted against antique mirrored subway tiles.
Photo Credit: Tracy Hardenburg Design

Another classic hotel vibe look, this wet bar has it all. Having something like this in your home will have your guests feeling like they are in the VIP lounge at any high class establishment.

black wet bar with club chairs in front marble countertop tall shelves with liquor
Photo Credit: Kristen Nix Interiors
Modern living room wet bar features a mini ice maker, a mini beverage fridge, large antiqued mirrored subway tiles, black flat front cabinets and wood and brass shelves.
Photo Credit: LC Interiors

A Touch of Boho

Raffia cupboard doors lend a boho style to this stylish wet bar area, and topped off with a waterfall marble counter; this space is one of function but also beauty and style.

A gold raffia wet bar island is complemented with a gray marble waterfall edge countertop. Fabric wrapped cabinets adorned with brass pulls are topped with a gray marble countertop fixed beneath gold raffia wrapped floating shelves.
Photo Credit: Tatum Brown

Experiment with Bold Tile

If experimenting with bold, graphic backsplash in your kitchen is too scary for you, consider dressing a wet bar with a unique tile instead. We love this unique wet bar that features a bold geometric tile that becomes an instant piece of art and conversation piece. The stunning hanging light lends to the boldness of this space and adds an eye-catching piece.

Stylish contemporary wet bar boasts glossy green lacquered cabinets donning brass pulls and a soapstone countertop located over a glass front wine cooler and finished with a round brass sink with a brass hook and spout faucet. Brass and glass shelves are mounted over the sink from a wall covered in black and gray wallpaper, a black and gold Hicks Pendant hangs from a glossy green painted ceiling.
Photo Credit: Kathryn Lilly Interiors

Don’t Forget the Coffee

Wet bars aren’t just for alcohol! Don’t forget to set up shop in your wet bar with your favorite coffee maker. If your wet bar is close to the kitchen, it’s ideal to use this spot for coffee and tea as well. This will free up space in the kitchen and keep the coffee maker off the kitchen counter.

And can we just say that this little spunky wet bar is totally fun and adorable!

Black and white leopard print wallpaper accents a wet bar boasting brown wood floating shelves mounted above an antique brass faucet fitted to a black countertop accenting white cabinets.
Photo Credit: Alexandra Wood Design

A Touch of Luxury with Marble

Marble feels sophisticated and high-end, which is why it’s a fantastic option for a wet bar. We love this neutral and minimalistic wet bar that gives off a modern and simple look and would work beautifully in a formal dining room or just off the living space. If marble isn’t in the budget, you could always accomplish this look for less with a marble peel-and-stick backsplash or some marble-patterned contact paper.

White flat-front wet bar cabinets accented with polished brass bulls and a marble countertop are built into a dining room alcove. The cabinets are finished with a sink and an aged brass gooseneck faucet mounted in front of a marble slab backsplash complemented with a black and white abstract art piece.
Photo Credit: Chandos Interiors
A pink and black marble countertop accents gray wet bar drawers donning black pulls and completed with a small square stainless steel sink and a satin nickel faucet. The faucet is mounted beneath a smoke mirror flanked by seeded glass cabinets.
Photo Credit: Kelley Vieregg

Contrast and Color

High gloss emerald green cabinetry contrasting with the patterned ceiling make this wet bar magazine worthy and a place that anyone would want to come up and have a drink. The stunning gold accents around the floating shelves and countertop add a touch of luxury and style that we can’t deny making this whole space feel rich and elegant.

Fixed against gray mosaic marble backsplash tiles, brass shelves are fixed between glossy green lacquered floor-to-ceiling cabinets and over green shaker cabinets adorned with brass knobs and a brass countertop. The countertop is finished with a brass sink positioned beneath a wall-mount antique brass faucet.
Photo Credit: Alexandra Kaehler

Work in a Wet Bar Under the Stairs

This lovely little modern wet bar is nested cozily under an open set of stairs. It swaps standard upper cabinets for exposed shelving and features two lovely modern lights to allow for an open concept feel which keeps the space not bulky and heavy under the stairs.

A blue wet bar under a staircase features a marble countertop with blue cabinets, stacked floating shelves and a glass front mini beverage fridge.

Photo Credit: Blakely Interior Design

Go Classic and Traditional

This wet bar is ideal for a classic traditional home. This tidy space offers a wine fridge as well as cabinetry to store all of your must-haves for happy hour. It takes things up with a bit of glam by incorporating a stylish, elegant backsplash.

