How to Incorporate an Outdoor Bar Into Your Exterior Design
By: Mackenzie
An outdoor bar can transform your backyard into a hub of both entertainment and relaxation. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a quiet evening drink, or throwing a party with friends, an outdoor bar is the optimal design element. From selecting the right location and materials to enhancing the area with thoughtful landscaping and lighting, our designers’ expert tips blend functionality with aesthetics. Read on to learn how you can incorporate an outdoor bar into your exterior design.
Whether you’re thinking of making some small and subtle changes to your exterior or you want a total makeover, we’ve got you covered. Even if all you want to do is reimagine your exterior in another color! Our designers are skilled at understanding your design preferences and executing them in a seamless way. Learn more about what we do.
Embrace landscaping
Poolside outdoor bars make perfect sense — especially if you love to entertain. To integrate this bar with the backyard pool area, we used natural materials, from the stone on the outside of the bar to the wood beams and ceiling. We surrounded the space with simple landscaping, marked by mulch and sharp foliage to cultivate contrast. The landscaping, along with the blend of natural elements, transforms this backyard into an outdoor oasis.
Join indoor and outdoor spaces
Outdoor bar ideas don’t have to be confined to being entirely outside. In the design above, we added a wood bar top beneath a window. This layout puts convenience at the forefront. Homeowners can keep all the beverages, glasses, and drink fixings inside the house, so there’s no need to fuss with outdoor refrigerators or a big structure that takes up a lot of space.
Because the roof of this exterior isn’t overhanging in all spots, our designers got creative with coverage. For the bar area, we added an awning above the window, shielding people sitting outside at the bar from sunlight or rain. The color of the awning coincides with the stain of the wood on the bar top for a cohesive look. Next to the bar, we included a pergola above the dining area for additional outdoor coverage.
The outdoor bar in the design above takes a simple approach to the indoor-outdoor layout. We added two sleek black bar stools on the outside of the upper level windows, which have a bar top beneath them. This outdoor bar idea is particularly compelling because of its location on the balcony.
Weatherproof your outdoor bar
Weatherproofing an outdoor bar is essential to ensure its longevity and functionality throughout the year, regardless of the climate. In this design, we used wood beams to support a covered structure above the bar and outdoor kitchen and dining space. Creating a covered space is one of the most practical approaches to weatherproofing your outside bar. We also chose materials that can withstand various weather conditions, including treated wood and stone.
You can also consider incorporating weatherproof cabinets and storage solutions to protect your barware and supplies. Waterproof covers for appliances and furniture can offer added protection during extreme weather.
Create a space ideal for entertaining
Our designers created a breathtaking backyard hardscape for this home. The unique design of the pool is a beautiful focal point for the backyard, and we wanted the supporting details to lend themselves to entertaining guests. On the right side of the backyard, we added a large covered bar area with plenty of stools to accommodate guests. The ceiling fan in this covered space adds extra comfort to keep everyone cool while they enjoy refreshments and socialize.
The bar’s proximity to the pool and other outdoor lounge spaces adds to its essence of entertaining. Throughout the hardscape, there are plenty of comfortable places to sit, from the hanging chairs beneath the pergola to the poolside loungers and couches surrounding the outdoor TV. This backyard begs for parties filled with friends, family, and (of course) refreshments to round it all out.
What is the best surface for an outdoor bar?
The best surface for an outdoor bar is one that combines durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance. Materials like granite, concrete, and stainless steel are excellent choices due to their weather-resistant properties and ability to withstand heavy use. Concrete can also be customized with various finishes and colors to suit your design preferences. Wood, as long as it is treated, is also a good material to consider.
For this design, we went with granite for the surface, which offers a luxurious look and is highly resistant to scratches and heat. For the outside of the bar, we used cultured stone that blends nicely with the color of the granite. The differences in texture add contrast to the space. For weatherproofing, we used an outdoor umbrella.
Coordinate seating
The bar stools you choose for your outdoor bar should belong with the rest of your outdoor design. Seating is also an opportunity to add some contrast to your bar. For this backyard, we used black bar stools to blend with the black chairs and umbrella in the nearby lounge space. Plus, the black seating here, combined with the white stone used on the bar, supports the color scheme seen throughout.
Choose the right location
You’ll want your outdoor bar to be in a spot that makes sense for your exterior. This backyard pool area has a lot of design elements, and they all flow together. The loungers move right into the outdoor kitchen on the left while the outdoor dining table and fire pit are on the right. We put the bar space right in the middle, giving the layout a solid midpoint.
Combine different materials
Combining multiple materials and textures is a great way to infuse your outdoor bar with dimension. For the outside of this bar, we used cultured stone, which stands out against the modern black barstools. We added some warmth with the wood bar top and used tile for the back of the bar, blending the color with the stone and using wood shelves for added cohesion.
We also welcomed some sleek black light fixtures to the bar space, which tie in nicely with the bar stools. The lighting, along with the carved out bar layout, add a lot of depth to the space, creating a stand-out design element.
Implement an outdoor kitchen
Sometimes, outdoor bar ideas tag along with outdoor kitchens. For this design, we created a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, so we integrated a bar-like section, allowing the homeowners the chance to add drinks to the menu too. This area provides plenty of space for refrigeration and drink preparation to maximize functionality.
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere
Incorporating an outdoor bar into your exterior design can transform your backyard into a stylish, functional space ideal for entertaining. By carefully choosing the right location, materials, and features, you can create a space that is both beautiful and practical. If an outdoor bar speaks to your design goals, we can help. You can count on our designers to help you feel like it’s 5 o’clock in your backyard all the time!
Feeling inspired to add an outdoor bar to your exterior design? Maybe there’s a different design element you’d like to implement. Whatever your design goals are, we’re here to help you reach them. Get started today!
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