10 Dining Room with Bar Ideas: Creative & Functional Dining Room with Bar Ideas for Small and Big SpacesClara WenSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Bar2. Sideboard with Hidden Bar Storage3. Breakfast Counter That Doubles as a Bar4. Bar Cart on Wheels5. Under-Stair Mini Bar6. Bookshelf to Bar Transformation7. Floating Shelves with Stemware Racks8. Bar Behind Sliding Doors9. Built-In Banquette with Bar Shelves10. Statement Lighting Above the BarFAQTable of Contents1. Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Bar2. Sideboard with Hidden Bar Storage3. Breakfast Counter That Doubles as a Bar4. Bar Cart on Wheels5. Under-Stair Mini Bar6. Bookshelf to Bar Transformation7. Floating Shelves with Stemware Racks8. Bar Behind Sliding Doors9. Built-In Banquette with Bar Shelves10. Statement Lighting Above the BarFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREELast year, a friend invited me over for dinner and proudly showed me his new dining room bar — except it was literally a folding table with a blender on top. We both laughed so hard, but it reminded me that with a bit of planning, a dining room with a bar can be both stylish and practical. Small spaces actually push us to get more creative, and over my 10+ years of designing homes, I’ve learned that it’s these challenges that deliver the best ideas.When I recently helped a couple redo their compact dining area, I used a room planner to mock up different configurations. This way we could see how a small-scale bar could fit without crowding the dining table. So whether you’re craving a cozy wine corner or a bold statement bar, here are 10 inspirations from my own projects.1. Wall-Mounted Fold-Down BarPerfect for tight spaces, a wall-mounted bar can fold up when not in use. I once installed one in a 12 sqm apartment, and the owner said it doubled as her breakfast station. Just note: make sure the fold-down mechanism is sturdy—cheap hardware can get wobbly over time.save pin2. Sideboard with Hidden Bar StorageOne of my go-tos is converting a stylish sideboard into a mini bar. It keeps the bottles and glassware hidden but close at hand. The challenge is finding a sideboard deep enough to store taller bottles upright.save pin3. Breakfast Counter That Doubles as a BarAdding a higher counter section at the end of your dining table offers a casual bar vibe. I recently designed one with a granite top and backlit shelves, and using a free floor plan creator made it easier to align dimensions with the existing table.save pin4. Bar Cart on WheelsLightweight and versatile, a rolling bar cart can act as your pop-up bar during dinner parties. Bonus: you can roll it away when you need more space for dancing (don’t judge, it happens at my house).save pin5. Under-Stair Mini BarIf your dining space is near a staircase, the nook underneath can make a charming bar. I once tucked in a wine fridge, some shelving, and a bit of LED mood lighting — guests adored it.save pin6. Bookshelf to Bar TransformationAn unused bookshelf can become a quirky bar setup. Just remove a couple of shelves, add wine glass holders underneath, and suddenly your dusty novels are making space for Merlot.save pin7. Floating Shelves with Stemware RacksThis is budget-friendly and looks great against a contrasting wall color. Glassware becomes part of the decor, but you’ll need to dust more often if you don’t use them daily.save pin8. Bar Behind Sliding DoorsPerfect for a clean look – I once hid an entire cocktail-making setup behind sleek sliding panels. It surprises guests every time. Planning one? Try mocking it up in a kitchen layout planner to ensure enough storage depth.save pin9. Built-In Banquette with Bar ShelvesIf your dining area already has a banquette, adding narrow shelving above it can turn it into a casual bar zone. It’s a nice way to maximize every vertical inch.save pin10. Statement Lighting Above the BarEven a small bar corner can feel upscale with pendant lights or LED strip accents. Lighting instantly shifts the mood from “weekday dinner” to “Friday night lounge.”save pinFAQ1. How much space do I need for a dining room bar?Even 1 meter of wall space can work for a compact bar setup. Prioritize vertical storage if the floor area is limited.2. What is the best height for a home bar?Standard bar height is around 42 inches (107 cm), according to NKBA guidelines, so stools fit comfortably underneath.3. Can I combine a dining room bar with a kitchen island?Yes, and it’s a great way to save space in open-plan layouts. Just ensure you separate prep and drink zones for safety.4. What lighting works best for a dining room with bar?Pendant lighting or under-shelf LED strips create ambiance without overwhelming the space.5. How do I keep my dining room bar organized?Use trays for bottles, racks for glassware, and dedicated drawers for tools. This keeps the look clean and functional.6. Can I build a bar under stairs?Absolutely. Many designers, myself included, use under-stair nooks to create mini bars when dining areas are nearby.7. Is a bar cart worth it?Yes, especially if you entertain often. You can move it to where guests gather and tuck it away afterward.8. Where can I visualize my dining room bar design?Online tools like Coohom’s room and kitchen planners allow you to test layouts and finishes before you start building.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE