Design
Home Bar & Wine Storage Ideas
Updated 2 min read
The short answer
The first decision is wet or dry, because a sink brings a plumber and expands permit scope while a dry bar is straightforward carpentry. After that it is mostly about storing bottles and glassware properly and finding room for an undercounter fridge.
Bar dimensions
| Element | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Counter height | 900mm standard, 1050mm for a raised bar |
| Bar stool seat height | 650–700mm at a 900mm counter |
| Overhang for seating | 300mm min. at counter height |
| Undercounter fridge opening | Per appliance spec — usually 600mm wide |
| Wine bottle storage depth | 350mm |
| Stemware rack clearance | 250mm below the rail |
| Bottle shelf height (spirits) | 350mm |
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Design decisions
- Wet or dry
- A sink means plumbing, a licensed plumber and expanded permit scope. A dry bar with an undercounter fridge covers most entertaining needs.
- Bottles lie down, glasses hang
- Wine stored upright dries the cork. Stemware hung upside down in a rack stays dust-free and saves shelf space.
- Undercounter refrigeration
- Confirm the model before building — ventilation requirements and door swing vary, and integrated units need panels built to spec.
- Durable counter
- A bar counter takes wet glasses, bottle rings and the occasional spill. Stone or a well-sealed hardwood, not painted MDF.
- Lighting
- Backlit bottle shelving is one of the more effective uses of integrated LED, and it must be designed in before fabrication.
- A proper foot rail
- If people will stand at it. Small detail, disproportionately appreciated.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a sink in a home bar?
- Most people find they do not. A sink means plumbing, a licensed plumber, expanded permit scope and cost. An undercounter fridge and good storage covers the great majority of entertaining. If the bar is a long way from a kitchen, the calculation changes.
- Is a basement good for storing wine?
- The temperature is good — cool and stable. The humidity is not; Calgary winter indoor air is far too dry and corks dry out. Casual storage is fine. Serious storage wants a dedicated cabinet with humidity control.
- How much space does a home bar need?
- A functional dry bar with counter, storage and an undercounter fridge needs about 1500mm of wall. Add seating and you need circulation space in front too — 900mm behind a stool at minimum.
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