Home Bar Essentials: What You Actually Need (Guide)
Building a home bar is exciting — but it’s also very easy to buy the wrong things first.
Many people spend money on accessories and decorations before they’ve covered the core items that actually make a bar comfortable and practical to use.
The result?
- Cluttered spaces
- Missing equipment
- Extra spending to fix early mistakes
The good news is that a great home bar doesn’t require buying everything at once.
It simply requires buying the right things in the right order.
This guide breaks home bar items into clear priority tiers, so you know exactly:
- What you must buy first
- What improves comfort later
- What counts as a luxury upgrade
- What you can safely ignore at the start
If you’re still planning your layout, begin here first:
The Ultimate Guide to Home Bar Dimensions
Getting the space right makes every purchase easier.
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Quick Answer: The 3 Things Every Home Bar Needs
If you want the simplest possible starting point, focus on just three essentials:
- A solid bar unit or cabinet base
Bar units / cabinets - A properly sized under-counter bar fridge
Best Bar Fridges for Home Bars (UK) - Enough storage or shelving to prevent clutter
Bar shelving / storage
Everything else can come later.
And if you’d like a printable checklist covering all of this:
Free Home Pub Build Checklist (UK)
Tier 1 — Essentials (Non-Negotiable)
These are the items that make a home bar usable, comfortable, and practical.
Without them, the bar quickly becomes frustrating.
1. Bar Unit or Cabinet Base
This defines:
- Layout
- working height
- storage
- overall comfort
For beginners, the easiest route is usually a ready-made bar unit sized for an under-counter fridge.
If you’re unsure about sizing, see:
2. Bar Fridge
A home bar without a fridge quickly becomes inconvenient.
Choosing the right one early prevents:
- layout redesigns
- ventilation problems
- wasted money
Start with this guide:
Best Bar Fridges for Home Bars (UK)
3. Storage & Shelving
You’ll need space for:
- bottles
- glassware
- tools
- accessories
Without proper storage, even a nice bar feels messy.
Tier 2 — Comfort & Function (Buy Next)
These aren’t essential for day one, but they make the bar far more enjoyable to use regularly.
4. Comfortable Bar Stools
Comfort matters more than style.
Look for:
- correct seat height
- back support
- sturdy construction
5. Lighting
Lighting transforms atmosphere more than almost anything else.
Common options:
- LED strip lighting
- back-bar lighting
- warm overhead lighting
6. Bar Mats & Drip Trays
Small cost, big practicality.
They:
- protect surfaces
- reduce mess
- make serving easier
Tier 3 — Upgrades & Luxury Items
These turn a simple bar into a true home pub experience, but they’re best added after regular use.
7. Kegerator or Draught System
Great for beer lovers, but not essential early.
8. Ice Machine
Useful for entertaining — unnecessary for most daily use.
9. Decorative Lighting & Signage
Adds personality and atmosphere once the basics are complete.
Tier 4 — What to Skip at First
These are common early impulse buys that rarely improve the bar experience.
10. Novelty Gadgets & One-Use Accessories
Examples include:
- gimmicky tools
- decorative items with no function
- duplicates of basic equipment
They’re fun — but rarely essential.
Focus on comfort and usability first.
The Smart Way to Build a Home Bar
Most successful home bars follow the same pattern:
- Get the dimensions right
Home Bar Dimensions - Keep the first build simple
Is It Hard to Build a Home Bar? - Buy core equipment first
Best Bar Fridges (UK) - Upgrade gradually over time
This approach saves money and produces better results.
Next Steps
If you’re planning your home bar, these guides will help you move forward:
And before buying anything, download the:
Home Pub Build Checklist
It’s the simplest way to avoid missing something important.
Final Thoughts
A great home bar isn’t built by buying everything at once.
It’s built by:
- choosing the right essentials first
- improving comfort gradually
- adding upgrades only when they truly add value
Follow that order, and you’ll end up with a home bar that’s:
- comfortable
- practical
- enjoyable for years
— without wasting money along the way.
Rob is a passionate home bar and pub shed enthusiast with a passion for craft beer. With hands-on experience in designing and building his own home bar, Rob shares his knowledge, tips, and inspiration to help fellow enthusiasts create their own perfect space. Alongside the world of home bars and pub sheds, Rob also explores the diverse and exciting realm of craft beer, providing honest reviews to help you discover your next favorite brew. Join Rob on a journey of flavor, design, and craftsmanship right here on Home Bar Kit.