A home bar is pretty much a must have these days, not just for entertaining, but as a design element. Dead corners and small walls formerly left bare are being transformed into chic mini bars, complete with martini shakers, ice buckets, and trendy spirits in brightly colored bottles.
We like nothing more than a furniture and décor theme with rich accents. These spaces are being seriously styled, with flowers and candlesticks, as well as artwork or decorative mirrors. If you haven’t set up a cart for cocktails, or even set aside a tray on a console with a decanter or two, let the holidays be your excuse. Here are five distinct bar schemes, each styled with a statement mirror.
Playing off one of the newest living room trends - black walls with brass details - this elegant bar is styled with an almost art deco themed mirror, brass library lamp, and miniature oil paintings. If you’re entertaining add fresh flowers; otherwise faux flower arrangements add an easy dose of color. Interior image: Domino.
Shopping guide: 1. Black Lacquer Sun Shadow Mirror 2. Plato Downbridge Desk Lamp 3. Arteriors Home Warsaw Black Marble Serving Tray 4. Potted Violet Phalaenopsis Faux Silk Orchids 5. Suchow Black Finish Console
If you’re more hippie chick than grande dame, infuse a living room interior with global elements, like an Indienne mirror over your bar cart. Finish the look with a shawl and Buddha. A chest with an Asian feel is the perfect spot to store overflow bar and glassware sets. Interior image: The Coveteur.
Shopping guide: 1. Jeweled Shapes Antique Gold Wall Mirror 2. Chloe Decorative Wool Throw 3. Connaught Antique Bronze Bar Cart 4. Jeweled Gold Lying Buddha 5. Traveler Antique Red Finish Trunk
In this modern living room design example, a simple folding tray stand makes the perfect bar. Setting it up in front of a full length mirror allows the space to do double duty, with the mirror adding space and shine, and the table serving a much needed function. Adding a rug practically declares the space its own separate room. Interior image: Urrutia Design.
Shopping guide: 1. Distressed Ebony Pine Mirror 2. Robert Abbey Kinetic Chrome Table Lamp 3. Nambe Silver Metal Tray 4. Jonathan Adler Meurice Polished Nickel Butler Tray Table 5. Black Zebra Rug
Use a mirrored chest, or even the white dresser from your childhood bedroom, in your dining or living room to store linens (or off-season clothing). Hang a fanciful mirror and a crystal chandelier. On top add a lacquered tray and a pair of feminine lamps. Interior image: House of Fifty .
Shopping guide: 1. Luminous Clear and Pink Crystal Chandelier (currently unavailable) 2. Ferns Champagne Silver Mirror 3. Tropical Pewter Pineapple Table Lamp 4. Arts and Crafts White Lattice 4-Drawer Chest 5. Bling Tufted Velvet Chaise
For a French Provincial vignette with a feminine flair, try a console with a scrollwork base. Add a distressed wood window frame fitted with mirror, crystal sconces hung low, and luxe fur throw blanket on a linen-covered sofa. Interior image: European Antique Market.
Shopping guide: 1. Maison de Ville Collection 3-Light Wall Sconce 2. Uttermost Arch Window Antiqued Glass Mirror 3. Silver Mosaic Glass Pitcher 4. Uttermost Mindy Console Table 5. Taupe Chenille Throw
For additional vignettes, check out StyleCarrot's 20 Home Bars Styled with Mirrors.