Adding a basement bar is one of the best ways to add life and spark to your home. In the past, basement bars were costly, so most people couldn’t afford them. But, if you have to stick to a budget but still want a basement bar, there are plenty of ways to make it happen.
Considering a basement bar? Man caves have changed. They used to be dark and moody, but now they are stylish. They have trendy pendant lights and different themes. You can choose a Cape Cod style for a coastal vibe or stick with the classic man cave for movie nights.
If you know you want a basement bar but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place for inspiration. We aim to give you 60 of the best and trendiest bar ideas for your basement, whether a large area or a small space. Best of all, each idea we’ll share today is affordable.
60 Best Basement Bar Ideas on a Budget
The Modern Mancave
Man caves are dungy, dark, and moody areas with a TV and sports memorabilia. But, the modern man cave puts tradition to an end. It allows for a wet or dry bar in low or high basement ceilings.
Make your basement bar better with trendy pendant lights. These lights will brighten the bar, kitchen, and storage space. The lights make your entertaining space look great, even against black walls or bold colors. They highlight the entire area.
1. The Cape Cod Style
If you live in a coastal area and want a basement bar to match, try the Cape Cod Style. Avoid dark, dingy furniture like the modern man cave and choose a fishing or boating theme. It’s an area to entertain large groups rather than watch sporting events.
2. The Classic Man Cave
Any list of basement bar ideas has to include the classic man cave. This semi-to-lit area that’s perfect for watching movies or the big game. It should include things like a pool table. While it’s one of the more straightforward basement bar ideas on this list, it’s a classic for a reason.
3. The Glass Wine Rack
Incorporate the glass wine rack into your bar spaces for the perfect basement bar setup. Even on a budget, DIY installation can make this fantastic idea achievable.
4. Narrow Bar Idea
Rather than having a big wet bar where you serve drinks and food, the narrow bar idea is for seating only. You can have a stone or wooden bar roughly one foot deep. This will allow enough room to sit and enjoy your drinks while watching the TV.
5. Bar Plus Play Area
If you have a family with small children, it might be a good idea to design your bar for the whole family. You can still have a wet bar with shelves of liquor and a wine cooler. But, in front of the bar, you should have an open area as a playground for your kids.
6. The Brewery Bar
You should have dark colors mixed with industrial fixtures for the brew bar. Show off the water lines and plumbing pipes that go to your sink or tap, like at your favorite brewery. This idea is great if you have brick walls that you want to show off coolly.
7. Artisan Style
In the Artisan style, move the bar to the walls, optimizing the entire space. This design is perfect for small basements. It uses the space well and has room for a wine cellar and bar stools.
8. The Metro Diner Bar
The Metro is a great way to showcase some of the natural elements in your basement. For example, if you have a stone wall, this option allows you to clean it up and make it the bar’s background. Add bright lights to make the area feel inviting instead of aiming for darkness.
9. Retro Style
Create a nostalgic 60s and 70s vibe in your bar with a classic diner theme. To make an authentic retro atmosphere, use old movie posters, vintage barstools, and a colored bar. Add charming details like a wood or coffered ceiling.
10. Rustic
The rustic look is an excellent option if you live in the country and want a basement bar that emulates that fact. For your furniture, use dark colors like charcoal grays and browns. Include a wood bar with a natural stone countertop.
11. The Clean Look
This is one of the more modern basement bar ideas on this list. It should include clean, white walls, bright, recessed lighting, and stainless steel appliances. If your basement allows it, you should let plenty of natural light in to showcase your bar.
12. Cheers
Few TV shows feature more time at a bar than the show Cheers. If you’re a show fan and want a basement bar, why not fashion it like the bar in Cheers?! Complete with a circular or semi-circle bar, depending on space, plenty of seating, and the perfect place to hang out with friends.
13. Sophistication
You can go many different ways if you want a sophisticated basement bar. When it comes to the bar area, remember to keep it clean and well-lit. Also, make sure to have stylish furniture. The bar itself can be made of wood, stone, or granite.
14. The Open Bar
If you have a spacious basement and want to create a focal point, consider the Open Bar. It includes a single bar made of stone or granite with a wood countertop. Surrounding the bar, you can have arcade games, a seating area, a TV, and even a cornhole if you have high ceilings.
15. The Studio Bar
Rather than TVs, furniture, and games being the focal point of the Studio Bar, you should focus on wall art. , you’re designing your basement art studio with a wine bar in the middle. It should be well-lit, sophisticated, and inviting.
16. The Garage Bar
The garage bar is how to do it if you have leftover construction items you want to repurpose. This bar is the best because you can use anything for the walls, floor, and furniture. It isn’t fancy, but it will get the job done.
17. The Corner Bar
This bar idea is an excellent way to fill your basement without seeming too packed. It allows you to tuck your bar area away in a corner to be accessible without being the room’s focal point.
