Bar Top Ideas?

Choosing just the right furniture can totally transform your home bar and make every part of the room fit together perfectly.

When it comes to choosing the perfect bar, you should know what kind of style will fit the space.

You have choices when it comes to materials that include wood, metal, glass, plastic, concrete, tile, or even stainless steel.

It’s up to you which material you want to use but there are some things you should always keep in mind when purchasing a new bar.

First off, you need to think about whether you’re going to be using an indoor or outdoor bar.

If you’re planning on using your bar in the outdoors, you’ll want to consider how warm it will be during certain seasons.

For example, if you live in California or Florida, you should probably go with something that won’t rust.

Another thing to consider is where you plan to place your bar.

The placement of your bar has a huge impact on its overall appearance.

There are many ways to configure your bar including vertical, horizontal, corner, or island configurations.

You also have to decide which type of layout you prefer.

Indoor/ Outdoor Bar Tops

There are two main types of bar tops – indoor and outdoor.

Outdoor bars may be used year-round, while indoor bars are usually only used during warmer months.

If you plan on using your bar indoors, you should choose from a variety of materials.

These include wood, steel, acrylic, glass, and plastic.

When you choose between these options, you need to think about the amount of heat they can withstand.

Some materials like glass and ceramic are more susceptible to temperature changes than others.

You also need to consider the size of the bar.

Generally speaking, larger bars are easier to clean and less likely to get dirty as compared to smaller ones.

However, the size shouldn’t dictate your choice because it’s possible to build a small bar into a large one.

Rustic Bar Tops

A rustic bar is a great choice for those seeking a rugged, yet elegant look.

Rustic bars tend to be made out of natural materials like wood.

They often feature exposed beams and rough edges.

While rustic bars are typically found in country homes, they can also be incorporated into modern designs.

If you don’t want to go too far out of your comfort zone, you can find a number of rustic bar tops at places like Walmart, Target, and Lowes.

Modern Bar Tops

Modern bars are typically sleek and minimalistic.

They feature smooth lines and clean surfaces that make them easy to clean.

Modern bars aren’t just limited to kitchens either.

You can find plenty of modern bar tops at places such as IKEA, Pottery Barn, and Williams Sonoma.

DIY Bar Tops

DIY (do it yourself) bar tops are popular for many reasons.

First off, they’re very affordable.

You can easily create DIY bar tops by using items you already own.

Another reason why DIY bar tops are popular is because they’re customizable.

For example, you can customize the color of your DIY bar top by painting it.

If you’re feeling creative you could also try adding decorative elements such as crystals or mirrors.

There are other ways to customize your DIY bar top however so feel free to experiment.

Painted Bar Tops

Painted bar tops are another option.

While this isn’t exactly a DIY bar top, you can still paint your entire bar top to match your decor.

Painted bar tops require no tools and are simple to do.

Just make sure you have a good primer first to protect your walls from getting scratched.

Wooden Bar Tops

Wooden bar tops are available in several varieties.

Depending on the quality, wooden bar tops can last for decades.

Wooden bar tops come in a wide selection of colors and styles.

These include classic, contemporary, transitional, and farmhouse styles.

You can find wooden bar tops at places like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon.

Glass Bar Tops

Glass bar tops are stylish and functional.

Glass bar tops are ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings.

They’re also lightweight and easily cleaned.

Glass bar tops are available in various shapes and sizes.

You can find glass bar tops at places like World Market, Crate and Barrel, and Wayfair.

Concrete Bar Tops

Concrete bar tops are durable and versatile.

Concrete bar tops are built to last and can provide years of enjoyment.

Unlike traditional countertops, they’re not prone to scratches and stains.

If you’re looking to add concrete to your kitchen, you can find concrete bar tops at places like Pier 1, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.

Tile Bar Tops

Tile bar tops are easy to maintain and offer a unique, yet timeless look.

Tile bar tops are available in a wide array of colors and patterns.

You can find tile bar tops at places like Lowe’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Target.

Stainless Steel Bar Tops

You’d be hard pressed to find a better material for your bar top than stainless steel.

Stainless steel is extremely durable and can survive harsh weather conditions and high temperatures.

It’s also extremely easy to clean.

In fact, you can even polish it without chemicals.

One drawback of stainless steel is that it doesn’t come cheap.

Fortunately, you can find stainless steel bar tops at places like Menards, Ace Hardware, and Costco.

You can also find stainless steel bar tops online at places like Amazon and Overstock.

For more information on designing a custom bar, check out our article on creating a custom bar.

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