Modular Basement Bar
Even a small bar space in most basements of private homes can be made maximally functional. For this, we at Finished Basement have devised a simple modular system in a neutral color palette, which allows for the quick, high-quality, and affordable creation of comfortable basement bars of virtually any size.
The basement bar design using our signature modular construction can be absolutely anything. The bottom and upper cabinets in the modular basement bar are composed of standard elements, which are perfectly suited for storing glassware and more.
Bottom Cabinets
The bottom cabinets consist of swinging and sliding sections. Their width depends on the size of the bar fridge, which is most commonly used here. In addition to them, a sink with various finishes is typically installed in the lower part of the basement bar, and sometimes even a dishwasher is used.
A section with swinging doors is mandatory under the sink, intended for easy maintenance of the drain. This space can also usually be used to conceal necessary cleaning supplies and other items required for convenient use of the basement bar. Utensils and necessary bar essentials are stored in the pull-out drawers.
BASEMENT RENOVATION USUALLY TAKES 2–3 WEEKS
The interior designers at Finished Basement will meticulously plan the space down to the finest details. And our experienced specialists will bring it to life with quality work. Thanks to an efficient approach, a complete basement renovation usually takes no more than 2–3 weeks.
Modular Bar Size
1.5 Sections
The minimum size of a modular bar is 4 ft in length. At the top, it uses 1.5 sections. The width of one full section is 32 inches, while a half-section is 16 inches wide. This size is sufficient to accommodate a sink, bar fridge, and a cabinet with swinging doors and pull-out drawers in the bottom section.
The layout of the bottom section largely depends on the width of the bar fridge being used and whether one is used at all. A cabinet with a swing-open door is always placed under the sink for drainage access. The layout of the top section can also vary significantly.
2 Sections
This modular bar measures 5 ft and 6 in. The top section incorporates two full 32-inch-wide sections. However, it's important to understand that their arrangement can vary based on the client's desires and needs. Four half-sections in a row can also be used.
The upper cabinets may feature glass doors with varying frame widths, as well as open shelves for wine glasses or other dishware. The bottom usually houses a sink, a compact fridge, and other sections with swing-open doors and pull-out drawers for utensils and other accessories.
2.5 Sections
The overall width of this modular bar reaches 6 ft and 8 in. Besides the two full 32-inch sections on top, there's typically also a half-section measuring 16 inches. Nonetheless, it's essential to understand that in this and other scenarios, all modules can be mixed and matched in any order to meet individual requirements.
In the bottom section, in addition to a bar fridge, it's not uncommon to install an additional wine fridge or a dishwasher. Furthermore, a modular bar of this size can be transformed into a fully functional kitchen, especially important if the basement is intended for rental purposes.
3 Sections
The width of the modular bar can reach 8 ft or even more, if needed. The key is to have ample space available in the basement. In this case, there are numerous module combinations for both the top and bottom sections, tailored to the client's needs.
The top section can have open shelves for beverages and more, as well as enclosed cabinets. It could comprise three full 32-inch sections, two full sections, and a couple of half-sections measuring 16 inches, or any other combination. Typically, two tiers of upper cabinets are used, but other configurations can be chosen.
Upper Cabinets
When considering different basement bar ideas, think about open shelves where you can place wine glasses, as well as other bar essentials that can help organize a cocktail hour after a long day with family and friends. The size and finish depend on the available space and interior design throughout the basement.
The width of each full module in the upper part of the basement bar is 32 in wide. Half modules, each 16 in wide, can also be used. The number of sections in this case usually varies from 1.5 to 3. Upper cabinets can be arranged in two rows or a single row if the ceiling height is insufficient.
Finished Basement will allow you to save 2 or even 3 days of your time. Just 45 minutes spent in the company's 3000 sq ft showroom will help you determine all the details of the future room renovation, including materials, type, as well as the appearance and contents of the basement bar.
Modular Bar Finishing
Countertop Options
Countertops for modular basement bars can be crafted from laminate and quartz. Each of these options has its advantages, so it's not sensible to universally recommend one over the other. Homeowners can choose the one that best suits their personal preferences.
Laminate is also known as a wood countertop. It's more cost-effective, available in a wide variety of finishes, and has a warm touch, which many people appreciate. Quartz, on the other hand, is more durable and practical for regular use; it's stronger and easier to clean.
