Everything to Know Before Adding a Wet Bar to Your Home

A luxurious addition to any home, having a wet bar instantly elevates your entertaining.

By Nina Derwin

BRIAN BIEDER

Beautiful and luxurious, wet bars make for a fun and elevated way to entertain your guests. While they are traditionally used for making alcoholic drinks, wet bars can function as a gathering space for families and people of all ages. Whether you make fancy cocktails, mocktails, hor d’oeuvres or serve classic bar snacks like trail mix, wet bars offer a dedicated space for all of your drink essentials. We asked designers to explain what exactly a wet bar is and what you should consider if you are thinking about adding one to your home.

What Is a Wet Bar?

A wet bar is a space in a home, typically in or around the main entertaining area, specifically designed for preparing and serving alcoholic beverages. Wet bars are characterized by counter space for preparing drinks, refrigerated storage, and a sink. A stocked wet bar usually includes wine, liquor, mixers, glassware, and tools for making drinks, like a cocktail shaker and bottle opener.

Having a wet bar is a luxury for those who frequently have guests. “A wet bar makes it easier for the homeowner, as it allows them to entertain while staying with their guests and keeps the conversation going,” says interior designer Stacey Marks. 

Wet bars started to emerge as an in-home luxury design trend in the mid-20th century and saw a marked rise in popularity in the 1970s. In those days, wet bars were typically made from dark-colored materials and were lacking in terms of style. Today, built-in bars are an extension of home decor and can reflect a wide range of aesthetics and color palettes.

The Difference Between a Wet Bar and a Dry Bar

While wet bars and dry bars are both great options for entertaining, there are a few key differences between the two. “By definition, a wet bar has a water source and a sink for function and convenience,” says interior designer Melissa Fenigstein. The wet bar gets its name from having a sink with running water. 

Another important difference between wet bars and dry bars is that while dry bars may be portable, like a bar cart or island on wheels, wet bars are static. They’re usually attached to kitchen or living spaces because they need to be connected to plumbing.

Must-Have Features of a Wet Bar

In addition to a sink, which is the distinguishing feature of a wet bar, there are a handful of must-have features when building a wet bar in your home.

Counter Space

Make sure your wet bar has room to mix drinks for your guests. “Ample counter space will make it feel like a proper station for preparing cocktails,” says Marks. Depending on how sophisticated your drink recipes are, you may want room for a small cutting board.

Mini-Fridge or Wine Cooler

A refrigerator is essential for chilling bottles of wine, mixers, or extras like garnishes. Some wet bars even include a designated wine cooler, which is beneficial because “it maintains an ideal temperature range but also controls humidity levels to prevent cork drying and oxidation,” says Marks. “An under-counter refrigerator is perfect for ensuring that everything you need is kept at serving temperature without requiring much space.”

Cabinets

A wet bar requires storage, not only for bottles of liquor, wine, and mixers, but also for glassware, party supplies, and snacks. “Cabinet space is important if you want to have all your favorite ingredients on hand, as well as essential tools,” says Marks.

Popular Additions

Outside of the basics, there are countless little luxuries you can add to customize your wet bar. Ice makers are an increasingly popular addition, and there is a wide range of options depending on the type of ice you prefer. Beer taps are also a fun choice for beer enthusiasts, and espresso machines open up a world of possibilities for caffeinated cocktails. “Another great option for the wet bar would be a compact 18-inch dishwasher,” says interior designer Kristin Dittmar. “This allows you to enjoy the space without having to make so many trips to the kitchen.”

The ambiance surrounding your wet bar is equally important. Installing mood lighting to create your preferred atmosphere and adding comfortable seating is as important as the cocktails themselves. “I would also recommend a pretty back splash,” says Dittmar. “I always try to make the wet bar a focal point of the room.”

What to Consider Before Installing a Wet Bar In Your Home

If you’re ready to add a wet bar to your space, there are a few important factors to consider before the project gets underway. First and foremost, “you have to evaluate your space for the design and layout of your wet bar,” says Marks. Think about how you want your wet bar to play into your current home décor and design style, as well as its location. Find an area in your home that has suitable space, then make sure it can accommodate the necessary plumbing and electrical requirements.

Unless you are experienced in building wet bars, it’s likely best to hire a professional. Leaks and electrical issues are common if the work isn’t completed correctly, so spending more money upfront can save you energy and expense later on. 

Additionally, be sure to account for your budget. “Wet bars can get expensive since you need to hire a contractor, plumber, and possibly an electrician if you want to add lighting,” says Marks. Consider how much you want to spend, keeping in mind that you’ll have to buy the necessary appliances once construction is complete. Wet bars are not likely to add any significant resale value to your home, so its value is not as an investment, but in how it’s enjoyed by you and your guests.