18. Pillars of Stone
The stone pillar bar has a classic wooden bar with stools and drinks. Stone pillars stand on either side. This will give it a regal look. You can also use faux stone if you can’t afford natural stone pillars.
19. The Ceramic Tile Bar
Add a light-colored wood bar with a stone countertop if your basement has a ceramic tile floor. Good lighting will help your bar blend in with the rest of your basement and showcase your flooring.
20. The Farmhouse Bar
You don’t have to live on a farm to have this bar style because it’s one of the most popular bar basement ideas. It should include a bar of wood or stone with a rustic vibe. Ensure your seating, furniture, shelves, and cabinets look rustic. It’s a great option if you’re on a budget because it lets you find used furniture and repurpose it.
21. The English Pub
English pubs and farmhouses may seem different, but their bar styles are quite similar. The English pub includes dank, dark lighting, a small bar, and a wood or butcher block countertop. You don’t need fancy furniture or seating to make this look work.
22. Old School Neon Bar
The bar should have a small seating area and shelves with alcohol bottles. To light everything up, use bright signs in various colors that say different things.
23. Contemporary Wood Bar
The contemporary wood bar idea is perfect if you need to save money with a homemade bar. It involves a small basement bar, a few seats, furniture, and decor of rough wood.
24. The Minimalist Bar
You can opt for a simple bar cart if you lack the space or money to build a bar. You can use a bar cart in your basement for a bar without spending a lot or using too much space.
25. The Coffee Bar
Rather than having beer and alcohol as the focal point of your bar, you can opt for coffee. The style includes floating shelves with syrups, creamers, and drink flavorings. A hardwood floor surrounds the bar.
26 The Wine Bar
You can also make wine the focal point of your basement bar. You can opt for a small wine storage area or a vast, open one with shelves lined with all varieties of wine. The bar won’t cost much, but the wine you supply it with might.
27. Chic Bar
Basement bars can be as fun for women as for men. If you go chic, you can fashion the bar after your favorite boutique or hair salon. Add bright, stylish furniture rather than rustic leather couches and chairs.
28. Clean Outer Wall Bar
Use clean lines and slim upper cabinets to create a sleek look in your basement. You can also add a narrow bar along one of the walls. The area should have bright furniture, white walls, and plenty of natural light.
29. The All-Black
They call this bar idea “all black” because they make everything black, including the furniture and walls. It’s simple but sharp, especially when you add a splash of white and bright lights.
30. Airport Bar Cart
One more idea is to have a basic bar cart that looks like an airplane bar cart. Flight attendants can push it around. It’s simple, cheap, and easy to use.
31. The Mini Wood Bar
The mini wood bar is a neat idea for a small bar that you can open and shut when you’re not using it. You can choose a homemade option or find one for sale if you don’t feel like building one.
32. The Victorian Cabinet
The Victorian cabinet is an open-and-shut liquor cabinet, as with the mini wooden bar. But it looks more like a boudoir or small closet than a small bar cart. It’s a great option if you want a wet bar at your disposal but not always on display.
33. The Mixed Bar
Use a mix of stone, marble, and wood for your bar, countertop, and seating to match them. This method ensures plenty of seating, counter space, and storage. It combines usefulness with a nice look.
34. Metal Walls
If you like the industrial look of a microbrewery, metal walls are a good option. They provide a shiny, modern look to the background, whatever bar design you prefer. It’s best to use open shelves if you choose metal walls.
35. The Hidden Bar
Having a secret room in your basement behind a false wall is fantastic. It’s even more remarkable when you fill that room with a hidden bar.
36. The Urban Look
The urban look is a combination of contemporary, modern, and industrial. The walls outlining the bar should be neutral and serve as the bar area’s backdrop. You can opt for a wood bar with a granite or marble countertop and open shelving.
37. Unfinished Bar Idea
This idea is excellent if you have an unfinished basement with exposed beams, joists, and pipes. You can add a farmhouse or industrial bar to your unfinished basement.
38. Beach Bar
If you love the vibe of a tiki hut, why not put one in your basement? It’s perfect if you want an affordable bar and live near a beach or lake!
39. Blue Bar
This idea is simple. You have a traditional basement bar made of wood. Rather than leaving it a bland, plain color, you paint the bar blue to give your basement the life it needs.
40. Outer Space Bar
Incorporate some of your favorite sci-fi themes to give your bar a futuristic feel. Combine deep purples, silver, and funky seating to create the desired effect. Add hidden lighting as well.
41. The Cabin Bar
It would be best to use logs to make everything, such as the bar, countertop, furniture, and shelving.
42. Concrete Bar
This idea is for when you have a basement floor made of polished concrete. It would be best to have modern bar seating and a bar lined with metal. This look works best with a wood countertop and brick walls, but they aren’t mandatory.
