Stylish Wet Bars Complete with Sinks
A wet bar is a dedicated zone for preparing chilled drinks and cocktails. More than just a place to mix a martini, today's wet bars blend sophistication and functionality for entertaining. The addition of a sink adds convenience, enabling easy cleanup and glass chilling right within the bar area.
When designed with style in mind, a home wet bar creates an inviting, upscale atmosphere for guests. Read on to discover ideas for crafting wet bars complete with sinks that are both beautiful and practical.
Defining Wet Bars with Sinks
Before designing your own wet bar, it helps to understand common elements that define these unique home bars.
What are Wet Bars
Wet bars are like miniature bars installed in homes. They provide dedicated space for storing glassware and ingredients, mixing drinks, and serving guests. The "wet" designation refers to the inclusion of plumbing and often a sink. This enables rinsing glasses, filling ice buckets, and cleanup.
Wet bars range from small counter areas to fully-equipped entertainers' bars with wine fridges, dishwashers, and seating. They may incorporate custom cabinetry, shelving, and lighting. High-end options emulate professional bars.
Wet Bar Sink Options and Styles
The sink is what makes a wet bar "wet." Various styles suit different spaces and needs:
- Undermount sinks install below countertops for a streamlined look.
- Vessel sinks make a bold style statement as bowl-shaped basins atop counters.
- Bar sinks fit smaller footprints with compact bowl sizes and depths.
- Farmhouse sinks have a generous open basin well-suited to entertaining.
Consider a sink with two bowls or basins to allow simultaneous washing and rinsing. For more casual events, a single-bowl bar sink may suffice.
Benefits of Adding a Sink to a Wet Bar
Incorporating plumbing to a home bar with a sink offers multiple advantages:
- Enables washing barware, stemware, and dishes within the bar zone
- Lets you quickly rinse glasses before refills to maintain chill
- Allows easy cleanup following events without trips to the kitchen
- Provides water access for portable bar gear like beverage tubs
The convenience factor is key. With an integrated sink, the wet bar has everything needed for drink service and post-party duties in one area.
Ideal Sink Placements in a Wet Bar
Where you situate your wet bar sink depends on the space and traffic flow. Some guidelines for optimal placement:
- Near the drink mixing zone for functionality
- Allow counter space on one or both sides of sink
- In a central spot easily accessed from seating areas
- Near electrical outlets to plug in blenders, ice buckets
Consider existing plumbing lines when planning sink location. This will help determine most cost-effective positioning.
Designing Your Wet Bar with an Integrated Sink
A well-designed wet bar ties all elements together--from sink selection to storage solutions. Apply these tips for a cohesive look:
Counter Space and Layout Considerations
Allow ample counter area around the sink for barware, glass racks, cutting boards, etc. Floating wood shelving above offers extra space for glassware and bottles. For bartending flow, keep counters clear to mix drinks.
Other handy elements like undercabinet lighting, electrical outlets, refrigerator drawers, and open corner carousels promote an efficient workspace. Have grab-and-go access to ice, garnishes, mixers and tools.
Plumbing Requirements
Wet bar sinks need proper drainage and water supply lines. Consider existing plumbing routes when mapping locations. For DIYers, sinks with simple drain assemblies are beginner-friendly. Or hire a pro for custom work.
Prep for electrical, too. Outlets near the sink enable plugging in drink mixers and chilling buckets. Plan lighting to highlight the whole bar.
Choosing Sink Types and Sizes
Select a sink suited to your entertaining style. Compact bar sinks allow drink mixing right at faucet. Expansive farmhouse sinks have room for bar tools and glass racks. Coordinate faucet finish with cabinet knobs and handles.
Vessel sinks make bold style statements atop counters. Materials like hammered copper or colorful glass resemble art. Undermount sinks offer seamless installation for smooth cleaning. Include drainboards to air dry glassware.
Decor Styles that Complement Wet Bars with Sinks
Style your wet bar sink area to match your preferences. Contemporary spaces suit modern square sinks and matte black hardware. Farmhouse sinks and antique bronze fixtures have vintage appeal.
Brass accents, subway tile backsplashes, and glass pendant lights emit old-world pub vibes. Or try an unexpected pop of color with a vibrant glass vessel sink as the focal point.
Installing Plumbing and Drainage for a Wet Bar Sink
While plumbing jobs are best left to professionals, DIYers can handle basic sink connections. Ensure proper drainage and water flow with these guidelines.
Drainage System Requirements
Wet bar sink drainage enters the main waste line, ideally one with 2-inch diameter PVC piping. The trap assembly curves into a "P" shape to prevent sewer gas odors. Quality sink drain kits have pre-attached trap arms for convenience.
Connecting Supply Lines
Connect the sink faucet to hot and cold supply lines, usually 1/2-inch diameter. Flexible braided stainless lines allow adjusting to fit. Shut-off valves placed before supply connections enable easy maintenance.
Accommodating Ventilation and Electrical
An overhead vent hood maintains air quality and moisture control when located near the wet bar sink. Vent outside air to prevent indoor humidity. Also, allow outlets for plugging in blenders and bar gear.
Finishing Plumbing Connections
Allow plumbing joints sufficient drying times before testing water flow and leaks. Make the sink area fully functional before enclosing with cabinetry or counter materials.
Selecting Fixtures and Finishes for Wet Bars with Sinks
The details make the difference between basic and eye-catching wet bars. Elevate style with these sink add-ons and hardware choices.
Sink and Faucet Styles that Suit Wet Bars
Vessel, bar, and undermount sinks have versatility for home bars. Combine with single-handle faucets that swivel for functionality. Go for sophisticated with matte black or eye-catching with polished nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.
Countertop Materials that Work Well
Quartz and granite resist stains from drink spills, with today's engineered stone looking ultra-convincing as natural stone. Marble makes a statement but requires sealing. Tile is budget-friendly and easy to clean. Rich wood tones like walnut inject warmth.
Backsplash and Hardware Options
Make the sink area focal by framing with an eye-catching backsplash. Try glass tile, metallic finishes, or exquisite marble patterns. Coordinate cabinet knobs and pulls to tie the whole bar together.
Open shelving shows off pretty barware while keeping items in arm's reach. Wood wine racks mounted on walls conserve precious counter space in smaller bars.
Task lighting keeps sink zones brightly illuminated for meal prep and cleaning. LED strip lighting attached under cabinets creates gorgeous cascade glows to highlight counters and backsplashes.