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7 inspirations to have a charming bar in small rooms

Whether with a cart, a shelf, or an adapted piece of furniture, it is possible to include a bar in different proposals and sizes of projects.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at May 29, 2025, 7:00 AM

08 min de leitura
Project: Isabella Nalon for CASACOR São Paulo 2023

Project: Isabella Nalon for CASACOR São Paulo 2023 (Rafael Renzo)

Having a bar at home does not necessarily require a large projects. With creative solutions and (multi)functional furniture, it is possible to create a charming space to accommodate bottles, glasses, and accessories — even in small rooms! The proposal fits both residential projects and small apartments, where every centimeter needs to be well planned. Here are some ideas to include a bar in the decoration of the small room and transform this projects into a warm meeting point to welcome friends or relax at the end of the day.
Integrated with the garden, this 500 m² house in São Paulo is filled with greenery. Project by Tetriz Arquitetura. In the photo, staircase with a bar.

Projeto de Tetriz Arquitetura. (Fernando Crescenti/Divulgação)

1. Use a versatile bar cart


The bar cart is one of the most practical and elegant ways to set up a mini bar in small spaces. Being mobile, it can be easily repositioned according to needs and also serves as extra support during meetings or events. For those with limited space, the tip is to choose compact models with shelves, wheels, and compartments for glasses.
Apartment combines eclectic and romantic styles with a vintage touch. Project by Larissa Perna. In the picture, living room with island sofa and bar.

(Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)

In addition to functionality, the bar cart also serves a decorative role: it's worth putting effort into selecting beverages, including beautiful glasses and finishing with items like trays, candles, or small vases to create an interesting visual.

2. Transform a sideboard or buffet into a bar


Utilizing furniture that is already part of the decor is an excellent alternative for creating a discreet and functional bar. A sideboard in the entrance hall, a buffet in the dining room, or even an old dresser can be adapted to accommodate drinks, glasses, and accessories.
With a neutral base, the 370 m² apartment was designed to be completed over time. Project by Felipe Carolo. In the photo, there is a balcony with a bar and a curved piece of furniture.

(Ruy Teixeira/Divulgação)

In this case, the trick lies in the organization: a beautiful tray helps to define the bar space on the furniture and ensures more practicality in daily life. Drawers and doors can also be used to store utensils, napkins, or extra drinks discreetly.

3. Bet on niches and shelves


When the floor does not offer available space, it is worth using the verticality to the advantage of decoration. Installing niches or shelves on the wall is an efficient solution to create a compact bar. They can be fixed above an existing piece of furniture or occupy a free wall in the room.
Integrated gourmet projects to the kitchen gain personality with touches of orange. Project by Mariana Leal. In the photo, wine cellar and bar in the gourmet projects.

Projeto de Mariana Leal. (Edgard Cesar/Divulgação)

In addition to holding bottles and glasses, these structures allow for including decorative objects that reinforce the proposition of the projects, such as frames, small plants, or sculptures. To complete, an embedded or spot lighting helps to highlight the corner and brings coziness.

4. Create a bar inside a closet


In small rooms, the bar can even be "hidden". Adapting a cabinet or china cabinet for this function is a creative solution for those who wish to keep the area organized and visually clean. The interior can be customized with adjustable shelves, mirrors, LED strips, and specific holders for glasses.
With a rustic style, beach house is a refuge in the midst of green. Project by Sabrina Salles. In the photo, living room with bar, stone wall and TV.

(Lamy Covolam/Divulgação)

When closed, the furniture maintains a discreet appearance and integrates easily into the decor. When opened, it reveals a functional and surprising space — ideal for those who appreciate unusual proposals, yet practical.

5. Use a tray on existing furniture


If the available space is minimal, a simple tray on an existing piece of furniture can serve as an improvised mini bar. The idea here is to enhance what already exists: a shelf, a side table, or even the top of a wine cellar can serve as a base.
Without breaking down, a 490 m² penthouse gains décor with loose pieces. Project by Rafael Ramos. In the photo, living room with sofa, wine cellar, and bar.

Projeto de Rafael Ramos. (Fotos: Anita Soares / Produção visual: Andrea Brito Velho/Divulgação)

The secret lies in the curation. Choose a few bottles, organize the glasses, and finish with a decorative touch, like a themed book or a design object. This solution is easy to implement and can be reconfigured whenever necessary.

6. Integrate the bar into a multifunctional shelf


Open shelves are very common in small rooms and, with a little planning, can accommodate a bar among books, objects, and decorative items. One or two shelves are enough to create a dedicated corner, as long as it is well organized.
Lucas Machado - Lounge Bar BRB. CASACOR Goiás 2025 project.

Lucas Machado - Lounge Bar BRB. Projeto da CASACOR Goiás 2025. (Edgard César/CASACOR)

It is worth investing in organizers, trays, and boxes to keep the area visually pleasing. If the idea is to highlight the bar even more, a spot lighting, like recessed spots or LED lamps, helps create a focal point.

7. Give new uses to old furniture


An old trunk, a deactivated sewing machine, or even a writing desk can gain new life as a base for a creative bar. The secret is to observe the potential of furniture you already have at home and adapt them for current use.
Two apartments joined create a duplex with the feel of an art gallery. Project by Escala Arquitetura. In the photo, living room with a bar and paintings.

(Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

In addition to promoting the reuse of pieces with emotional value, this choice brings originality to the projects and enhances the decor with a unique proposal — something highly emphasized in contemporary designs. CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.