How to Build the Perfect Coffee Bar At Home
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For most of us, our morning cup of joe is something we look forward to each day—it’s part of our AM ritual! If coffee’s on your brain from the moment you wake up, then you know how important it is to have the right coffee-making setup. Whether you have your automatic coffee machine go off each morning at the same time, you routinely use your espresso machine to craft the perfect macchiato, or you enjoy the slow process of a pour-over, an organized coffee bar is a must. And luckily, we’re here to help you with ideas for crafting the perfect at-home coffee bar station.
The first step is finding a dedicated space—this could be an area on your countertop; an empty cabinet; or a separate bar/coffee cart, if you want to save on kitchen counter space. After you’ve picked out the spot that best suits your needs, you can then start digging for accessories and stylish additions to help organize your coffee bar. Look to coffee pod storage, sugar canisters, and air-tight containers to keep your beans fresh. From there, use our tips and inspiration to help turn your mini café into the perfect home coffee bar. (Oh, and for those of us who are a little clumsy: We have the perfect solution to get a coffee stain out of your rug, too, so make sure to check that out before you 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!)
First, 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.
Use 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 Coffee Pods With Baskets
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. (Baskets can also function as the perfect hidden storage space for coffee napkins, tea bags, shelf-safe creamers, to-go cups, and more.) Or instead, grab a coffee pod organizer to match your machine to keep things streamlined.
Group Coffee Accessories Together on a Cute Tray
Using trays to group together your coffee bar essentials by type is an easy way to reduce clutter, add height variation, and visually (and stylishly) organize your items. There are plenty of tray materials, styles, and shapes to choose from, too, so you can pick one that best works with your cart. Pro tip: Opt for groups of three on a tray—this usually looks most visually appealing.
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.)
Add In Your Must-Have Coffee Accessories
If you have a good amount of space left on your cart to house more items, consider displaying some functional essentials as statement pieces. When your coffee accessories are stylish, you can have your milk frothers, coffee mug towers, espresso machine accessories, or another must-have on full display to top off your coffee bar cart. These functional pieces really can double as decor, especially if they complement the aesthetic of your bar cart or coffee machine.
Position a Portable Lamp for Ambiance
Portable lamps are great for so many areas of the house, but especially for coffee carts and small accent cabinets! They can add that finishing touch that you’re looking for, as well as some much-needed warm light. It’ll instantly make the space feel a bit cozier. Some options are rechargeable while others are battery operated, but they all come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you’re sure to find your perfect fit. If you have a shorter cart, opt for a slimmer portable lamp to help bring the eye up and take up less space; if you’re working with a larger cart, you can utilize a more sizable lamp that matches the cart’s stature.
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.
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