8 Tips for Styling the Ultimate Home Coffee Bar

Coffee bars are having a moment. And once you’ve committed to one, you’ll wonder why and how you ever did without. A coffee bar can make your morning commute to caffeination station a breeze, ensuring all your must-have items are ready and waiting.

But how one goes about setting up their own home coffee bar is all up to personal preference. Consider the type of beverages you’ll need, whether coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or even a combination. Will this be a permanent fixture in your kitchen, bedroom, or living room, or is this going to be a mobile coffee station for entertaining purposes that quickly can be put away after the company has gone? No matter how or where you choose to set up your home coffee station, it's bound to become your new favorite coffee spot. No order-ahead required!

1. Be Strategic with Outlet Placement

When it comes to determining the ideal spot for your coffee bar, outlet placement is key. If you’re building a coffee bar in a pantry, cabinet, or appliance garage, make sure you plan your outlets strategically. Think about where you want to place your coffee maker in addition to any other appliances that require an electrical outlet like frothers, electric tea kettles, etc.

2. Think About Cabinet Storage Above and Below

An organized coffee bar is a functional coffee bar. With all of your accoutrements nearby, morning cups will be even more enjoyable. Include both dishes and pantry items like coffee, tea, flavored syrups, and sweeteners all in one area for easy access. When determining how you’re going to organize your coffee bar, keep in mind the items you use every day for making that perfect cup of joe and stock your cabinets and drawers accordingly.

3. Make It the Focus

To keep your coffee bar from looking cluttered with coffee-related items, keep the area focused. Eliminate other items that aren’t needed, like dinnertime cookbooks, serving boards, bowls, etc. Coffee cups, stirrers, an insulated carafe, and more are all fair game for outfitting your coffee station while also making clear its purpose.

4. Create a Beverage Station

Your coffee bar doesn’t have to be all about the coffee. Teas, sparkling water, and even hot chocolate can come to play in this space. Consider organizing your beverage bar according to purpose, with all your tea items in one place, your coffee items in another, and hot cocoa, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks in yet another.

5. Think Outside the Kitchen

Coffee bars aren’t just for kitchens. Carve out a nook in your primary bedroom or guest suite so you or your guests don’t have to face the day until you’ve been properly caffeinated. Keep the display minimal, but consider putting in a small beverage fridge (that can also do double-duty as a wine bar) for creamer and milk. Open storage above can create a bookcase-like feel, while closed cabinetry below can help store coffee bar items that you might not want on display.

6. Use a Small Pantry

If you’re building a home or renovating an existing one, think about whether it would suit your purposes to carve out a small closet for a breakfast pantry or coffee bar. Pocket doors allow the pantry to quickly become part of the kitchen or tuck away all your coffee-making gear when you want to tidy up in a flash.

7. Keep Shelves Open for Easy Access

While we love a coffee station for lazy Saturday mornings, we also need it to be ready to keep up with us on busy Mondays, too. Opting for open shelves and keeping everything within reach can make the process of filling your travel mug simple, and maybe even a momentary respite amid a busy morning.

8. Give It Some Flair

Set your coffee space apart. Whether it’s simply a glass door at the bottom of a tower of solid cabinets or a brass cart with all your accoutrements, giving your coffee bar a sense of individuality goes a long way in making this space a special one. When you create a sense of distinction, you might find this area is a destination that both guests and family members naturally gravitate toward. And, when the sun hasn’t yet risen and you’re walking down the hall bleary-eyed from your nightly hibernation, that natural pull will be greatly appreciated.