wet bar in a living room

Design Notes

WHY HAVE A BEVERAGE CENTER?

Do you enjoy having friends and family over? Are you tired of running back and forth to the kitchen just to refill drinks? Do you wish you had one spot in the home where guests can quickly get their favorite beverage? If the answer is yes to one or all of these questions, it’s time you consider adding a beverage center to your home. Not only are they a functional and practical station in your home, but they also make hosting your next get-together a breeze. Beverage centers have grown in popularity over the past few years, with homeowners looking to add a little something extra to their space that blends with their lifestyle.  Let’s talk about some of the benefits of having this in your home, as well as some design tips.

What Is A Beverage Center

For those who may not be familiar with the function of a beverage center, it is a place to make and serve drinks, serve appetizers, and keep drinks cold through a small refrigerator. The purpose is to provide an area away from the kitchen where guests can mingle, and beverages can be stored without disrupting the cooking area. Whether you want to store wine, beer, or soda, having a beverage center means you can have it all neatly tucked away, ready for the next party.

beverage center with a wine fridge and coffee maker

How To Design A Beverage Center

There are many things to consider when planning a design for a beverage center, and some questions you should ask yourself, such as:

  • What type of drinks do I want to store?
  • Does it need to be directly by the kitchen?
  • Should I include a sink?
  • What else will I store there?

The answers to these questions will help your designer know how best to design your beverage center around your particular needs. Some things that should be included in the design are:

  • Roll-out trays provide easy access to items but minimize the need to bend down and dig through the cupboard. They also keep everything organized and in its place.
  • Refrigerator: This means you can store all your beverages right there and save space in the main refrigerator. It also means that all your drinks will be in one spot instead of having to gather them from various locations. They will also be the right temperature whenever you want to serve a guest or enjoy one yourself.
  • Shelves: When kept nearby, glasses will be within reach and ready to be used. Both floating and open built-ins are great options.
  • Lighting: Adding puck or LED lighting strips makes it easy to see everything in your beverage center while keeping the ambiance of the room perfect. No bright or sharp lights are needed for that second drink.
  • Sink: Having a sink makes cleaning up a breeze. If you have leftover ice, it can simply be dumped right there and left to drain overnight. If there is a spill, you can wipe and rinse easily. Sinks are a great asset to this space.
  • Storage: A beverage center is also a great place to store extra items, including party supplies like utensils, paper plates, and cups. Rather than taking up valuable space in the kitchen, these items can be stored right here.

The beverage center is a multifunctional area of the home and is perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Be sure to talk with your designer about your expectations and goals for this space so they can create a design that is suited to your needs.

beverage center with panel appliances

Where Should The Beverage Center Be Located?

This is a great question, and the answers vary depending on your specific needs in the home. Traditionally, the beverage center is near the kitchen, sometimes acting like a scullery area, but it is not limited to that location. Living rooms and basements are also popular locations for these drink stations. Choose a location that best serves you. If you would like to have the beverage station near the kitchen so refills on ice and additional drinks are more accessible, and it allows the cook to stay in the conversation, then place it there. If you want to encourage guests to gather in the living room for snacks and drinks, then it makes sense to have them there. Basements are a great option if you have a second kitchen or game room located there, since it means fewer trips up the stairs. Location is a big part of the design phase and should be considered sufficiently. Read more here. Discuss your options with your designer to find the best place for you.

Benefits Of Having A Beverage Center

Having a beverage center in the home has many perks for you and your family and can help you enjoy routine activities even more. Here are some of the benefits it provides:

  • Easy cup of coffee: By creating a coffee station near the kitchen, you have everything you need, such as creamer, sugar, cups, and spoons, right there to make the perfect brew every time.
  • All in one place: Store all your beverage supplies in one location to save time and stress. Cups, plates, glasses, condiments, and paper products can all be neatly tucked away in your beverage center, making it easy to give guests exactly what they need.
  • Reflects you: It is the perfect opportunity to add a little of you to the design. Whether it is a unique porcelain sink or an antique mirror backsplash. Having a beverage center means a chance to pop some color into the space.
  • Perfect temperature: Having a small wine cooler or refrigerator means your drinks are always ready to be enjoyed.
  • Accessibility: One location means everyone, including younger family members, has access to it whenever they need it.

A beverage center is more than just an added space in the home; in fact, it is one of the more functional spaces and brings a sense of class to any space.

Ready For Yours?

Are you ready to add this helpful station to your home? Browse our gallery to get inspiration, or look at Pinterest. Make a list of things that you want to store and consider where you might like them to be located. Connect with us to set up your appointment, and let’s start your project together.

/onJune 21, 2023/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes
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