Elevate your home with a DIY coffee bar

Brew up winter happiness with these tips and list of essentials

Story by Brianna McCadden

Embrace the chill of the winter season by adding a touch of warmth and charm to your home with a DIY coffee bar. While it might seem like a daunting task, creating a coffee bar is a surprisingly simple project that can transform your space. To ease any concerns and guide you through the process, we’ve compiled a list of useful tips and essential items. 

Design your vision

Before diving in, create a design board to visualize your coffee bar. Include printouts of potential color schemes, styles and decorative items. Lay out multiple options side by side, and don’t stress about perfection — it’s all about exploring possibilities. Consider various styles such as farmhouse, modern or classic, and play with color schemes ranging from vibrant hues to subdued, darker tones. Remember to consider the room where your coffee bar will be located as you make these decisions.

Experiment with placement

Think about the ideal location for your coffee bar. Whether it’s a cozy corner in your kitchen, a space in your office or a spot in your dining room, ensure it suits your lifestyle. If you’re considering a mobile coffee cart, experiment by moving it around to find the perfect spot.

Maximize your space

Make the most of the available space. Add a chic backsplash, install shelves for mugs and accessories, or consider using wallpaper to enhance the area. Don’t forget to use vertical space to maximize storage and add visual interest.

Repurpose and upcycle

Before buying new items, see what you can re-purpose from your own belongings. Get creative with upcycling — transform shelves, revamp old signs or rearrange existing mugs. Also explore local thrift stores for unique finds.

Essential items for your coffee bar

Creating a well-equipped coffee bar at home can enhance your coffee-drinking experience. Here is a list of essential items. 

Coffee maker: Choose a high-quality coffee maker that suits your preferred brewing method, whether it’s a drip coffee maker, French press, espresso machine, AeroPress or pour-over setup.

Coffee grinder: Freshly ground coffee beans make a significant difference in flavor. Invest in a good burr grinder for consistent grinding.

Coffee beans: Stock up on high-quality, fresh coffee beans. You might want to have a variety of beans to suit different tastes and brewing methods.

Filtered water: Good water is crucial since coffee is about 98 percent water. Use filtered water if your tap water has impurities or a strong taste.

Milk frother: If you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos, a milk frother can help you create the perfect foam.

Kettle: A good kettle, especially one with temperature control, is essential for pour-over and French-press coffee.

Scale: A scale ensures that you use the right amount of coffee and water every time, which is crucial for a consistent brew.

Coffee mugs: Have a variety of mugs in different sizes and styles.

Spoons and stirrers: For stirring your coffee and adding sugar or cream.

Coffee filters: If your coffee maker requires them, stock up on coffee filters.

Thermal carafe: To keep your coffee hot for longer periods.

Storage containers: Airtight containers are essential for keeping your coffee beans fresh.

Cleaning supplies: Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain your coffee maker and grinder.

Syrups and flavorings: If you enjoy flavored coffee, you might want to have a variety of syrups.

Cream and sugar: For those who like to add these to their coffee.

Tea and hot chocolate supplies: If you want to diversify your drink options.

Decor and ambience enhancements: Items like plants, artwork or cozy lighting can create a welcoming atmosphere.

For espresso

Tampers: If you have an espresso machine, you’ll need a tamper to press down the coffee grounds.

Knock box: A container for quickly and easily disposing of used espresso grounds.

Cups and saucers: If you’re making espresso, you might want small cups and saucers.