A (very) large format bar in the living room
In a generously sized room, you can take the bar concept literally, creating a space inspired by the classic bar.
The most common option is to invest a corner of the room to arrange a bar with a counter. The look of this element is important: it must integrate harmoniously with the decor of the living room. You can use it to set the tone, or prefer an understated design that will work even if you’re revamping the room.
To create an atypical atmosphere in the living room, take inspiration from English Clubs, and install the bar over the entire surface of an accent wall, like a library. On your way, replace the reading corner with a chill corner, where it is good to chat while sipping a drink.
Between bar and library, it is not imperative to decide: just integrate the bar into the library! It’s all the easier since decoration brands now offer functional and rather canon modular solutions. Depending on your needs, it is even possible to fit in a turntable unit, to enjoy a convivial moment in music.
No need for an extra-wide section of wall to install the bar: all you have to do is optimize the space. In this medium-sized living room, a console is used as a bar. It allows the installation of a refrigerated mini-cellar. The whole is flanked by a kitchen cabinet which accommodates glasses and bottles which are not cool.
In small or large format, the niche offers an ideal space to set up a very decorative bar in the living room.
One of the tips for integrating the bar harmoniously into the living room is to play with color: paint, wallpaper, even mosaic, cement tiles or zellige.
Want a timeless look? Bet on wood – one of the big trends in the open kitchen, which also works for the bar. Think of a classic: cleats.
To stick to the trends, fall for a mineral decoration. The marble sublimates a Vanilla Girl atmosphere, in particular associated with a few touches of brass. Are you more of a fan of Mid Century style or Mediterranean decor? Prefer terrazzo! Polished concrete is also hot in the industrial living room or in an Urban Jungle atmosphere.
Even if you have a living room spacious enough to install a large format bar area, it is important to ensure that circulation is fluid. We will also avoid visually overloading the space. This is an opportunity to show originality by furnishing the living room without a coffee table. For example, prefer the end of the sofa or the pouf.
A bar in a (very) small living room
Arranging a bar in a small living room may seem too ambitious. Moreover, even in a larger space, you may prefer a more discreet solution, in order to be able to fit a reading corner or an office corner in the living room. Good news: a bass can be both compact and hot!
The bar cabinet is a simple, but very effective option. You can choose it accessorized with racks for bottles or dedicated storage for stemmed glasses. The bar cabinet comes in a nice variety of looks. Organic, bohemian, ethnic or industrial: it fits into any decor.
The other safe bet for setting up a functional bar area in the living room is of course the sideboard. This classic comes in a variety of sizes and styles. From the vintage Scandinavian living room to the minimalist living room: the trolley works every time. And not to spoil anything, there are models specially designed to be used as a bar, and equipped with specific compartments for bottles and glasses.
In a small format living room, it may be interesting to install the bar in a wasted space. It is common that a standard trolley or bar cabinet is not suitable. The good idea is then to divert a piece of furniture like the window.
Diverting a piece of furniture as a bar makes it easier to use the available space, but also to give personality to the living room. Among the best ideas: the secretary desk, which usually has a variety of storage, which can be very useful for your bar area. Another appreciable advantage: there are very shallow models. Top, in a small living room!
One of the tricks to visually enlarge a small living room is to give preference to low furniture. Sideboard or sideboard, glazed version or equipped with opaque fronts: you are spoiled for choice. This solution is all the smarter as it also allows you to have some decorative accessories.