From the effortlessly chic cocktail corners in Emily in Paris to the luxurious whiskey lounges in Suits, our favorite series have made one thing clear: a stylish home bar isn’t just an accessory-it’s a statement. Read on for a complete guide to building a bar space worthy of the silver screen if you’re looking to add a bit of that Hollywood touch to your home.
The Influence of Pop Culture: Home Bars on Screen
Television has always reflected the trends of lifestyle, and home bars have also been there in the last few years in some of the most iconic scenes of our favorite shows:
Suits: The Power of the Whiskey Bar
If talking about a single show that converted home bars into a status symbol for power and sophistication, it was Suits. Harvey Specter had an office that was sleekly Manhattan-styled, and it remained incomplete unless complemented with a well-stocked whiskey bar, where high-stakes conversations often took place. In almost every episode, we would find either Harvey or Mike Ross pouring a glass of Macallan, which underlined the fact that the home (or office) bar was not an exclusive bar: it made a statement.
If you like the plush, manly look of Harvey Specter’s bar, dark wood finishes, a collection of fine whiskeys, and elegant glassware will do. An eye-catching decanter set and a few classic tumblers will complete the look.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Vintage Glam Meets Mixology
Being set in the late 1950s and early ’60s, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel proves to be a goldmine for vintage home inspiration. Miriam “Midge” Maisel’s parents’ Upper West Side apartment includes a home bar that oozes a kind of old-world glamour complete with crystal decanters, an antique bar cart, and mid-century modern cabinetry.
Want that old classic vintage vibe? Get an art deco-style bar cart, metallic accents (gold or brass), and retro-style glassware for that vintage touch. A mirrored backsplash or antique liquor cabinet can bring that extra classic touch.
Selling Sunset: Modern Luxuries at Its Best
If you’ve ever watched Selling Sunset, you’ll know it’s just the kind of show where luxury real estate often features jaw-dropping home bars. From built-in wine fridges to backlit onyx countertops, such properties worth multimillions show that there can be no greater showpiece than a bar space. One of the most stunning bars was spotted at Christine Quinn’s Hollywood Hills mansion: an ultra-modern, glass-fronted masterpiece that screamed five-star hotel.
Takeaway: For that touch of glamour with a modern twist, think LED lighting, high-gloss materials, and, perhaps, a glass bar cabinet that extends from floor to ceiling. If space permits, a built-in wine dispenser would add yet another layer of sophistication.
Peaky Blinders: Ultimate Speakeasy Aesthetic
Very few shows would ever romanticize drinking culture as Peaky Blinders does. The bar of the Shelby family in an era post-World War I in Birmingham suggests nothing short of dark, moody luxury. Everything from the vintage wooden bars to the antique glassware to the dimmed lighting would make any drink feel like it’s being sipped on the scene of a classic movie.
Takeaway: Dark wood cabinets, leather bar stools, and soft and warm lighting can invigorate the moody speakeasy aesthetic if it speaks to your heart. An added rustic-refined touch could come from a copper or brass sink.
Emily Paris: Chic, Compact, and Stylish
In Emily in Paris, we see so much of gathering in effortless chic Parisian dwellings with the perfect compact home bar setup for Emily and her friends. From a stylish bar cart adorned with pastel-colored glassware, to an inbuilt liquor shelf with minimalist decor, the show demonstrates that even the smallest space can pack the most punch.
Takeaway: Cramped? Go with a bar cart or a floating shelf bar. Less is more: keep it classy with glass bottles, a cocktail shaker, and a little French charm-worthy velvet stool or marble countertop.
Now, Bring Down your Dream Home Bar
Having drawn some inspiration from the screen, let’s embark on building your own home bar. Here are the key design elements to consider, whether you’re shooting for a snug vintage feel or an ostentatiously high-gloss luxury look:
1. Picking out the Right Spot
When possible, declare a corner in your living room, dining room, or entertainment area.
In smaller homes or apartments, a bar cart or a wall-mounted shelf will work just fine.
Be mindful of the social flow of your home-if you’re an entertainer, a bar located near the living area or onto the outdoor patio would make hosting a breeze.
2. Select a Focal Point
Shelving & Display: Floating shelves accented by an LED backlight (a la Selling Sunset) create the dramatic effect.
Statement wall: We’ll recommend bold wallpaper, mirrors for a backsplash, hand-painted tiles, the range of things. (Emily in Paris-style)
Extraordinary countertop: Don’t choose marble. Onyx, quartzite, or wood will create the stunning effect.
3. Get the Lighting Right
Above the bar counter, pendant lights enhance sophistication.
Wall sconces or lamps cast a warm glow, inviting and so Peaky Blinders.
Modern high-end finish: LED strip lights installed under shelves.
4. Fill the Bar with Basics
Must-have spices: Whiskey (Suits), Champagne (Emily in Paris), Gin (Peaky Blinders), and Wine (Selling Sunset).
Barware: Cocktail shaker, jigger, muddler, strainer, and swag glassware.
Furnitures: A wine cellar, plus an ice maker or sparkling water dispenser furnishes the personality.
Final Thoughts: Bring Hollywood Into Your Home
From the luxurious whiskey bars in Suits, to the Parisian-chic setups in Emily in Paris, home bars now have really become more than a mere space for drinks-there are statements of personal style and social living. Even as trends in interior design begin to evolve, one thing is clear: the home bar is here to stay.
So, from the cocktail inspired by Midge Maisel to the whiskey by Harvey Specter, from entertaining guests in a setting like that of Selling Sunset to all other ways, one thing is sure-your home bar will be the center of unforgettable nights.
Now mix the drink and toast to your dream bar.
Cheers!