43. The Casino Bar
As the name implies, this idea will have your basement bar looking like something out of Las Vegas. Choose any bar design and fill the area with craps, poker tables, roulette, and other popular games.
44. Choose a Theme
You can design your bar to resemble Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or your favorite arcade game or movie.
45. A Standing Bar
Instead of building your bar at the right height for sitting, make it a standing bar. The top will be higher, but your materials and theme can be whatever you want.
46. Modern Inviting Bar
The modern basement bar on this list has sleek designs, clean lines, and open shelving. It’s inviting and doesn’t have handles. Your walls and floors should be light and bright, and you should also have plenty of lighting.
47. Artsy Fartsy
If you want to save money, the artsy fartsy bar design is for you. The style and materials you use don’t matter. You use the bar to build everything, like cabinets, shelves, bar top, and the bar. This style uses wood.
48. Make It Pop
This idea allows you to let your wild side show. You can use different colors in this design, like red, orange, yellow, or any other you want.
49. Watery Bar
A wood bar and stools with backsplashes with brick or stone walls work best with this idea. But, in the middle of the wall behind the bar, incorporate a large fish tank with some of your favorite fish.
50. The Mountain Bar
The mountain bar should look like something you’ll find at a ski lodge or mountain resort. It should feature natural stone walls and a wood bar with a marble or stone countertop. It should be warm and comfortable, yet cold.
51. Garage Door Panels
Using sheet metal or wainscot panels as the ceiling above your bar is prevalent. Using garage door panels is more; you can paint them whatever color.
52. Timeless
Building your bar based on current trends isn’t always a good idea because trends change. Choosing a classic, timeless theme that’s warm and simple might be the better option.
53. The Hunters Bar
If you have a trophy animal mounted in your home, you can incorporate it into this bar design. Hang your mount on the wall behind the bar. Make it the centerpiece. Line the surrounding walls with your favorite firearms.
54. The Lit Bar
It’s popular to have lighting built into steps and landscaping. You can use this concept with your bar and build lighting into it. This is an excellent way to make your bar shine and be the focal point of your basement.
55. Working Bar
When you go to a bar, the last thing you want to do is take work with you. But you could consider adding a small workstation to your home bar to make the most of your time there.
56. Fireplace Bar
Nothing will warm your basement bar up more than having an open fire pit next to it.
57. Globe Pendant Light Bar
Lighting is a big part of any bar design. When selecting light fixtures, consider your bar’s style and what will complement it. If you want to use glass globe pendant lights above your bar, they should be made of stone or marble.
58. Library Bar
Instead of putting liquor bottles on the open shelves behind your bar, put your favorite books there.
59. Cowboy Bar
If you live on a farm or ranch or love horses, you can make them the center point of your basement bar. Build it out of dark wood and use stone or granite as the countertop. Also, you can use saddles for your seats instead of traditional barstools!
60. Zombie Bar
If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead or Resident Evil, why not fashion your bar in its image? You can even create custom cocktails named after your favorite characters. This is a great way to be creative and have a unique basement bar.
Basement Bar Ideas FAQs
Is a basement bar worth it?
To choose a basement bar, consider your lifestyle, budget, and potential return on investment. Pros include entertainment space, home value increase, convenience, personalization, cost savings, and versatility.
What to put in your basement bar?
To create your basement bar, collect alcohol, drink tools, glasses, a fridge, an ice maker, a sink, storage, lights, stools, decorations, a sound system, a TV, games, snacks, a coffee area (if desired), safety items, and personal touches. Focus on your preferences and create a cozy, inviting space.
How do you style a basement bar?
To design a basement bar, first pick a theme. Then, find a suitable counter and cozy lighting. Provide comfortable seating and decorate the walls. Display spirits and get functional equipment. Use durable flooring and add personal touches. Don’t forget to invest in a good sound system.
What is a good size for a basement bar?
While you can customize your basement bar to whatever size you wish, the average height to the bar top is around 42″, and the average depth is around two feet. It would be best if you chose the width and length of the bar according to the basement space you have to work with.
Do basement bars add value?
A custom bar in your basement is a great way to add value to your home while building a room you can enjoy. It’s essential to design your bar to appeal to the masses, not just yourself. Otherwise, it could be a liability.
Final Thoughts
This article guides you in basement bar design. When you plan your space, consider adding a wine fridge, white subway tiles, bar areas, and wine glasses. You can also add a pop of color to the basement bar design, kitchen, and finished basement. Having a clear plan prevents budget overruns.
Designing your basement bar is a creative adventure with endless possibilities. Personalize your bar to fit any style, such as modern man caves or coastal-inspired designs. Consider unique features like glass wine racks, play areas, or rustic designs. You can turn your basement into a personalized bar that shows your unique taste and style. Cheers to your basement bar adventure!
