Here in the UK, we know summer is on the way when it’s light outside after 4 pm. It’s a fact. There are only a few months in each year that the sun remains in the sky until 9 pm and we, frankly, have to make the most of them. 
 
One of the best ways to spend your time when the weather is warmer is having a few drinks with loved ones outside. Whether you are in a pub garden, park or your home, it’s one of the most relaxing experiences available to us. 
 
Nevertheless, there are always those nights when you just want to get your pyjamas on and sink into the sofa - and it is on those nights that a home bar really comes into its own. Whether your wine, beer or cocktail drinker, we are all partial to a few too many beverages after a long week. 
 
That’s why, in this blog from The Plastic People, we are going to take a deep dive into the world of DIY home bars. We are going to cover everything from building your own indoor bar, to putting together a garden bar and entertaining - and even take a look at some of the top accessories you need. 
 
So, whether you are looking to create a new entertaining space to use with family and friends over the summer, or want a cosier spot to share a drink with a significant other, this blog is sure to have some great ideas for you. 
 
Location and Size
 
When it comes to home bars, we don’t think there are any rules about location or size. For the sake of convenience, you might choose to put your bar in the room where you spend most time relaxing. It may also be a question of space - a bar may only fit in certain rooms. 
 
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference - but kitchens and living rooms/lounges are the most popular location. If you want extra adaptability, consider opting for a bar cart - or home bar on wheels - so you can move it between entertaining spaces. 
 
DIY or Premade? 
 
Here at The Plastic People, we are champions of the DIYers and a home bar is definitely a building project you could undertake. Obviously, there are a few perks to buying a premade bar, such as convenience and access to a wider range of materials (not many people have metal welding facilities in their home, after all). 
 
A DIY bar, though, will likely be cheaper and allow you to create a bespoke design that perfectly fits your space and style. The easiest materials to work within this case are:

 

 

 

When it comes to assembly, you have a few different options. You could choose to create a boxy shaped bar by simply screwing pieces of wood together (or gluing plastic). For more intricate designs, you might want to purchase legs or similar strips/rods to act as structural supports. 
 
Garden Bars
 
Over lockdown, there was an explosion in interest in pallet bars and similar DIY pieces of garden furniture. Again, online there is a wide range of guides to creating these low-cost bars. A garden bar is a great entertaining space for friends and family - and will definitely give your evening a more unique feel. 
 
Accessories 
 
A bar is not complete without its accessories. We are not talking alcohol here, but things like lights, stools, and signs. Outdoor and garden bars will particularly benefit from the addition of lighting when things begin to get darker. The easiest lighting solution is to purchase several string lights (such as fairy lights) which are battery operated and can be positioned wherever you like. 
 
The other accessory that we think is vital to any home bar is a classic sign. If we had a bar in the office (I don’t think they’ll let us, though), it would obviously have a sign declaring ‘The Plastic People’s Bar’! Signs are cheap and easy DIY projects too. You can stick vinyl to our made to measure acrylic for a low-tech solution or encase a more intricate design behind one of our bespoke picture frames to keep it protected. Click here to find out more.
 
That just about brings us to the end of this discussion of home bars. We hope you are prepared to go out into the world of bars with a little bit of knowledge about materials, location and accessories! 
 
If you have a home bar you want to show off, get in touch! We can be reached on Instagram and Twitter @barkstonplastic, or you can send us an email at service@theplasticpeople.co.uk.