Coffee bar envy?
The good news is you don’t have to go to a café to enjoy a beautiful coffee set-up. Coffee bars are a super popular home trend. As well as being beautiful, they can also save you money and make your morning routine a little more special.
The reality…
A DIY coffee bar isn’t as hard to set up as you might think. With some planning and the right equipment, anyone can create an awesome coffee station at home.
Contents
In this article:
- Why Coffee Bars Are The Latest Home Trend
- Location, Location, Location
- Must-Have Coffee Bar Equipment
- DIY Coffee Bar Styling
- Coffee Bar Storage Solutions
Why Coffee Bars Are The Latest Home Trend
There’s a few reasons this trend is taking off…
Statistics show that demand for coffee is at an all-time high.
According to the National Coffee Association, 66% of American adults drink coffee daily – the highest percentage in 20 years. If we are drinking more, we also want to do it better.
In addition to higher consumption, we are also consuming more coffee at home.
Coffee shop prices have been increasing in recent years. A single latte can easily cost $8 or more in major cities. For the average consumer, that is no longer a sustainable morning habit. In comparison, the price of home brewing is a fraction of the price.
DIY coffee bar content is also dominating social media.
Pinterest searches for “coffee bar styling” increased by 1120% between 2021 and 2023. Let that sink in for a second. Interest in this trend is not slowing down.
Coffee connoisseurs are now sourcing coffee beans online from specialty roasters to enhance their home brews. Freshly roasted beans change the game for flavour.
So, what do you need to create your own at home coffee bar?
Location, Location, Location
As with any home design project, the location is important. Finding the right spot will ensure your coffee bar is set up for success. It also dictates what is available in terms of power, storage, and decor. Here are a few suggestions for the best locations in the home:
- Kitchen counter corner – Convenient and close to water.
- Dining room sideboard – Makes a statement and is perfect for entertaining guests.
- Pantry nook – Ideal for smaller spaces.
- Rolling cart – Flexible and can be moved.
If your home is like most, space is at a premium. The first coffee bar is usually a rolling cart. They are easy to move, create their own power supply and take up very little space. A cart is perfect for small homes and testing out the concept. The great news is that your DIY coffee bar can evolve over time.
The most important thing to consider is electrical outlets. All coffee machines, grinders, and kettles require power. Nobody wants to be dragging extension cords across their kitchen floor. The ideal position also takes into account workflow. Cups, beans, milk, sweeteners, and everything you need should all be close to the coffee machine.
Must-Have Coffee Bar Equipment
Buying coffee bar equipment can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. All coffee bars need a reliable brewing method.
Brewing methods include:
- Drip coffee maker
- French press
- Espresso machine
- Pour-over setup
Pick one brewing method and start there. It is not necessary to own all four. Buy one and practice until you master it. Add new brewing equipment as your skills and interest progress.
Next on the list is a good grinder. Pre-ground coffee goes stale very quickly. Coffee connoisseurs grind their own beans. Freshly ground beans make all the difference in flavour.
If you have nailed down the essentials, consider adding a few extra items to level up your bar.
Nice-To-Haves:
- Milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos
- Digital scale for measuring
- Gooseneck kettle for pour-overs
- Timer for precise brewing
Lastly, don’t forget the little extras. A good mug collection adds personality and makes the whole station feel like a special treat. Measuring spoons, stirrers, and a small tray help keep things organised.
DIY Coffee Bar Styling
Decorating your coffee bar is the most fun part.
Styling a coffee bar should be about creating a space that feels special. The aesthetics should also be functional. Your coffee bar is for your enjoyment so make it work for you.
Pick a theme first
Choose something that reflects the style of your home. Some of the most popular include:
- Rustic farmhouse – wood, mason jars, and warm tones
- Modern minimalist – clean lines, neutral colours, sleek
- Café inspired – chalkboard, vintage, and cosy
- Industrial – metal, exposed, and dark tones
Use vertical space
Wall space is precious real estate when it comes to a DIY coffee bar. Floating shelves are perfect for mugs on display. Pegboards also offer lots of storage space and can be decorated over time.
Adding a small chalkboard or letterboard gives your bar character. You can use it to write favourite quotes, drinks of the day, or daily specials.
Layer textures
Mix and match different materials to create visual interest and style. Mix wood cutting boards or trays, ceramic canisters for coffee and sugar, glass jars to display beans, metal accents like scoops or racks, and woven baskets for napkins and extras. Plants are the cherry on top of any coffee bar. Small succulents or fresh herbs are great in small spaces.
Coffee Bar Storage Solutions
Storage is the secret to a beautiful and functional coffee bar.
Without proper organisation, everything gets messy. No one wants to make coffee out of chaos. A well-designed coffee bar with carefully curated storage is the answer.
Canisters are key
Buy airtight containers for coffee beans. This will keep your beans fresher for longer and look great on display. Clear glass canisters are great to show off the beans. However, opaque canisters work just as well and help to keep out light.
Label, label, label. This will help to prevent grabbing the wrong beans on a busy morning.
Vertical storage
Install shelving above the main coffee station. These shelves are perfect for mug storage, extra equipment, décor items, and backup supplies.
Hidden storage
Storage doesn’t always need to be on display. Cabinets or drawers below the counter are great for hiding less attractive items. These could include back up filters, cleaning equipment, and bulky storage.
Add a small basket or bin to group together loose items like sugar packets, stirrers, and napkins. This will keep the surfaces clear while ensuring all the extras are easily accessible.
Wrapping It Up
Building your own DIY coffee bar at home is easier than you might think.
Finding the right location with power and good workflow is the first step. Then, carefully select quality equipment based on your coffee brewing preferences. Style the area in a way that reflects your personal taste. Finally, plan for storage and organisation so your coffee bar is functional on a daily basis.
The beauty of the home coffee bar is that it can evolve over time.
Start with a simple set-up and add elements over time. Upgrade your coffee bar equipment as your skills and interest grow. Change out the decor with the seasons or whenever inspiration strikes. Coffee consumption is at an all-time high, so there has never been a better time to set up your own dedicated coffee station.