Bottom Cabinets
Bottom cabinets can be designed in three of the most current and popular finishes, perfectly aligning with modern interior design preferences. White cabinets have a glossy finish, wood ones offer a grain texture, while grey cabinets feature a matte coating.
Bottom cabinets with white and wood finishes come in a flat door style. For the grey finish, a shaker door style is employed. High-quality hardware with soft-close mechanisms and other convenient features are used for all bottom cabinet modules.
Upper Cabinets
Upper cabinets, ideal for storing glassware and more, come in two finishes: glossy white and wood with a grain texture. Both options perfectly complement bottom cabinets of any finish, so the choice between them relies solely on the homeowner's personal preferences.
Their doors are made of glass with an aluminum frame available in two styles: the broader classic or the minimalist modern variant. If needed, open shelves can also be incorporated into the upper cabinets, suitable for storing beverages and decorative items.
Bar Backsplash
Various parts of the basement bar can feature brick walls or any other wall finishes, catering to the homeowner's taste and matching the overall design aesthetic of the space. The range of choices is vast.
However, for the bar backsplash, it's essential to use materials resistant to regular moisture exposure. This could mean tiles or specially designed panels. These also come in a variety of appearances and finishes.
Classic Wet Bar
When considering various basement bar ideas, creating a classic wet bar is also a good option. This is a relatively small space designed for mixing cocktails and other drinks, chilling wine and beer, storing, and preparing various appetizers to suit any taste.
A classic wet bar will undoubtedly become an important focal point for the home entertainment center in the basement. Upper cabinets in this case are often open and usually intended solely for bottles of various beverages that are great to keep on display. Choosing the right accessories is also essential to complement the basement bar.
Entrust the basement renovation to a team of professionals who value their reputation and consistently rank at the top of verified ratings year after year. They will help you determine the layout of the entire space and choose materials, offer optimal solutions for the basement bar, and share their expertise.
Completed Modern Finished Basement Projects
Basement Finishing Richmond Hill
Our company offers worry-free basement renovations to homeowners in various areas of the Greater Toronto Area, and beyond. Each of our projects is absolutely unique, and the absolutely new basement that the homeowners in Richmond Hill acquired is a vivid confirmation of this.
Basement Finishing Kitchener
Finished Basement Company offers comprehensive solutions for basements renovations not only in the Kitchener Waterloo Area but also in the Greater Toronto Area and other regions of Ontario. Before initiating the basement renovation process, you can avail of a free consultation and a free quote to help make all the necessary decisions.
Basement Finishing Oakville
The Finished Basement Company offers comprehensive solutions for basement renovation. With our help, the unfinished basement in your own home in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond will transform into a truly comfortable and functional space, which can be used independently or rented out.
Basement Finishing Vaughan
Every basement renovation project undertaken by our company is highly individualized. This applies to Vaughan specifically, and also to the entire Greater Toronto Area and Ontario as a whole. Each project can encounter its unique unexpected issues, but for an experienced team of professionals, they won’t be an obstacle to a quality renovation in the most underrated space of one’s house.
Basement Finishing Barrie
All basement renovation projects carried out by our company are unique and distinct from one another. However, they all share common features, including a preliminary free consultation, a complimentary estimate before commencing work, and the utmost professionalism of our specialists who will transform any abstract ideas into a dream basement.
Basement Finishing Aurora
Our company specializes in basement renovations throughout the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, covering a significant part of Ontario. Our experts, with years of experience, have successfully completed numerous projects, including basement finishing in Aurora and many other cities and regions.
Basement Bar Layout
Single
In this layout option, all basement bar elements are placed in one part of the room, regardless of its overall design. This option is often chosen when there isn't much free space in the basement, but the owner still wants to allocate a portion for beverage and snack storage and preparation.
This typically refers to a compact modular basement bar with a minimal number of sections and basic functionality. Essential features in this layout include a sink and a bar fridge. However, this layout can also be adapted for a compact kitchenette for full-scale food preparation.
Split
On the split layout, the basement bar elements are divided. A small kitchenette with a sink and bar fridge is placed in one part of the room, while a separate space is allocated for the bar counter and bar stools, making them more suitable for regular use.
The bar counter is often used to create an additional seating level for a home theater. In this context, it becomes a space where even more friends, relatives, and colleagues can gather to watch favorite movies or sporting events on a big screen.