Stacked glass paneled wet bar cabinets are fitted over mosaic metallic backsplash tiles fixed behind a chrome faucet kit matched with a round sink. The faucet is fixed above light gray drawers accented with glass knobs and finished with a glass front wine fridge.
Photo Credit: Ash Street Interiors

Geometric Lines with a Touch of Dark and Moody

We love black and gold paired together, and this wet bar comes together with the best of it. From the stunning geometric wall paper to the mesh wire cabinetry, this space takes luxury and design to a different level.

Black wet bar designed with a gold and black backsplash, black quartz countertops, and black cabinets with long brass pulls. A hammered sink adds warmth to the wet bar design finished with black grill cabinet doors.
Photo Credit: Studio Thomas James

Go for Grey

Grey cabinetry seems to be increasingly popular when it comes to wet bar designs. Its simple and stunning nature makes grey a classic choice for most cabinetry, and wet bars are not excluded from this design rule.

Fixed over gray stacked backsplash tiles, glass front cabinets are located over gray shaker cabinets donning polished nickel hardware and fitted with a glass front beverage fridge and a sink with a polished nickel gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Karen Berkemeyer Home
blue greyish cabinets wet bar with wine fridge and mirrored square tile backsplash
Photo Credit: Summer House Style

Adding Visual Interest

If you want to give your wet bar a touch of visual interest, but you don’t want to overpower an open concept space, consider a tiled backsplash like this one  The bold pattern tile gives just enough texture while blending into the cabinetry for a seamless, modern look.

White floating shelves are fixed against black and white backsp[lash tiles in a contemporary wet bar. The shelves are fitted over black flat front cabinets adorned with brass hardware and a white quartz countertop. The countertop is mounted over a Kitchenaid wine fridge and finished with a sink and antique brass faucet.
Photo Credit: Lauren O Interiors

Go Bold with Wallpaper

Looking for a way to incorporate bold wallpaper into your home? These contemporary and luxurious wet bar ideas feature stunning wallpaper and cabinetry that pairs wonderfully with it. The wire mesh cabinetry is the perfect touch, along with floating glass shelves to really let the wallpaper steal the show.

Gold and gray wet bar features floating glass bar shelves, a built in wine rack, charcoal gray cabinets accented with brass pulls and brass grille bar cabinet doors.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Black Interiors
Contemporary wet bar design features gray bar cabinets with brass grille doors and brass pulls, floating glass bar shelves, a glass front fridge and a built in wine rack.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Black Interiors
Photo Credit: Britt Design Studio
Photo Credit: Britt Design

Hidden and Discreet

White-lacquered wood doors provide an exquisite disguise for a living room’s small but fully stocked wet bar. When the paneled doors are opened, it’s time to party. A small circular sink keeps the square footage to a minimum, and a mirrored backsplash and glass shelving give an open and larger feel making this space seem less closed in.

Hidden behind light gray double doors, glass shelves are mounted against a smoked mirror backsplash and over light gray shaker cabinets finished with a round sink and a polished brass faucet.
Photo Credit: Annette Tatum

Right in the Living Space

If entertaining is something you do often, designing a wet bar to be right in your living space may be the best option. Close to all the action and ready to host right in the spot where all the entertaining takes place.

Blue family room wet bar features blue shaker cabinets accented with glass knobs and a marble countertop fixed over a mini glass front beverage fridge. Stacked oak floating shelves are mounted against blue and gray chevron backsplash tiles and between blue upper cabinets.
Photo Credit: Karen B Wolf Interiors

An L-Shaped Nook

Experiment with different layouts when it comes to your wet bar because not all layouts will work in all spaces. This L-shaped nook is the perfect addition to this home. We love the open black wrought iron upper cabinetry suspended from the ceiling. It gives this space a touch of industrial while not going overboard.

Chic metal and glass French bar shelves are mounted to a gray wall around a window and over gray flat front cabinets. The cabinets don oil rubbed bronze hardware and a wooden countertop holding a small round metal sink beneath a polished nickel faucet Brown leather and metal counter stools sit at a white island finished with a wood top.
Photo Credit: Tracy Hardenburg Design

Go Close to the Dining Room

If you’re big on entertaining, the best place to install a wet bar is in a dining room. This wet bar is right by the dining room table and allows for easy access to water and beverages so you can serve your guests without leaving the table. We love the black and moody look of this space.

