Build Your Dream Home Bar on a Budget

Because sometimes, you want a drink in the kitchen, the living room, and the patio. This mid-century rolling bar cart offers a put-together look and wildly convenient versatility all in one affordable package.

No bar, regardless of locale, is complete without a collection of cocktail-making tools. But between jiggers and strainers and brushes (oh, my), it can be hard to find where to begin. Luckily, ProdigyMixCrafts from Etsy has taken the guesswork out of the equation with this comprehensive 20-piece mixology kit.

This mixology kit comes with more tools than you might know how to use, so make sure to take a cue from the included recipe book/instruction manual.

If there’s no extra floor space to be had for cabinets, tables, chairs, or trolleys, look to your walls! A wall-mounted wine rack like this one from DistressedMeNot on Etsy does triple-duty as a home bar (duh), storage space, and a beautiful piece of wall decor.

Make your home bar truly your own with DistressedMeNot’s customizable options from wood stain to length to stemware tracks.

Whether custom-made or pre-built, large countertop bars can cost hundreds (and even thousands) of dollars. If you’re committed to boozing on a budget, try sticking with smaller bar tables like this contemporary, glossy white piece from Home Depot.

Not only is a smaller bar table easier to move when the urge to rearrange your entire home strikes, but it also saves some valuable pennies that can be spent on other home bar essentials.

Not a lot of horizontal space to spare? No problem. Ikea offers a classy vertical bar with ample storage space for bottles, glasses, and even a decorative knick-knack or two. For an extra decorative touch, string fairy lights or floral garland between the shelves.

If you’re looking for the transportability of a rolling cart but need a little more storage space for your alcohol artillery, consider this rolling trolley from EliteChicBoutique on Etsy. This do-it-all piece of furniture features ample space for bottles, ice buckets, snacks, towels, and more. The trolley comes in rich, dark brown or sleek white to seamlessly blend into any room.

A good countertop bar needs at least a couple of seats for drinking and socializing, and it’s hard to go wrong with these timeless beige bar stools from Home Depot. Affordable and durable, these classic chairs are as fitting behind the bar as they are at the breakfast nook or in the workshop.

Just because your wine isn’t Parisian doesn’t mean your bar decor shouldn’t be. These made-to-order Parisian wooden stools offer a similar style to the previous stools with an extra vintage twist. EllieFintzAttic from Etsy doesn’t stop at four different Parisian stencils, they also let you customize your paint and stain options. Magnifique!

Long nights at the bar are made more comfortable with backed bar stools, and the STIG bar stool from Ikea provides all the comfort with none of the added expense. Keep these simple chairs interesting by adding (or mixing and matching) Ikea’s HENRIKSDAL bar stool covers.

For a more modern wall-bar look, try this wood and metal combo from Home Depot. The mesh paneling comes in either classic white or eye-catching steel blue and is great for displaying decorative glassware from wine glasses to decanters (more on that later).

Additionally, mule-lovers will love the handy decorative hooks perfect for hanging copper mule mugs. A true everyman’s bar!

Love drinking, but don’t love the look of half-drank bottles lying around? BayouStateBuilt on Etsy has got you covered. This sturdy, well-built hideaway cabinet stores up to five full-size bottles and can be closed for discretion or decoration purposes.

You can also opt for a keyed or biometric lock, making this an excellent storage piece for prized bottles of bourbon or for keeping nosy teenagers away from your stash.

Cut down on clutter with OmahaWoodCraft’s mixology kit and bamboo organizer. Every tool from the shaker to the muddler has its own, perfectly-sized storage space for when they’re not in use. No more frantically searching for a jigger mid-pour; this is a super handy addition to any home bar, big or small, on the wall or the floor.

Sometimes simple is best, and if you don’t anticipate needing 10+ tools to make one drink, consider opting for a stylish hanging toolset. The attractive gold-tone finish beautifully frames a bar spoon, jigger, strainer, and bottle opener — everything needed and more for the no muss, no fuss drinker.

We’re firm believers that a good drink tastes just as good in a glass as it does a mug, but a set of drink-specific glassware can elevate your home bar to a whole new level of fancy. Luckily, that new level of fancy doesn’t come with a heftier price tag.

Bed Bath and Beyond’s Dailyware™ Wine and Bar set might not be the most ornate glassware you’ve ever seen, but it’s cheap and gets the job done. Just like our favorite bottle of wine.

For glassware that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is useful, VintageHeartByAnnie on Etsy has curated custom sets of vintage glassware. Patterns and textures are mixed and matched in a similar color scheme for a bohemian look that still looks put together. Also featured on this Etsy shop is a killer set of Libbey rock glasses and gold-rimmed owl highball glasses.

It might be winter right now, but these vintage tiki glasses are bound to have you feeling somewhere sunny and 75 in no time. HomeGoodsMaui offers the perfect solution for couples who are currently battling between going full-tiki bar and not wanting their home to look like the set of Legends of the Hidden Temple.

Now that you have your storage space, tools, and glassware, it’s time for the fun stuff.

Complete your bourbon-filled home bar with a customized whiskey decanter set from MiraGiftsWorld on Etsy. (Hint: this also makes an amazing gift for newlyweds, anniversaries, job promotions, or a just-because-I-heard-you-were-making-a-home-bar gift.)

Are you missing the warm, faintly buzzing glow of your favorite haunt’s neon lights display? Pine no further—FNMProducts offers custom-made neon signs that will instantly transform a tiny DIY bar into everyone’s new favorite hang-out spot.

Let your guests know what to expect when they sit down for a drink with a completely customizable signature drinks sign. MagnoliaPapersAndCo offers an easy-to-use design template that lets you pick from popular cocktails and beer selections, so you can keep your menu as generic or brand-specific as you like. Cheers!