DIY Outdoor Bar: Create a Relaxing Space in Your Own Yard
Are you ready to welcome the warm seasons? Spring and summer mean more time and more sun for entertaining and relaxing outdoors. Here’s how you can plan the ultimate outdoor escape, right in your own backyard.
Choose your outdoor style
Get started by thinking about what sort of mood you want to create in your backyard bar. A tiki bar might transport you to that Caribbean villa you loved on your honeymoon, while a pub shed created out of reclaimed wood has a more rustic vibe.
When selecting your style, also give some thought to what other activities you and your guests will enjoy while in the space: Will you need a big screen for watching the big game? Will lounging poolside be the main event? Do you envision long afternoons of lawn games for adults and kids? Or do you imagine more of an upscale cocktail setup?
Our style picks:
Panama Parrot Throw Pillow (Set of 2)
Beach Comber Throw Pillow (Set of 2)
Make a plan for food and drinks
Keeping food and drinks the right temperature is an important part of being able to wile away a full day or evening outside. Whether you build a DIY pallet bar or repurpose an old piece of furniture into a bar cart, make space where potato salad as well as pitchers of sangria and lemonade can be kept on ice.
Don’t forget nooks, hooks and cubbies for easily storing all the essentials, like bottle openers, napkins, glasses, a cutting board and knife for cocktail fixings, kitchen towels, and so on.
Create a welcoming seating space
An outdoor bar is more than a place to serve drinks. Having plenty of comfortable seating on hand means you and your guests will want to stay a while. Bar stools are a good start, and don’t forget tables or other surfaces where people can set down drinks.
Even better: A deep, cushioned sectional people can sink into and relax for conversation that lasts into the night.
Our seating picks:
Oasis Lounge Chair With Cushion
Sandcastle Grey 5 Piece Sectional Set
Don’t forget the shade
For those times of day when the sun gets a little intense, be sure your outdoor party setup includes a shady spot or two. An umbrella that is easy to clean and can endure the sun’s rays and withstand a windy day is ideal.
Our shade-providing picks:
Our outdoor and sunroom furniture collections can help you make the most of sunny days and perfect summer nights. Find your favorites to help you create the ultimate outdoor bar setup.