How to Design a Basement Bar Area

Measure and draw the floor plan of your existing basement onto 1/4-inch graph paper. Include doors, door swings, windows, closets, niches, posts, stairs, fireplaces, walk-outs, columns, utility rooms, etc. It is important to note the location of water, sewage, gas and electrical, as these are critical.

Label your floorplan with good measurements so you can use it when selecting cabinets or fittings. Make a list of issues or problems in the existing basement. This list might include inadequate head room, moisture problems, cheap paneling, old windows and doors, poor light quality, odors, etc.

Place tracing paper over your floorplan and consider what you want in your new basement, making sure you will still have access to plumbing, gas and electrical. When possible, a bar should be positioned so that there is an ample overhanging counter top facing outward for people to sit at the counter.

Include other features in your designm like a kegerator, wine cooler, under-counter refrigerator, ice storage, soda or ice cream fountain dispensers, bar sink, storage for alcohol, glasses, stemware, dishes, pots and pans. Also consider a microwave oven for popcorn-type treats and drawers for utensils.

Look at your existing basement plan and determine if there is an optimal area where people can gather and still allow for the primary function of the room. Try to absorb support columns into the design, and consider a U-shaped bar. Your plan should be accessible, allow for foot traffic, provide good views of media or gaming and complement your home's decor.

Position your cabinet and fixtures template on the paper to draw your bar area to scale. Place another piece of tracing paper over the top of your design and position other furniture in the room. This will ensure there is room around a billiard or other game table, that seating is comfortable and sufficient and that there are pathways to the bathroom, laundry or outside patio areas.