Contemporary black wet bar features a Vendome double sconce on blackcloth wallpaper over a black marble leathered countertop with polished brass gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Mrs Paranjape

Clean and Simple

Clean, neat, and simple, just a short hop from the kitchen and the living space, this wet bar is a minimalist’s dream. Everything you need in one space without going too extreme or extravagant making it stand out from the other wet bar ideas.

White kitchen wet bar boasts white drawers donning polished nickel ball knobs and a small sink with a polished nickel gooseneck faucet fixed beneath stacked brown wood floating shelves. The shelves are mounted between a glass front wine cooler and white cabinets.
Photo Credit: Lux Decor
Stacked wood and metal shelves are mounted in a wet bar against a shiplap wall and on either side of a round black mirror hung over a sink. Black backless stools sit at a white and black tiled island lit by vintage staggered lanterns.
Photo Credit: Tiffany Harris

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Designing a chic and functional wet bar can elevate your home entertainment experience to new heights. From selecting the perfect countertop materials to incorporating stylish shelving and innovative lighting, there are countless ways to customize your wet bar to suit your personal style and needs. Embrace these wet bar ideas and create a space that not only serves as a practical beverage station but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your home. Cheers to great design and memorable moments!

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FAQs

What is a Wet Bar?

A wet bar is a small bar or counter in a home or hospitality setting equipped with a sink and running water. This feature distinguishes it from a dry bar, which lacks plumbing. Wet bars are convenient for mixing drinks and cleaning up without needing to leave the area, making them a popular addition to entertainment spaces like living rooms, basements, and outdoor patios.

What Are Some Creative Wet Bar Ideas?

When it comes to designing a wet bar, the possibilities are endless. You can opt for a sleek, modern look with stainless steel fixtures and minimalist shelving, or go for a rustic vibe with reclaimed wood and vintage accessories. Adding unique elements like a wine fridge, custom cabinetry, or even a small dishwasher can elevate your wet bar from functional to fabulous.

How Can I Make My Bar Ideas Stand Out?

To make your bar truly unique, think about incorporating personalized touches. Custom lighting, such as pendant lights or LED strips, can create a cozy ambiance. Consider adding a chalkboard wall for cocktail recipes or drink specials. Don’t forget about seating; stylish bar stools can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic.

What Are Some Small Wet Bar Ideas?

If space is limited, you can still create an impressive wet bar. Opt for a compact, wall-mounted unit that includes essential features like a sink and storage. Utilize vertical space with floating shelves for glassware and bottles. A small, under-counter fridge can keep your beverages cool without taking up too much room.

What Are Modern Basement Bar Ideas?

Modern basement bars often feature sleek, clean lines and contemporary materials like glass, metal, and stone. Consider a monochromatic color scheme with pops of bold color for visual interest. Integrated appliances, smart lighting, and high-tech sound systems can turn your basement bar into a futuristic entertainment hub.

What Are Some Wet Bar Basement Bar Ideas?

Combining a wet bar with a basement bar offers endless design possibilities. Think about creating zones for different activities, such as a cozy seating area for conversations and a countertop for mixing drinks. Use materials like brick or wood to add warmth and character. Don’t forget to incorporate plenty of storage for all your bar essentials.

What Are Some Basement Wet Bar Ideas?

Basement wet bars can be both functional and stylish. Consider installing a granite or quartz countertop for durability and elegance. Add a backsplash with eye-catching tiles to make a statement. Built-in wine racks, custom cabinetry, and a beer tap can make your basement wet bar the ultimate gathering spot.

How Can I Enhance My Bar Decor Ideas?

Enhancing your bar decor can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Think about adding artwork or framed posters that reflect your personal style. Decorative elements like vintage signs, neon lights, or even a mounted TV can add flair. Plants and greenery can also bring a touch of nature and freshness to your bar area.

What Are Some Finished Basement Basement Bar Ideas?

A finished basement provides a perfect canvas for a sophisticated bar setup. Consider adding a multi-tiered countertop for serving and seating. Incorporate built-in shelves or cabinets for ample storage. A well-placed mirror can make the space feel larger and more inviting. Choose comfortable seating and ambient lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Holly Antoine

Holly Antoine is a Home, Lifestyle and DIY content creator. After leaving behind an 11-year career in the dental field to pursue her passion for design and decor, she developed her own branded site, HollyGrace.ca, where she shares her love of home design, decor, DIYs and inspires others to get creative and build[...]

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