How to Build the Perfect Coffee Bar At Home
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.
If you start every morning with a warm cup of coffee, then you know how important it is to have the right coffee-making setup. When your supplies are disorganized, it can make your AM brew feel chaotic—and far less enjoyable. But with an organized coffee bar, your space will be less cluttered, so you can focus on starting the day off strong. Coffee bar stations can range from eccentric, colorful styles to sleek and modern coffee bar ideas, rustic coffee stations that embrace wood tones, or whatever fits your personal style.
The first step to an organized coffee bar is a dedicated space. Pick a place on your countertop where you can set up your supplies; transform empty cabinet space into a cozy coffee nook; or use a cart to save on counter space. After you’ve picked out the spot that best suits your needs, you can start hunting for the pieces to help organize your coffee station. Maybe you combine your coffee and wine bar ideas into one, or you could look toward matching canisters and coffee tools to make it cohesive. From there, look to our tips on crafting your mini café into the ideal at-home coffee bar. Let’s get brewing!
Research Coffee Bar Inspiration
First things first: the inspiration. Take a look at some of Drew and Jonathan’s coffee bars they’ve designed on our shows to get the ideas flowing. Each one is different from the other based on the person, their space, and how they take their morning cup. And yours should be unique, too! After deciding your general vibe, it’s time to move to the next step. (And after it’s complete, you’ll look back and wonder how you ever went without a dedicated coffee station before!)
Get a Coffee Cart
If you don’t have extra space on your countertops, or you want to make your morning coffee the star of the show, then a coffee cart is a must. Go with something modern and elevated, like a gold and marble bar cart, or opt for a cart made of natural materials like wood to blend seamlessly into your room design. A bar cart is the perfect solution to a smaller kitchen or living room space.
Add in Your Coffee Machine
Depending on your favorite cup of joe and how much space you have, you have quite a few options when it comes to your best coffee machine. Pour-over coffee makers are great for those who like to take their mornings slow; espresso machines are for the cappuccino and latte lovers who want to practice their barista skills; Nespresso machines are perfect for those who want designer coffee without the work; and multi-cup coffee makers are perfect for busy households who have plenty of people reaching for a morning mug.
Try Canisters for Your Coffee Beans, Sugar, and More
To make your coffee station feel full and complete, you’ll need to stock it with all the fixings—coffee beans, sugar dishes, syrups and flavorings (if that’s your thing), and anything else you like to mix into your cup. However, the containers that these items come in aren’t usually very aesthetically pleasing. Instead, swap them for some modern canisters to hold all of your coffee supplies. They’ll make your coffee station look more put together. That way, your coffee bar looks like it’s part of your decor, rather than your typical office coffee corner.
Organize K-Cups and Essentials With Baskets and Bins
If you have a Keurig or a Nespresso, then you know how those pods get in the way. Plus, they can make your coffee station look cluttered and disorganized if left out in the open. For a quick fix, opt to put your pods in a basket or bin for a chic storage solution. Likewise, baskets can function as the perfect hidden storage space for coffee napkins, tea bags, shelf-safe creamers, to-go cups, and more.
Finish Off With Mugs and Stirrers
You can tell a lot about a person by the type of mugs they keep stocked in their home. Do you lean more toward eclectic, mismatched mugs? Or maybe you sway toward a collection of uniform stoneware mugs? Or instead, maybe a set of vintage coffee mugs you’ve collected from your vacation spots over the years? Whatever your style, here’s where you can show off your favorites! Stock the coffee cart with mugs, stirrers, tea cups, or your favorite stirring spoons. It’s a fun way to show off your personality. (Pro coffee lovers may want to try mug warmers, too.)
Sprinkle in Art for a Personal Touch
If you have space near or above your coffee station, you might also consider adding in a piece of art to finish off your vignette. This art doesn’t have to be as literal as hanging a “Café” sign above your coffee maker. You can choose whatever art you like, and whatever suits your style. Pick one or two pieces that pair nicely with your coffee cart setup, and voilà —you have yourself a completed coffee bar.
An Ode to Hot Cocoa: Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas, Gifts, and Yummy Tips
It’s more than just marshmallows!
Read More
