42 Unique Coffee Bar Ideas to Start Your Morning Right
From modern setups to small built-ins, here's all the inspiration you need.
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There's power in a great cup of coffee, and you don't need to visit your local cafe to have one. Turn a small space in your home into a fully functional coffee station, complete with coffee machines and essentials like grounds, syrups and coffee mugs. Whether it's a built-in coffee cabinet, rolling bar cart or dedicated space in your kitchen pantry, we've rounded up creative coffee bar ideas that prove you don't need a luxe setup to craft a delicious cup of joe.
Transform an awkward alcove into a streamlined coffee bar, designate space on the kitchen counter or bring in a piece of furniture to build a cozy coffee station. Regardless if you're planning a kitchen renovation or hunting for an affordable upcycling idea, we've included beautiful coffee bars for every budget. Think everything from hanging shelves and painting a vintage table to installing a rail system to store coffee accessories.
We've included decorating inspiration for modern, contemporary and rustic interiors, so you're sure to find a coffee bar design that pairs with your style. As for small kitchens, there's clever organization ideas like hanging mug displays, relying on food storage canisters and hiding clutter behind a sink skirt. If you don't have a coffee bar at home, you'll definitely want one by time you finishing scrolling!
Use the Area Under the Stairs
"Coffee bars aren’t just for the kitchen," says designer Marnie Ousler. Don’t overlook the space under the stairs. Here, Ousler carved out a compact yet functional space with open wood shelving, a small refrigerator, and cabinet storage for her client's coffee essentials.
Lean Into a Coastal Flair
This charming coffee bar, located in a small hallway niche, is given the coastal treatment, thanks to weathered wood paneling. "We like to include a wall treatment behind the bar for dimension, plus a waterfall counter can add a touch of elegance to the space," says designer Marnie Ousler.
Match the Kitchen's Color Palette
If your coffee station is tucked in a corner of your kitchen, maintain a cohesive look by sticking to the same cabinetry and countertop. "They blend in, but also offer a separate space to prep and enjoy the morning brew," says Shannon Kadwell, kitchen and bath director at Anthony Wilder Design/Build.
Design Around Black and White
A black-and-white setup doesn't have to be drab. From the graphic backsplash to sweeteners in canisters and the homeowners' favorite mugs within arm's reach, every detail was considered. "For these clients, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual from dawn to dusk," says designer Kendra Nash of Nash Design Group.
Carve Out a Small Space
Turn an awkward arched alcove into a sleek coffee station, just as designer Whitney Spinks of 27 South Home Group does here with bright white cabinetry and glossy subway tile. Natural wood shelves add a bit of warmth.
Install a Rail System
From measuring spoons to a matcha whisk, this stylish rail system offers the perfect way to store coffee and tea accoutrements. A walnut wood cabinet holds designer Emily Bowser's dishware below and houses her matcha maker, French press and coffee grinder up top.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
RELATED: Best Coffee Accessories to Buy, According to Kitchen Experts
Hang a Cabinet Skirt
Revamp a bar cart by hanging a sink skirt or hemmed fabric curtain, creating a hidden space to conceal large coffee machines, glassware or bags of beans.
Set Aside Space in a Butler's Pantry
A butler's pantry is used for storage, food prep and cleanup, but it can also be the ideal place to craft your morning brew. Take note from designer Kasey Fitzgerald and include a prep sink, so you can easily fill your coffee maker with water.
RELATED: Modern Butler's Pantry Ideas That Are Worth Recreating
Stock Up a Bar Cart
Whether you're designing a coffee bar for the home or office, stock up essentials for every preference. This office coffee cart includes machines for coffee, espresso, and French press coffee, as well as a variety of sweeteners and syrups.
Build a Custom Shelf
Not only does this wood shelf with cane webbing add warmth and texture to this modern kitchen, it's a convenient spot to store coffee must-haves. Reserve space on the counter for your pour-over coffee maker, then keep mugs and a grinder above.
Hide Away Essentials
Take note from Andi Morse of Morse Design and build shelving to conceal appliances — like the microwave and coffee maker — inside a kitchen cabinet. Your countertops look much cleaner!
RELATED: Types of Coffee Makers and How to Find the Best One for You
Upcycle a Dated Sideboard
This blogger gives a white sideboard a makeover by spray painting it — along with the hardware — black. Now, this black coffee station creates contrast in a white interior.
Delegate Counter Space
You don't need a large or fancy set up, just as long you dedicate a space for brewing your cup of joe. Take inspiration from designers Natalie Beach and Chuck Womack Kitchen Envy and tuck large coffee machines under floating shelves.
Swap Decor Seasonally
Let your coffee station make a seasonal statement. Think florals for spring/summer, pumpkins for fall and evergreens for winter. Invest in a wooden mug tree and change the mugs on display every few months.
Source Vintage Furniture
Refinish a thrifted drop leaf table or rolling cart to use as a coffee cart. Two spacious shelves below offer additional storage for snacks and drinks, while the folding leaves provide extra surface space when extended.
See more Tatertots and Jello »
RELATED: Best Drop Leaf Tables to Maximize a Small Dining Space
Build a Beverage Nook
Inspired by the timelessness of English kitchens, designer Kate Marker dreamed up this gorgeous pantry cabinet. Open the stately doors to reveal a mug collection, then use the Native Trails Malibu sink to easily prep your morning coffee.
Mix Cabinet Colors
Whereas the rest of this modern kitchen has pastel blue cabinets, the coffee bar cabinet stands out with wood cabinetry and glass panels. Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors fills the see-through cabinet with modern white mugs and a stunning espresso machine.
Display Mugs Using Hooks
Located in the corner of a home office, this antique console table houses a high-tech coffee maker, alongside a trendy lamp and lush houseplant. Above, Christine Higgs of @forthehome uses gold rods with S-hooks to hang coffee mugs, utensils, tea towels and a few decorative items.
Designate a Space in the Kitchen
Whether you have a spacious kitchen or separate butler's pantry, reserve a dedicated area for coffee supplies. Liz Goldberg, founder of CAROLYNLEONA, also adds a wine fridge, so this setup can effortlessly transition from day to night.
Consider a Bold Backsplash
Take inspiration from Unscripted Interior Design and turn your coffee area into a design statement by going bold with the backsplash and countertop. If you have the space, a small round sink makes coffee prep that much easier.
RELATED: Stylish Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for Every Style and Budget
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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