How To Design A Basement Bar

Ever thought of building a bar in your basement? If no, then it's time to give in some thought to it. A basement bar provides just the perfect personal space to have fun with friends and family throughout the night. An excellent idea to effectively use the space and create a cozy hangout destination with friends and family on weekends, basement bar adds a functional, stylish and entertaining space to a home. Designing a bar in the basement involves certain aspects to be taken care of, to create an atmosphere of comfort. Given here are some tips for designing and converting your basement into a bar and party zone. Read on to know how.

Tips For Designing A Basement Bar

Measure the basement area and draw the floor plan onto ¼-inch graph paper. Mark the location of water, sewage, gas and electrical. Also include doors, door swings, windows, closets, niches, posts, stairs, fireplaces, walkouts, columns, utility rooms, etc.
Mark the floor plan with good measurements so that it is easier for you to select cabinets and fittings. List down all the issues or problems existing in the basement. These problems can be inadequate head room, moisture problems, cheap paneling, old windows and doors, poor light quality, odor, etc.
Placing a tracing paper on the layout, mark how you want your bar to look like. Keep enough space for plumbing, gas and electrical fiitings. Position the bar in such a manner that there is ample of space for people to sit at the counter comfortably.
Purchase the major bar appliances like the kegerator, bar fridge, wine cooler, ice storage, soda or ice cream fountain dispensers, bar sink, storage for alcohol, glasses, stemware, dishes, pots and pans. Select them according to the space available for these items in the bar area. You can also get prefabricated cabinets from your local building supply warehouse.
Study your existing basement area carefully and mark the area that serves the primary function of the bar, i.e., seating. In case you have support columns, use them to create a U-shaped bar. Your bar design should be one that gives space for foot traffic, provides good view of media or gaming and even complements your entire home décor.
Finally, position the cabinets and fixtures template on the design layout. Place another tracing paper over the layout and mark the position of the furniture in the basement bar. This will help you see the kind of space available and whether or not you can incorporate a billiard table or any other game table. Also, check whether seating is sufficient and comfortable
Now, put your plan into action. Start off with installing the bar, including a sink and a dishwasher, so that you do not have go upstairs to clean the dirty glassware.
Hang the lighting over the bar and control with a dimmer switch. Install some lights below the bar to allow the items stored to be visible.
Get cabinets in varying heights to store glassware, napkins, bar rags and condiments. Place the fridge as located in the layout.
Place the furniture around the bar and install a flat-panel television behind the bar. Fix up a sound system with surround-sound speakers, a stereo system and CD changer.
The basement bar is ready for you to enjoy a cozy, playful evening, along with your friends and family.

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