How to style a garden bar
While home garden bars may have become popular during the pandemic when traditional pubs, bars and restaurants were shut to the public, they have shown no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
Searches for garden bars are still soaring as people look for inspiring new ways to inform theirs, whether tiki-style arrangements with tropical cocktails or pub-esque set-ups with craft beer.
But why are homeowners still looking for dedicated spaces to serve up professional-style drinks in their back gardens when the world of hospitality is open again? There are a couple of reasons.
Increasingly, outdoor spaces have become an extension of our homes – often referred to as ‘the fifth room’ – so we’re investing more time and money than ever into making them places we want to spend time. Not only that, but with the rising costs of going out, entertaining at home with friends and family is a more economical alternative. And all without stepping foot outside of the front door.
To celebrate the end of summer, we show you how to style a garden bar with a raft of ideas, proving that staying in really is the new going out.
1. Pick a position.
First thing’s first: the position of your garden bar.
Consider a spot that’s both practical and sociable: perhaps it’s somewhere close to the kitchen for quickly and easily topping-up supplies in the shade of the house; or maybe it’s as far as possible from the house to avoid keeping the kids up if parties are likely to carry on until late.
Some form of shelter is crucial, too, weatherproofing your home garden bar from unpredictable British summers. You may want to consider a covered pergola or similar. In short, find somewhere that suits your functional needs, while offering a scenic outlook.
2. Choose a theme.
Next: what style of home garden bar would you like?
Choose a theme that reflects your outdoor space and interior décor. Contemporary or classic? Smart or casual? Minimalist or maximalist? British or Mediterranean? This will inform the concept.
Secondly: what kind of establishments do you enjoy visiting when you go out? Gastro pub VS wine bar? Cocktail den VS Champagne lounge? This will direct the décor.
And lastly: what type of experience are you looking to recreate? Chilled-out and conversational or conducive to parties? This will inspire the ambience.
Failing all that, you could throw caution to the wind and create a high-concept home garden bar, inspired by something fun and irreverent: think Studio 54 or South Pacific to get you started. It’s time to think outside of the box and give yourself licence to be playful.
If you’re going high-concept, there’s just one rule of thumb: carry it through into everything, from the décor to the drinks, to really make it sing.
3. Select the ‘bar’ part of the bar.
Our garden bar ideas don’t stop there.
With your location and concept sorted, it’s time to source the bar itself, whether it’s an existing surface you style up, a mobile drinks trolley you wheel out, or something you build from scratch.
Even a table in a forgotten corner or against the fence can become a dedicated home garden bar with a little imagination and know-how.
Free-standing or built-in, the choice is yours, just ensure it’s a focal point of your entertaining space.
Editor’s picks
Turn the lightweight Eos outdoor café table into a temporary serving station by styling up its square surface and getting everyone to gather around.
Take your tipples into the garden using the Flip trolley by Kartell laden with bottles, glasses and accoutrement – simply tell guests to help themselves.
The EOS picnic house by Case is perfect for displaying and serving drinks with built-in seating and roof. A ready-made bar, no effort required.
4. Sort your seating.
You’ll need somewhere for you and your guests to sit outside, whether stools, chairs or sofas. No space and after small garden bar ideas? Don’t worry: even a couple of outdoor cushions provide somewhere casual and convivial to curl up with a cocktail or two under the stars.
Editor’s picks
Pull up a pew with an elegant Eos outdoor bar stool or two.
Be swept off your feet with a series of stackable EOS outdoor side chairs for easy storage when not in use.
The Tanso outdoor sofa or Kodo outdoor lounge sofa both provide a comfortable seat for al fresco socials.
5. Decide on décor.
Take the indoors out with décor that blurs the boundaries between home and garden. Think colourful, patterned and textured cushions, throws and outdoor rugs. Stylish and eclectic objets d’art. Even mirrors or artworks framed and hung on outside walls or fences. Remember: not everything needs to be designed for outdoors. You can always bring décor in after the day is done.
Editor’s picks
Roll out an outdoor carpet for guests with the Garden Layers rug by GAN and provide added comfort, texture and interest.
Lean the Lucka outdoor mirror by Deknudt against an outdoor wall to reflect the space and catch the light.
Add soft furnishings with the Cabana stripe cushion and Pop wool throw to cosy up your home garden bar.
6. Switch up lighting.
The right outdoor light can create just the right ambience for your home garden bar, whether it’s flickering candles to set the mood or string lighting to frame the space.
Editor’s picks
Create a beautiful backdrop for your garden bar by winding a set of Tobias LED outdoor string lights around a tree or draping them over a fence.
Add the polish of a professional bar with an Orion portable LED outdoor table lamp.
Cluster groups of Aston LED outdoor portable solar jar lights by Sirius together around the garden.
7. Add your accessories.
Now, the fun part: finishing with garden bar accessories. From different glassware to accommodate various drinks and covetable barware for serving them in style, furnish your home garden bar with everything you need to play host with the most – sure to make the neighbours green with envy.
Editor’s picks
These gin balloon glasses from LSA International provide the ultimate vessel for everyone’s favourite poison.
Is it even a garden party without celebratory bubbles? Try these Champagne saucers from The Vintage List.
Crevettes by Harlie Brown Studio is the perfect plate for aperitivo hour.
Inspired to style your own home garden bar this summer? Browse and buy designer pieces to give yours a professional flourish.