L-Shape
Using the L-shape layout, the bar counter and bar stools are positioned perpendicular to the main work surface of the basement bar. This design establishes a corner bar setup, perfect for gathering guests and serving them crafted drinks.
Opposite the bar counter, a television is often mounted, which is ideal for watching sports events like hockey, baseball, or any other sport that interests the guests. The bar counter also offers a comfortable space for breakfast while watching favorite morning TV shows.
Non-Standart
Of course, there are numerous layout options to craft a genuinely functional space in the basement of a private home. Everything depends on the list of basement bar ideas one wishes to implement and the variety of other furniture pieces that will eventually be used in the space.
This is especially true for corner bars, classic wet bars, and custom stylish bars, which might feature a dark wood pool table or a home theater with side tables. There are countless elements to craft the dream basement bar, limited only by one's desires and imagination.
Custom Stylish Basement Bar
The basement can also be a great place to create a luxurious wood bar that will blend seamlessly with the interior design of the entire space. It can incorporate many elements, including a custom bar counter, special bar stools, and plenty of storage for drinks in the bar fridge, along with open shelves.
In this case, basement bar ideas may include not only a pool table made of dark wood, home theater, and other entertainment options but also a large dining table with ample seating to accommodate numerous guests, sofas and armchairs with various seating levels, pleasant natural light, and various lighting options.
Finished Basement guarantees that all work performed complies with the Ontario Building Code (OBC). This reflects the company’s commitment to quality and adherence to industry standards. We assure that the basement remodel will meet the requirements of legislation and safety.
If any installation defects in the basement bar or other spaces are detected within a 5-year warranty period, we commit to rectify them. Any defective work will be redone without additional charge. This warranty underscores our unwavering dedication to caring for the needs of our clients.
Additional Basement Bar Elements
Bar Fridge
A bar fridge is an essential and often integral part of a basement bar, as it allows you to keep a variety of drinks and snacks cool. The layout of the bottom cabinets usually depends on the size of the bar fridge that will be incorporated into the bar wall.
Mini fridges chosen for basement bars can vary greatly in both functionality and appearance. Some opt for minimalist models that complement the overall style of a modern modular bar, while others prefer eye-catching designs.
Wine Fridge
When considering different basement bar ideas, the classic bar fridge is sometimes replaced with a wine fridge, better suited for storing beverages. If the bar wall is wide enough, both a small classic fridge and a wine fridge can be incorporated. It's crucial to ensure there's still space for other bottom cabinets.
Most wine fridges use a transparent door, showcasing its contents. On the one hand, it's a design feature that makes the basement bar more intriguing. On the other, it's a clear indicator of when to replenish the drink stocks.
Refrigerator
Some basement bars even incorporate a full-sized refrigerator. It's particularly in demand when the basement is a full-fledged living space, potentially for rent, and the basement bar is part of at least a small kitchenette or a full kitchen designed for comprehensive food preparation.
Additionally, a larger refrigerator typically allows for storage of more drinks and snacks for a substantial number of guests. This is particularly relevant if large groups frequently gather in the basement of a private home.
Cooktop and Oven
To transform a basement bar into a kitchenette with comprehensive cooking capabilities, one can also add a hood, cooktop, and oven. This is particularly relevant if one prefers a split layout with a separate entertainment area, including a bar counter, bar stools, and other features.
It's essential to understand that to create a full kitchen in the basement, one might need official permits from the government, safety authorities, and inspectors. This process can vary significantly depending on both the province and the specific city.
Lighting Options
Due to small window sizes, natural light is often insufficient to illuminate a wood bar and entertainment zone in the basement. Thus, when pondering various basement bar ideas, it's crucial to consider a variety of lighting options, rather than just ceiling podlights.
Supplementary lighting is often utilized above the bar counter to set the mood. Moreover, it's essential over a pool table, ping-pong area, above a foosball table, or for a dartboard, if they are included in the basement setup.
Pool Table
A pool table will surely become the central focal point of your man cave, alongside dartboards, home theaters, gaming zones, and other recreational activities that can be placed in the basement. All these elements should definitely be added to your personal list of basement bar ideas, which would otherwise be incomplete without them.
The pool table requires considerable space, which is typically available in the basement. Moreover, billiards can be a noisy affair, so having it in the basement ensures it's less disruptive to other family members. Ideally, the pool table should be situated in the basement bar area.
