How to Create a Bar That's Perfect for Small Space Entertaining

Mix up your small space decorating with these budget friendly ideas

By
Deirdre Sullivan
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Deirdre Sullivan
Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.
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Updated on 07/01/19
Close up of Orange Cut open with peel on cutting board bar cart
Shaw Photography Co. / Getty Images

Entertaining at home can be challenging in a small space, but that shouldn’t stop you from hosting a cozy get-together with friends. These five DIY home bars can help. Each solution carves out a spot for mixing drinks and storing spirits. When the party is over, each of these ideas can be used for something else like an entertainment center or even a desk.

  • 01 of 06

    Give a Shabby Cabinet a Fabulous Makeover

    Poppy_Talk_Cabinet_Bar_SmallSpaces.about.jpg
    A shabby chic piece gets a midcentury makeover. Visual Heart / Nicole Phillips

    The problem: Affordable furniture designed for small spaces can be tough to find. 

    The solution: Old cabinets built for small midcentury homes are usually cheap and plentiful. Nicole Phillips, the expert DIYer behind Visual Heart transformed an ugly vintage cabinet with good bones into a swoon-worthy bar.

    What to do after the party? This neat idea can double as a retro-fantastic entertainment center.

    Here's the tutorial.

    Related: 19 Ways to Create Chic, Custom Storage

  • 02 of 06

    Create a Classy Industrial Bar Cart

    BarCart_Header.jpg

    The problem: New bar carts are pricey. Even "inexpensive" options sold at Target or World Market fetch more than $125.

    The solution: Andrew Snavely who pens Primer Magazine turned a $40 tool cart from Harbor Freight Tools into a swanky cocktail station.

    What to do after the party? This idea can double as a landing strip for a tiny foyer. The bottom shelf is the perfect height for storing wellies or winter boots.

    See the tutorial.

    Related: 13 Ingenious IKEA Storage Hacks for Your Small Entryway

  • 03 of 06

    Say Yes to a Stylish Bar Tray

    barcart131.jpg

    Honestly WTF

    The problem: You need an elegant solution that won't cramp your small living room. 

    The solution: Erica from Honestly Yum, whipped up a chic, butler's bar tray and stand. Not only is this idea dazzling to look at, but it also provides just enough room for making the perfect Martini.

    What to do after the party? This idea can double as a smashing end table.​

    Get the tutorial.

  • 04 of 06

    TV Stands Gets a Glam Makeover

    White TV cart displaying a beverage dispenser and a tub of bottles

    City Farmhouse

    The problem: You want something big enough to hold a large beverage dispenser and a cooler filled with beer.

    The solution: Jen at Rustic Glam transformed an old TV cart into a compact yet roomy bar cart.

    What to do after the party? This idea can double as a mini-kitchen island or bookshelf.

    View the tutorial.

    Related: 5 DIY TV Stands For Hiding Ugly Cable Boxes and Wires

    Continue to 5 of 6 below.
  • 05 of 06

    Hardworking Ikea Storage Cart

    Raskog utility cart

    IKEA

    The problem: You want a cheap and cheerful solution that you don't have to DIY.

    The solution:  Mandy the blogger behind The Haps, bought a functional kitchen cart at IKEA called the RÅSKOG.  Thinking out of the box cost her less than $50.

    What to do after the party? There are seriously gazillions of ways you can use this practical cart in any room that needs extra storage.

    Take a peek at the RÅSKOG.

    Related: 5 Ingenious Ikea Furniture Hacks That Save Major Space

  • 06 of 06

    Desk That Transforms into a Home Bar

    Desk Doubles as Bar
    Jonathan Odom

    The problem: You barely have room for your desk, not to mention a home bar.

    The solution: A desk that transforms into a bar means you can have a place to work and party.

    What to do after the party? This unique piece of double duty furniture has enough room to store secretly up to 20+ bottles of booze.

    You'll find the DIY instructions here.