by Charles Klein

Created on: July 01, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

Looking for that perfect addition! The home bar or the social hideout. here are few tips to get the wow, back in pow wow! The home bar is the center of attention in anybody's home. It is the place to have that poker game or just to sit and talk. If you want to have a nice bar to come home to after work and unwind or have a get together and enjoy the night. It is up to you and your tastes and lifestyle.

First things first, where to put the bar! Most folks put a bar in their basements or their garage or even in the parlor. All are good places! Where do you like to sit and slip away from life for awhile? That is probably the best place. Now break out the tape measure and make a decision on how much room you have. Everything in perspective wherever you put a bar, it should be a place you don't mind other people seeing or hanging out in. Space some folks don't just want a bar they want the whole saloon, poker table and pool table to boot! If this is the look your after I would go with a basement or garage.

What type of bar? Do you want a mahogany or lacquer bar? The color and materials are up to you. Try and get the flow to match however. If you want a pine bar try and get the walls a soft wood color. The better looking the room, the prouder you'll ultimately be. Coordinate,Coordinate,coordinate.

To build or to hire? That is the question. I have seen some awesome homemade bars and some terrific contractor built bars. If your going to hire , Do research and find out if the contractor has ever built a home bar. Ask the contractor for pictures and references. If your going to build your own good for you. Start by going to a bar retailer, there out there. You don't have to buy just look around find a bar that suits you and the area you going to put it , get measurements and material idea's.

How to build your own bar. The best idea is to go to a Home depot or a Lowe's and find the wood you want, The accessories and tools. Don't forget the paint and primer! Go home and go to work. First lay out the wood or materials you bought. Make sure you have everything before you start. I suggest taking your time and don't hurry. This is something that is going to bring you joy. Make it right!

An idea for you. The best bars I have seen had a theme. Pick something personal to you , or something of great interest. Do not pick something because it is popular or any fad that is in style. The best bar I have seen had a black and white theme which was very cool. The countertop was black but the corner trims were white. The stool tops were black and the post built into the floor were white. It had everything from a behind mirror that the border was half black and half white. This is a suggestion . Do what you will be proud of. Most of all have some help. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will the perfect bar be.

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