WHAT MAKES A GOOD BAR CABINET?
Be it an intricately designed piece, a minimally polished closet or a storage you need to know before buying yours unit, a bar cabinet says a lot. Here’s what
The design of your bar cabinet and how it is shaped to fit your room reflects a part of your personality. LEILA ERFAN, Designer
Bar cabinets are among the most notoriously overlooked category of furniture. But they make a big difference, whether you plan to up your cocktail game or simply want a handy space to keep your wine bottles, glassware and barware.
“A piece of furniture, especially a bar cabinet, takes up a permanent space in your living room, becoming a part of your everyday routine. The design and how it is shaped to fit your room reflects a part of your personality,” says Leila Erfan, designer from Tehran who launched her store Aria Interior Design in India in 2012.
Highlighting the common mistakes made by first-time buyers, Erfan adds, “Mapping your space and pre-determining your requirements for a bar cabinet are two of the most important things to do before you start looking. It will save you time and help you buy something that fulfills all your needs.”
Depending on your needs, bar cabinets can be overt, attentiongrabbing pieces of furniture that stand out when you first glaze over or a classic one outfitted with the exact number of shelves you need. Whatever aesthetics or features you have in mind, the good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune finding the bar cabinet that perfectly blends with your interiors without compromising functionality.
“Buying a bar cabinet for your home is like matchmaking. Colonial classical designs with moulding and art engravings — a style that has made a comeback in recent years — won’t find the edge they deserve among modern interiors. Similarly, a sleek, clean design would need fitting living room decor to stand out,” says Manjari Sharma, founder Wagma Designs.
HANDY TIPS FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY A BAR CABINET: Size it up:
The height, length and breadth of the room where you want to place it are key, along with the size of your doorframe to be able to bring in the cabinet.
Practicality: If you are a wine connoisseur, a rack to display and store your bottles will be a better fit than a wet bar, which comes complete with sinks and faucets. For a small room, the Art Deco bar cabinet can double up as an art showcase while storing all you need for social hours.
Material: The material is responsible for avoiding splitting and warping as well as strength, durability and appearance of your bar furniture. Some of the most popular options are mahogany, maple, oak, teak and walnut.